The ultimate guide on how to pull off this season’s “vampy”-est trend, including tips and tricks for wearing dark lips and how to choose the best product for you.
It’s official—bold, dark lips are the “it” look this winter. We’ve heard plenty of naysayers exlaim that bold lip color “isn’t for them”…but you don’t want to be the only girl at your office holiday party this year that’s not on-trend, do you? Rocking a stand-out lip can work for everyone, you just need some guidance. And well, that’s why we’re here!
We get that a bold lip takes courage to try on, and complete confidence to pull off. Here are a few beginner tips to help you get started:
Let your lips do all the talking. Complement the more harsh lip look with subtle makeup, and you won’t look or feel overdone.
Don’t forget to prep! A lip scrub is a must when wearing any lip color, especially a bold one. We love LUSH Bubble Gum Lip Scrub and Fresh Sugar Lip Polish to achieve a silky smooth base.
Apply with care. Using a lip brush is often better than applying the product directly. If you must apply directly from the tube, make sure to be very careful with your lines!
Avoid wearing lip color on days when your lips are particularly parched or chapped. The color won’t apply evenly. Pigmented products only tend to dry out lips even more.
Here’s the basic guide to picking the best shade for you:
If you have fair skin, choose a berry or red as your dark lip pick.
Medium skin tones work best with burgundy or maroon shades.
Darker skin can pull off the biggest range, but to get the most dramatic dark lip effect go for a wine or brown color.
Of course in an ad, or on a model, every shade of lipstick always looks picture perfect. That’s why we’ve enlisted the Spa Week staff to try these 13 products. You’ll be able to see how they look on real people (and hey, spending a couple of hours playing with lipstick isn’t a bad day’s work), so you can judge for yourself which hue you want to try.
Staff Reviewer: Arielle (me!), Associate Editor
Lipstick: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Fig, $20 at smashbox.com
Why it works: I have what would be considered a “medium” skin tone, which fits best with burgundies. This shade isn’t too dark for my skin, but it still makes a statement!
Insider tip: Layer this lippie on a few times to achieve a more dramatic effect, or just swipe on once for a simple daytime look!
Staff Reviewer: Kelly, Public Relations Manager
Lipstick: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Venom, $20 at urbandecay.com
Why it works: The bright berry shade brightens Kelly’s face and complements her soft features well.
Why it’s awesome: This shade stands out at night but looks great in the day too. It stayed on well through Saturday night and worked well with a turban the next day at brunch (pictured).
Staff Reviewer: Kate, Sales Intern
Lipstick: Kevyn Aucoin ‘The Expert’ Lip color in Bloodroses, $35 at nordstrom.com
Why it works: Bloodroses is the ultimate dark shade for someone with Kate’s paler complexion. The red undertones don’t wash her out, and the hue is the perfect shade of vampy-chic.
Why I’m loving it: This bold color brightened my face and has a great, smooth texture–I would definitely recommend it!
Staff Reviewer: Melissa, Director of Affiliate Sales
Lipstick: Cargo Essential Lip Color in Napa, $22, cargocosmetics.com
Why it works: Melissa has darker skin, thus can easily pull off this dark wine shade. It makes her lips looks full and pouty without being overbearing!
My take: I never went with a dark, rich wine color before–but I love it for a hot night out.
Staff Reviewer: Liora, Project Lead
Lipstick: glo minerals Lipstick in Aubergine, $17 at gloprofessional.com
Why it works: Liora has a medium skin tone with dark features, so this burgundy shade is the perfect hue to make her smile stand out!
Insider tip: To keep this dark shade from looking too goth I layered it with clear lip gloss. I love the way the look came together!
Staff Reviewer: Melissa, Director of Travel Marketing
Lipstick: LUSH Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Confident, $18.95 at lushusa.com
Why it works: Melissa’s dark complexion is just right for this bold, highly pigmented product. The color fits her perfectly!
My take: I don’t particularly care for lip color – whether it be lipstick, lip stain or gloss. However I tried the LUSH product and have to admit that I love it. I’m always weary of wearing bold colors on my lips, but my fellow Spa Weekers assured me this one was a hit!
Staff Reviewer: Brynn, Account Manager
Lipstick: LUSH Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Decisive, $18.95 at lushusa.com
Why it works: Brynn has light features so this classic cherry red is just the dark shade to choose for a fierce look.
Why I’m loving it: LUSH’s products are made from all natural ingredients–this product included coconut oil and rose oil, which helped my lips stay moisturized while most high pigment products are drying!
Staff Reviewer: Erika, Marketing Intern
Lipstick: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Chestnut, $20 at smashbox.com
Why it works: Erika’s confidence is key when rocking such a bold, chocoalte-y shade! We love the way the sultry look makes her features stand out.
My take: This is definitely the boldest lip I’ve ever tried–and I think I’m hooked! I love how adding a lip color can instantly make me feel and look more put together.
Staff Reviewer: Anne, Graphic Designer
Lipstick: NYC Smooch Proof Lipstain in Rock on Ruby, $4.95, local drugstores
Why it works: Anne has light skin and light features–meaning a bright, bold red will stand out in just the right way. It wakes her whole face up!
My take: It felt a bit like drawing with a marker on my lips. but the color lasted! It definitely looks best with a moisturizing gloss on top.
Staff Reviewer: Tara, Editorial Intern
Lipstick: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Plum Scene, $20 at smashbox.com
Why it works: Even though Tara has skin that falls on the paler side, she has dark features that allow her to pull off this poignant hue. The red undertones in the shade work well with lighter skin tone, as well. This stand-out shade sure highlights those pearly whites!
Pros: This product lasted really well–even after I had dinner!
Staff Reviewer: Breanna, Director of Operations
Lipstick: Kanebo Sensai Intense Lasting Colour in Kabasakura, $40 at neimanmarcus.com
Why it works: This soft berry shade works nicely with Breanna’s medium skintone to create a soft, pretty daytime look. She can play up her eye makeup to take this shade from day to night.
Insider tip: If you’re not used to wearing lip color this is something you may overlook–but make sure to smile in the mirror before you leave the house! You don’t want any unsightly stains on your teeth!
Staff Reviewer: Kaitlin, Senior Account Manager
Lipstick: NYC Smooch Proof Lipstain in Berry Long Time, $4.95, local drugstores
Why it works: Berry pink is definitely the way to go bold for someone like Kaitlin with light skin and hair. It draws positive attention to her lips and makes them pop!
Insider tip: Make sure to apply any moisturizing products AFTER, or the pigment won’t stick properly.
Staff Reviewer: Valarie, Marketing Coordinator
Lipstick: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color in Brazen Berry, $8.95 at cvs.com
Why it works: This pretty shade was probably the least dark of the group, yet it contrasts nicely with Valarie’s tanned skin.
Insider tip: The shade I picked out was definitely not something I ever wore before. It was a subtle color which I like. My tip is to apply a little lip gloss over your lipstick to give it a shinier look.
Which shade is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!
Photo Credit
Arielle Sidrane is the Associate Editor of Spa Week Daily.