Dark lips seem to be everywhere lately; flick through any magazine or look at any catwalk show and there they are – gorgeous dark lips that are in no way too gothic or scary. Instead, they scream sophisticated vamp (in a good way). They look fab on the glossy magazine pages and Kylie Jenner’s Instagram feed, but in real life for us mere mortals, the dark lip trend can be a bit more difficult to pull off. Have no fear – these simple and straightforward tips will have you rocking the strong dark lip on a night out in no time. So step away from the everyday nude pink and embrace the rich plums and bruised purples. Push the boundaries of your make-up-comfort-zone and get ready for a gorgeous, dramatic statement lip colour!
Me looking awkward with a strawberry daiquiri, with Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in Shade 107 on my lips.
I purchased Mac Rebel after seeing it on one of my best friend’s lips. She rocked the dark berry tones effortlessly – I was so excited to try it out, but when I attempted to apply it, things turned less berry plum, and more pear-shaped. It was patchy, wonky, all over my teeth, my skin was suddenly all washed-out, and I looked about ready to head over to the Adam’s Family’s house for tea.
Mac Rebel is now one of my all time favourite lipsticks, but only after some trial and serious error. I learnt that it’s all about the blush with these dark lips. A flush of colour on the apples of the cheeks lifts the whole look up, brightens your complexion and avoids the aforementioned pale, gothic Adam’s Family vibes. Depending on which dark lipstick you’ve picked, a berryish blush looks incredible against red-based lips, whereas blushes with pink or violet hints work perfectly with more purple lip colours. However, if you’re like me and actually own only one everyday blush, the shade undertones don’t matter as long as you’ve got some colour warming those cheeks up.
Try and abide by the classic lips or eyes. If you’re going with a dramatic lip: go easy on the eyeshadow and avoid any smokey eyes. If you want a little bit of definition, try a matte shade just in the crease of the eye, or opt for a subtle champagne wash all over the lids (the Urban Decay’s Naked Pallete is amazing for both). Finish the look with lashings of mascara, and you’re good to go.
I have the most annoyingly thin lips, which can make bold colours tricky. My advice would be to apply the lipstick with care. Use a matching lip pencil (Mac and Rimmel are good) to cheat your lip shape and also provide extra definition. If you’re really struggling with the application, a lip brush allows for ultimate lipstick precision. Practice and a steady hand are really the key factors with bold lipsticks.
Mac Rebel in action.
With all bold colourful lipsticks, a little prep always makes things go a bit smoother also. Dark lipstick will apply in a patchy and uneven fashion if your lips are dry and chapped (like mine are so often in these chilly winter months!). So, make sure you’re drinking lots of water so your lips and skin are hydrated and comfortable. If you’re still suffering from flakey lips, a lip exfoliator (Lush’s Sweet Lips Sugar Scrub is my favourite) and, of course, a staple lip balm is in order (Burts Bee’s is my current choice).
My favourites:
– Mac Lipstick in shade Rebel. (Available at Mac stores and Debenhams, retailing at £15.50)
I’ve already said this is my ultimate dark lipstick. It’s gorgeous, blotted out as a subtle just-been-kissed berry stain, or applied thick and heavy, it’s a dark purple dream. Mac’s satin finish means that it’s lasting power is great, and it won’t smudge too much, but never looks dry or cakey.
– Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in shade 107. (Available at Boots, coming in at a much more reasonable £5.49)
So many people have raved about this one – it’s make up guru Zoella’s favourite, and has always tempted me in Boots, so I had to try it. It didn’t disappoint; the lipstick formula is amazing, the matte consistency means it lasts all day long, and the colour pigmentation is crazy (in a good way). It’s got a deep, dark red-wine colour as opposed to Rebel’s berry tones.
– Soap & Glory Super Colour Fabulipstick Collagen Boosting Lipstick in shade Perfect Day (Available at Boots, £9)
This one is a tad softer than the other two, and perfect if you’re a bit nervous about going for a full on purple pout. It’s a few shades darker than my natural lip colour, so still provides an air of sophistication, but it’s creamy formula and vintagey dark rose pink tones make it a little more wearable and I’d happily wear this one out in the day time, as well as on a night out.
Welcome to the dark side – let me know how you get on!
All Photos are Polly’s. Header from Pinterest.