Did you know, that our Lip & Cheek Rouge shades are named in honor of remarkable Canadian women whose bravery, creativity, and courage helped shape our nation’s story. Each shade pays tribute to their enduring spirit — a reminder of strength, resilience, and grace. We hope that every time you wear our rouge, you feel inspired by the same confidence and courage that defined these extraordinary women.
Below, we’ve gathered short biographies of each remarkable woman — complete with links for further reading and short videos for those who wish to learn more about their inspiring legacies.
Lucy Maud Montgomery: Canada’s Beloved Storyteller
Born in Prince Edward Island in 1874, Lucy Maud Montgomery is celebrated as Canada’s most widely read author. Best known for her beloved Anne of Green Gables series—translated into at least 36 languages and braille—Montgomery’s stories continue to enchant readers around the world.
Raised by her grandparents after the loss of her mother and absence of her father, Maud endured a lonely childhood but discovered an early passion for writing, scribbling stories on scraps of paper inspired by the beauty of Prince Edward Island. Despite setbacks and rejections, she persevered in a male-dominated literary world, sometimes using pseudonyms to submit her work. Her breakthrough came when Anne of Green Gables was finally published, introducing readers to Anne’s spirited personality, fiery imagination, and love for life.
Throughout her life, Montgomery faced personal challenges but found joy in writing, sharing it with generations of readers. She was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, recognized by the Literary and Artistic Institute of France, and declared a Person of National Historic Significance in Canada.
You can read an article featuring Lucy Maud Montgomery at The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Nellie McClung: Champion of Women’s Rights
Nellie McClung, born in Ontario in 1873, was a fearless orator, author, and social reformer whose work helped reshape Canada’s political landscape. Passionate about women’s suffrage, she dedicated her life to advocating for the vote, founding and participating in numerous organizations, committees, and leagues focused on advancing women’s rights. Known for her persuasive campaigning—and even theatrical demonstrations—Nellie highlighted the absurdity of denying women a voice in public life.
Her tireless efforts paid off when Manitoba became the first province in Canada to grant women the right to vote and run for office in January 1916. Nellie also recognized the impact of World War I, when women stepped into new roles and proved themselves essential, helping strengthen the case for equality. Later, she became one of the famous “Famous Five,” a group of women who successfully petitioned for the right of women to be legally recognized as “persons” eligible for the Senate—a milestone in Canadian history known as the Persons Case, officially recognized in 1997.
In recognition of her contributions, Nellie McClung was named a Person of National Historic Significance in 1954, honored with the Famous Five on an 8-cent stamp, and celebrated as one of Canada’s first honorary senators. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women fighting for equality and representation.
You can read an article featuring Nellie McLung at The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Viola Desmond: A Trailblazer for Racial Equality
In 1946, entrepreneur and hairdresser Viola Desmond took a courageous stand against racial discrimination at a movie theatre in Nova Scotia. Refusing to leave the whites-only seating area, she was arrested, jailed overnight, and wrongly convicted of an obscure tax offence—a conviction that would not be pardoned until 2010. While officials claimed her case was unrelated to race, Viola’s defiance resonated deeply within Nova Scotia’s Black community and helped spark change.
Her actions contributed to the eventual end of legal segregation in the province in 1954. Today, Viola Desmond is celebrated as a symbol of courage and justice: she was the first Canadian woman to appear alone on a $10 bank note in 2018 and was named a National Historic Person by the Canadian government. Her legacy continues to inspire the fight for equality and human rights across Canada.
You can read an article featuring Viola Desmond at The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Charlotte Small: Unsung Hero of Canadian Exploration
Charlotte Small, a Métis woman from Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, was the remarkable wife and partner of explorer, surveyor, and mapmaker David Thompson. Married young for practical reasons, Charlotte quickly became indispensable to her husband, using her multilingual skills and deep connections with Indigenous communities to translate, trade, and navigate the vast Canadian wilderness. Her strength, resourcefulness, and knowledge helped the family survive harsh winters and challenging expeditions, including treks from the Rockies to Quebec—covering 3½ times the distance traveled by Lewis and Clark.
Charlotte’s unwavering support and resilience over 58 years and more than 20,000 kilometers of exploration were crucial to David Thompson’s success as North America’s greatest geographer. Her courage, skill, and sacrifices highlight the vital, often overlooked contributions of women in the fur trade, making her a true pioneer in Canadian history.
You can read an article featuring Charlotte Small on the Canadian Encylopedia.
Isabella Valency Crawford: Pioneer Canadian Writer and Poet
Born in Ireland, Isabella Valency Crawford became one of Canada’s first freelance writers, building a career despite a life marked by tragedy and poverty. Introduced to writing while living with the charitable Strickland family in her youth, Isabella developed her craft alongside the family’s daughter, also a writer.
Her first poem was published in 1873, and over the years, her literary work grew to support herself, her mother, and her sister. After moving to Toronto, Isabella contributed to numerous Canadian and New York publications, became the first local writer to publish a novel in 1886, and released one book in her lifetime.
Though she faced hardships, Isabella’s poetry has endured, celebrated for its depth and artistry. In 1899, a fundraising campaign placed a Celtic cross on her previously unmarked grave, honoring her legacy with the inscription: “Isabella Valency Crawford / Poet / By the Gift of God.”
You can read an article featuring Isabella Valancy Crawford at The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Harriet Tubman: Hero of Freedom with a Canadian Connection
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland, escaped to freedom and became one of the most celebrated heroes of the 19th century. Relying on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of anti-slavery activists, she not only secured her own freedom but risked her life repeatedly to rescue family members and countless others. Tubman became the most famous “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, guiding people on perilous journeys from the United States to St. Catharines, Ontario—a known safe haven and hub of abolitionist activity. Known locally as “Moses,” she was a respected member of the St. Catharines community from 1851 to 1861.
Tubman’s fight for justice extended beyond Canada. She assisted abolitionist John Brown, served as an armed scout and spy for the U.S. Army during the Civil War, and led the raid at Combahee Ferry, liberating more than 700 enslaved people—the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war. Despite being illiterate and living with epileptic seizures, she never wavered in her mission. In later years, she became an advocate for women’s suffrage. Harriet Tubman passed away as a revered freedom fighter, honored with full military recognition, leaving a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice.
You can read an article featuring Harriet Tubman at The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Abigail Becker: The Angel of Long Point
In 1854, Abigail Becker, a young trapper’s wife from Norfolk County, Ontario, became a hero of the Great Lakes when she rescued eight sailors from a shipwreck off Long Point. Her fearless and selfless actions saved lives and captured the admiration of communities far beyond her home. News of her bravery earned her a warm reception in Buffalo, where she was awarded several hundred dollars, and a gold medal from a New York lifesaving association. Abigail Becker became a legendary figure in Great Lakes lore, celebrated for her courage and compassion. So renowned was she that, for a time, she was even more famous than Canada’s iconic heroine Laura Secord. Her legacy lives on as a testament to ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of heroism.
You can read an article featuring Abigail Becker at The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Each shade in the Pure Anada Lip & Cheek Rouge collection reminds us that courage can be quiet or bold, creative or compassionate, but it always leaves a mark. As you wear these shades, may you feel connected to the legacy of these women — empowered to speak your truth, embrace your beauty, and continue their spirit of resilience and grace. EXPLORE Pure Anada Lip & Cheek Rouge and find a shade that inspires you.
