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Are You Brave Enough To Try Autumn’s Boldest Lip?

Black lipstick has transcended the realm of goths and landed right on the runways. Models brought moody attitude to the look at the autumn/winter 2019 shows, with black-cherry lips at Yohji Yamamoto, pristine punk noir at Marni, the darkest burgundy at Rejina Pyo and minimalist black lip liner at Chalayan. Make-up lovers ready to break the mould, your time is now.

Here are Vogue’s four top tips for mastering the elevated black lip

Yohji Yamamoto Fall/Winter 2019/2020 Runway. Photo: Getty Images

Unlike its sartorial equivalent, black lipstick can be unforgiving. Chapped or dry lips are instantly noticeable the darker you go; so, applying lip masks and balms before the pigment is an essential first step.

Once your lips are smooth and well hydrated, it’s all about creating a neutral base. International lead make-up artist at Nars, Vincent Ford, advises: “To prep, start by applying a liquid concealer, like Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, around the top and bottom of the lip line. Then lightly powder the outside of the lips with a loose translucent powder. This will help to achieve a crisp lip line and keep the colour from moving.”

Find the right shade of black – no, really

Not all black lipsticks are created equal. A deeply pigmented, matte product is very different to one with a waxy texture, or a high-shine glossy hybrid. Matte lipsticks will have the best staying power and are much easier to top up, compared to gloss that can fade and feather at the edges.

“I like to use a black lipstick that has a bit of a dark purple undertone,” says Ford. “This blends better with your natural lip shade and doesn’t look too harsh.” Or, for a more entry level effect, take inspiration from models at Tommy Hilfiger and Rejina Pyo autumn/winter 2019, where dark, moody hues – rather than pure black – evoked that same sense of gothic allure. Think deepest burgundies, plummy purples and intense cherries, for a great alternative to the full-black lip.

Chalayan Fall/Winter 2019 Runway. Photo: Getty Images

Build the intensity of your black lip

To keep dark lip colours in place, layer up the products underneath. A primer is a good place to begin, followed by an initial base of your chosen black-ish shade, plus lip liner around the edges to seal. Blot with a tissue and blotting powder to embed the colour, before further applications of lipstick: step and repeat. This method will really set the colour for long-lasting wear.

What should the rest of your make-up be doing?

Keep the rest of the look super neutral. Think natural shades for the face, light-reflecting under-eye concealer and soft-focus skin, so the emphasis remains solely on the darkest of lips. At most a little eyeliner to define the inner lash-line; but strictly no eyeshadow.

“When I do a black lip, I like to have a balanced look,” says Ford. “For the eyes, I tightly line the waterline with smudge-resistant eyeliner in black or a dark blue (Nars High Pigment Longwear Eyeliner in Via Veneto or Park Avenue works well for this). Then finish with a coat of mascara on the top and bottom lashes to complete the look.”

Originally published on Vogue.co.uk

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