After a summer of Kool-Aid bright lip stains and sheer watermelon-tinted balms, suddenly the time feels right to reach for a deep, dark, saturated lipstick that packs an excess of drama into one gleaming bullet. Already spotted on the red carpet earlier this month, it’s a makeup movement that’s guaranteed to pick up speed for fall. Leading the Hollywood charge? Laura Harrier, who chose a romantic bordeaux pout at the L.A. premiere of BlacKkKlansman and Jessica Alba, who revealed a wearable plum-noir hue in New York City. But before diving into those transformative lacquered tubes, heed the rules set forth by celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee, who counts Kate Mara and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among her clients.
First, exfoliate with a light lip scrub. Next, Lee recommends evening out the skin’s tone by concealing the under-eye area and any visible red spots with a very light foundation. Rely on your lips for additional service: “Dark lipsticks are made up of several undertones that will enhance different elements in your complexion,” she says, emphasizing the importance of experimentation when choosing the right shade for your skin. “[For some], a deep, blue-red [hue] will naturally [counteract] blue tones and keep the face [looking] neutral.”
And while luminescent powder can provide skin with a natural glow, Lee recommends applying a bit of rosy blush and a soft bronzer instead. “Avoid heavy contouring or highlighting,” she adds—both of which distract from the central feature at play. Above all: “Skip the lip liner,” she advises. “A very defined line is dated.” Instead, Lee pats the crest of the mouth with a translucent powder to blur the edges for a cooler look. From Tom Ford’s new moody matte pigment to Burberry’s dark honey hue and Flesh Beauty’s smoky azure, here are 8 dramatic lipstick shades to help you switch over to the dark side this fall.
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Promo Image: Photographed by Élio Nogueira for Vogue Arabia, January 2018
