Final answer:
Military dress and appearance regulations historically allow conservative use of cosmetics, including lipstick, for female service members. Enforcement of such regulations is strict both on base and on leave. Scrutiny was particularly focused on female behaviors and distributed across illegal establishments, like underground locker clubs and bars catering to homosexual men.
Step-by-step explanation:
The policy regarding the wear of lipstick while in uniform is likely part of broader military dress and appearance regulations, which have historically been strict to maintain discipline and uniformity among service members. Although this question does not provide specifics about time, place, or branch of service, military regulations generally allow for conservative use of cosmetics for female service members, which would include lipstick as long as it is not excessive or in bright, distracting colors.
Military authorities have enforced regulations not only on base but also while service members were on leave. Soldiers on leave had to wear their uniforms, a practice that allowed Military Police (MPs) to easily identity and regulate military members' behavior. Female service members, in particular, experienced heavy scrutiny of their behavior and appearance, though some rule-breaking was more tolerated for men while on leave, highlighting a certain gender disparity in enforcement. Illegal establishments including underground "locker clubs" and bars known to cater to homosexual men were especially patrolled by military authorities during these periods.