So, you may have noticed the trend toward non-traditional lipstick colors. While I typically stay pretty neutral — browns, pinks and reds — I do step out ever so often with gold, and I’ve even been know to wear purple (it’s one of my favorite colors).
While I’ve not tried the electric blues, greens and oranges — I think there’s an alarm that sounds when an older-than-25-year-old woman tries to purchase one of these outside of the Halloween season — I recently decided to try to dark lip.
As my decision to do so was completely spontaneous aka after my favorite makeup counter was closed, I had to take the leap alone. As this was not my first rodeo, I was wise enough to seek out an inexpensive alternative: Wet ‘n’ Wild’s coffee buzz.
According to makeup artist and hairstylist Kyla Betton, who waves her “magibeautician” wand at Fringe Benefits, this was a good idea.
“If you want to be a bit adventurous — you know: go big or go home — starting with an inexpensive lipstick is the way to go. Pick up a few shades at your local drugstore, and use your hand to do a few swatches,” Betton advised.
She also said you should be mindful of your clothing and, of course, your skin tone. “For women with warmer tones, I’d recommend a color like MAC’s smoked purple. For women with color tones, MAC’s rebel may be a good choice.”
“Make sure you use a good liner,” Betton added. “Your liner does not have to spot-on match your lip color. Lipstick is applied over the liner, so the liner can be a bit off. Remember, lip liner serves as a barrier for bleeding.”
To create a long-lasting look — which is especially important if you’re attending a formal event and carrying a teeny-tiny evening bag — line your lips, apply a bit of translucent powder and line your lips a second time before applying your lip color.
“If you going with a dramatic lip, keep the rest of your makeup neutral,” Betton said. “Keep your eye shadow and blush soft. Line your eyes — for a little drama, a cat eye is nice — an add a good mascara.”
In other words, let your lips do the talking.
