You don’t need to be afraid of dark lipstick

Seasonal shifts, which include the falling leaves, dropping temperatures, and the transition from Birkenstocks into boots, are always good times for change. This is also true for beauty routines. As we transition from autumn to winter, with darkened nights and hot water bottles to our side, may I suggest that we try one more thing? […]

Seasonal shifts, which include the falling leaves, dropping temperatures, and the transition from Birkenstocks into boots, are always good times for change. This is also true for beauty routines.

As we transition from autumn to winter, with darkened nights and hot water bottles to our side, may I suggest that we try one more thing? Perhaps, a deep, dark winter lipstick, say?

If you have only tried natural, nude and light lipsticks before, dark lipstick can seem like too much. You can also use Vaseline if your lip travels only took you so far. It can feel like a complex mix of vampy purples and dark browns with no guidance.

Did you know that the color of your dark lipstick will depend on how you skin looks? It’s as simple as taking a piece of A4 paper from the printer and holding it up in front of you to identify your undertone. Well, if you didn’t, don’t worry. We’re here to help.

This expert guide will show you how to apply and maintain dark lipstick.

Step 1: Identify your undertone

Sarah-Jane Froom, global makeup artist, explains that you can identify your undertones by simply holding a piece of white paper to your face. If you appear more yellowish or gold it is likely that you have an olive/golden underneathtone. A cool undertone is one that makes you appear more pinky or red. If you don’t see either, it means that your undertone is neutral.

«Those with olive or gold undertones will look better in jewellery made of gold, while those with cool undertones will look better in silver. To help you identify which one suits you best, think about which ones are most flattering to your personality.»

Step 2: Choose the best dark lipstick colors for neutral, warm and cool undertones

Lauren Patricia Maybank, a beauty editor and make-up artist says to first look at your skin’s undertones to determine the best dark lipstick shade for you. Then…

Yellow, olive, or gold undertones

Warm undertones (yellows, golds, olive) should be considered for mauve, raspberry and burgundy colours. It’s like a summer pudding, with a hint warm undertones. Jones Road Beauty offers a lip and cheek stick in Rosy Brown, or Chocolate Mocha. This is a great way for a light wash of colour.

If you have pink undertones

Cool undertones (pink), can be achieved by using blue-based berries or deep blackberries, coffee, oxberry, and plum tones (as shown by Lily Collins). This is also evident in Nude by Nature Lipstick 07 Deep Plum.

If you have neutral undertones

Have a good time if you are unsure or have neutral undertones. Personally, I don’t think the tone matters that much. It’s more about ‘go big or go home!’ So intensity is important and wearing the colour with confidence the other.

Grape Vision Flush Multipurpose balm by Danessa Myricks can be used on the lips and cheeks to suit a range of skin tones.

Step 3: Learn how to apply dark lipstick

Froom says that a brush is better for dark colours. For perfect application, I recommend the Bobbi Brown brush. Make sure your lips are taut when applying lipstick. This will ensure that the colour you apply to your lips is evenly distributed.

You don’t want to see lipstick creases when you smile or talk. Next, use a tissue to apply the lipstick. You will be able to remove any oil and excess. Apply lipstick again. This will ensure that it stays put all day.

A well-applied lip liner can make a big difference in the look of dark lipsticks.

Vesta Boateng, founder of Vesta London Beauty, explains that it keeps lipstick from bleeding and gives the lips more dimension. It shapes and carves lips for lipstick application.

If you are intimidated by dark colours, there are two easy ways to get started

Maybank says that a modern and simple way to not feel intimidated by darker colors is to treat them as a «stain». Use your finger to insert the tip of your finger into the fleshy part of the lips. Then, smear the product so that it creates a wine-snogged effect. To ensure that the colour doesn’t bleed, and to give depth to the outer corners, you can add a similar-toned lip-liner.

Dark lipstick can be intimidating. Boateng suggests that beginners start with shades that are one to two shades darker than their natural lip colour. Then, gradually work your way up to a darker shade you like.

How to blend dark lipstick with your other make-up

Maybank explains that it is important to use a blusher from the same family to keep the look cohesive and not look washed-out. If you want to go for deep berry shades, make sure to use something of the same colour. You could use a plum or a pink, but go darker than the raspberry. For a gorgeous flush, you can apply a little of the same lipstick to the apples of your cheeks. Blend it towards the temple and then blend again.

Your choice of how you pair your dark lipstick with your look will be entirely up to you. Froom reminds us that there is no one right way to wear makeup.

It is up to you to choose the right color combination of reds, browns, blacks, and purples. You can be as vampy or subtle as you want if you have the right undertone. To warm your face, you may need to apply a little more blusher or bronzer. Froom says to keep the balance.

How to take care of your lips

«Exfoliate your lips regularly,» advises Boateng. For dark lips, it is important to apply lipstick smoothly and softly. Lipstick that isn’t well applied can cause dry and flaky lips, which can be a problem in winter.

You’re now up to speed about how to wear dark lipstick, and how to jump if you’re just beginning out. Let’s look for the winter-appropriate one.