Dark lipstick has become so widely constant everytime that it’s hard to call it a trend; it’s more of a seasonal staple, like a leather jacket or a new pair of jeans. We’ve always been just a bit too scared to embrace the look in all its gothic glory, but with new, wearable versions taking center stage we’re finally ready to make an attempt. You, too?
Know your limits.
If you have really thin lips, I don’t recommend a dark lipstick. Dark colors minimize whereas light colors are going to volumize. A dark shade on already thin lips will make them look thinner, and that can make a face look older, since lips typically lose volume as we age. If you have naturally voluminous lips or regular lips, go for it.
Keep it balanced.
The key to doing a dark lip color is making sure the rest of your makeup is really in harmony with that lip. Keep it fairly minimal on the rest of your face. Using a similar shade on your lids or cheeks can help your lip color harmonize with the rest of your makeup. If you’re wearing a plum-colored lipstick, a purple eye shadow can help tie the look together. Another idea: blend a dab of your lip color onto your cheeks to create a monochromatic flush.
Choose a shade that complements your skin tone.
As with any makeup color, your complexion determines what will look good on you. Dark can be more purple or more berry or more brick. You can warm it up or cool it down according to your taste. If you know you look better in cool shades, opt for a blue-based, berry color. If your complexion is warm, choose a hue that veers toward brown.
Use a lip liner.
Lip liner is an absolute must with dark lips. Any saturated color, if it’s not even around the edges, it looks crazy. Use a pencil to perfect your shape; the waxes in the pencil will also help prevent color bleeding.Photo Credit: Getty
