Step aside, T-Swift; your signature lips have met their match. Dark lipstick made a comeback this fall, with celebrities, fashion models and collegiettes alike swapping out their routine shades for more dark and daring options. Although it may seem tricky to pull off, there are many ways to flaunt bold color with confidence (and without looking too old). As always, HC is here to help!
Find the right shade
If you’re considering going dark, first things first: you should pick a shade that best complements your skin tone. Makeup is all about experimentation, but you want to make sure that the color is flattering and adds to your overall ensemble. So, what exactly does that look like?
Fair skin tones:
The lighter the skin, the more dramatic the darker color will appear. Lisa Owens, a Detroit-area makeup artist and licensed aesthetician, says that it’s important to look at how the color will complement your complexion. “With fair skin, you can get away with blues (berry shades) and light burgundy shades that go nicely with pink undertones in the complexion,” she says.
To avoid an overpowering color, we recommend starting off with a subtle transition into the deep-berry-colored and mauve lipsticks. Try Maybelline’s Moisture Sensational Lip color in Dazzling Plum ($7.49) or Vincent Longo’sWet Pearl Lipstick in Pearl Berry ($23).
Kelsey Pomeroy, a sophomore at Ohio State, says she likes how dark colors stand out on her complexion. “I love wearing dark lipstick because it really pops against my pale skin,” she says. “My favorite shade is the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Endless Purple ($13), which goes on like a liquid and dries to a pretty matte plum.”
If you’re feeling even more daring, you can take the next step into deep burgundy lipsticks. You never know what you will be comfortable with and what will look good on you until you give the new shade a test drive. Bite Beauty’s High Pigment Matte Pencil in Bramble – black current ($24) and MAC’s Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Faithfully Yours ($18) are great options for those who are looking to experiment.
Medium skin tones:
According to Owens, there’s a lot of freedom of shades when you have medium skin, but lipsticks with warm bases work wonders. Dark purple, wine and burgundy shades are a must! Trust us: JLo will have nothing on you. Try L’Oreal Paris’ Colour Riche Lipcolour in Raisin Rapture ($8.95) or Lancôme’s Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor in Pretty Burgundy ($22).
Dark skin tones:
Get ready to go dark. You can pull off a wide variety of colors, from deep burgundy and wine to even brown and pure black shades. Owens says that lipsticks with a warm, orange base pair nicely with a dark complexion. But there’s nothing wrong with going outside of your comfort zone, so go a little wild! Try Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry ($4.99) or even Lancôme Paris’ Rouge in Love in Fiery Attitude ($26).
Let your lips do the talking
Once you find the right shade, how should you wear the rest of your makeup? Owens’s rule of thumb is to keep a more natural look. “If you are going to have one piece of makeup that stands out, you want to keep everything else neutral to highlight that effect,” she says.
Instead of pairing a smoky eye and dark lip, she recommends trying simple bold winged eyeliner, or “a kitten eye.” You can still look put-together without over doing it! By keeping the rest of your makeup minimal, you can let your lips do the talking.
Kathleen Kalinsky, a Her Campus campus correspondent for James Madison University, has a tip to make your lips stand out. “My biggest tip with dark lipstick is to put a sheer gloss over it, but one coat only!” she says. “We don’t want to be looking like a freshly watered ice rink.”
Pair your lipstick with the perfect outfit
Once you find the best lipstick shade(s) for you, it’s time to top off the look with a killer outfit. Wearing dark lipstick is a great way to make a fashion statement. From grungy to classic, there are many ways to rock bold color this season.
‘90s Grunge
Dark lips are a must-have for any grunge-inspired look. Bring out your favorite leather jacket and pair it with an Angela Chase-inspired floral dress or dark-wash denim to pull it all together.
Getting Graphic
Nothing says “I’m a rebel” more than sporting dark lips and a graphic tee. Can’t be tamed? Check out Forever 21’s Be Advised Muscle Tee ($12.80) or Urban Outfitters’ Feather Hearts in Memory Muscle Tee ($39). Match your tee with a skirt for a more feminine look!
Edgy Vamp
Head-to-toe black may seem ultra goth, but you can make it work by pairing it with dark lips. Go big and go bold!
Gabrielle Sorto, a sophomore at Georgia State University, says dark lips and edgy outfits go hand in hand. “I absolutely love wearing dark lips this time of year because I feel like it can make you look so put together even if the rest of your outfit is simple,” she says. “I usually pair dark lips with an edgy outfit to create that vampy kind of look.”
Campus Comfy
Get ready to fall in love with the baggy sweater, skinny pant and dark lipstick combo—it’s always a winning look. Top it off with a hat and chunky scarf to make this outfit complete! Check out Forever 21’s Standout Mixed Knit Grid Sweater ($22.80) or Express’s Marled Side Slit Shaker Knit Sweater ($49.90).
Connie Chan, a senior at Carnegie Mellon University, says that dark lips can offer a more mature look and spruce up a casual going-to-class outfit in an instant.
“I had never been into heavily-pigmented lipstick before, but now I feel like I'm old enough to pull it off without looking like I'm playing dress-up,” she says. “I've recently been obsessed with Smashbox's Be Legendary Lipstick in Fig ($20). It's the perfect balance of sultry and sophisticated, and gives any outfit a more mature feel. I love pairing it with a casual outfit like black tights and a denim shirt. My lips really pop, yet the deep maroon color and matte finish make my entire look seem effortless!”
Night Out
Two worlds collide as bold meets elegance. You’ll soon learn that dark lips work as the perfect accessory for a night out. Get ready to turn heads when you pair your lipstick with Express’s Plunging V-Neck Metallic Lace Dress ($118) or H&M’s Lace Dress ($24.95).
What will be your signature look? Instead of sticking with your favorite pinks and nude shades, why not go to the dark side with your lipstick? There’s a shade for everyone, and we hope our tips will help you find the perfect match. Have a favorite already? Sound off below!