Fall is here! And that means hues of purple, orange and red are in once more.
Ladies, it’s time to bring out your dark lipsticks.
We all have our favourites but here are five colours we’ve seen on both the runways and on some of our favourite local and international celebs.
From matte lipsticks to cream lipsticks, there’s something for everyone.
Before we jump in and give you our recommendations, here are some tips for those who are scared of dark lips, avoid dark lips, or just haven’t given it a go.
Photo: 123RF
A personal step I always take every night to make sure my lips are in good shape, is to put on some lip balm before hitting the sack. The cold air dries out our lips overnight, and we don’t want that!
My personal favourite is Dr Lipp’s Nipple Balm for Lips ($26). This lip balm which feels a bit thick stays on through the night and leaves your lips as smooth as a baby’s bottom. Although it comes at a hefty price for it’s tiny packaging, it’s worth the buy as a little goes a long way.
Photo: Sephora
Before starting on your makeup, exfoliate your lips to get rid of any dry skin or oils. Dry lips will always stand out after applying lipstick, especially dark colours. Some good exfoliators are Fresh’s Sugar Lip Polish, or if you’ve sensitive lips, try Lush’s Lip Scrub in Bubblegum (it’s actually edible too).
Apply lip balm and continue with the rest of your makeup to prevent your lipstick from bleeding out.
If you’re using a long-wearing matte lipstick, wipe away any oils or remaining lip balm that could still be on your lips with a water-based makeup wipe, as it affects how long your lipsticks wears.
Otherwise, keep your lip balm on when you apply your lipstick.
Photo: Sephora & Lush
If you’re a first-timer or you’ve got an unsteady hand, use a lip pencil that most resembles your lipstick colour (try Urban Decay’s 24/7 Lip Pencil, $32). If you haven’t got a lip pencil, use a lip brush and dip it in your lipstick to line your lips.
Lining with a lip pencil will also prevent the lipstick from bleeding and smudging all around your lips. (Check out the latest lip liners here.)
Besides choosing a colour similar to your lipstick, you could opt for a nude or lighter hue which defines your lips, shapes them and creates a barrier to prevent your lipstick from bleeding out.
Photo: Sephora
Last but not least, apply the lipstick. If you make any mistakes, let the lipstick dry before using concealer (or makeup wipes if you skipped the foundation) to cover up any mistakes.
Blot any excess lipstick onto a tissue to prevent the colours from bleeding.
Top any of the lipsticks with Fenty Beauty Universal Lip Luminizer, $31 for a glossy finish, but only after the lipsticks have dried down.
Tip: To avoid emphasising any redness on your skin, use a cool-toned concealer. Make sure to use bronzer and some blush to avoid looking pale or faint.
Photo: Sephora
Think of a not-too-gothic mix of purple and red that gives you a perfect plum shade.
A plum lipstick is perfect for lighter skin tones when you’re trying to go for a sultry look. Top it off with a subtle smokey-eye and you’re ready to go!
To achieve Shu Qi’s look, pair your plum lips with a flirtatious little black dress.
Matte finish: Estee Lauder & Victoria Beckham’s Matte Lipstick in Black Cassis, $76
Smooth finish: Butter London’s Plush Rush Lipstick in London, $28
Photo: Shu Qi/ Instagram, Sephora
On the warmer end of the purple-red spectrum is deep berry, one of my personal favourites. This colour goes well with both fair and tan skin and is more suitable for daily wear.
Unlike the other shades, berry lipsticks can go well with more colours. If you’re adventurous, go for a bright pop of colour with a yellow outfit to compliment your lips.
Matte finish: Ofra Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Cape Town, $21
Smooth finish: NARS Satin Lipstick in Afghan Red, $40
Photo: Dolce & Gabbana/ Instagram, Ofra Cosmetics and Sephora
On the further end of the red colour spectrum is burgundy, a colour which most are afraid to try. But it’s fall and honestly, it’s the best time to wear this shade. The deep reddish-brown shade is one that most of us are afraid to try, but we should!
It’s best to dress classy when wearing burgundy lipsticks, so pair it with a black blouse and contrast with a colourful printed skirt. Put your hair up in a slick ponytail and put on a pair of gold earrings.
Matte finish: Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira, $31
Smooth finish: Colourpop’s Ultra Satin Lip in Prim, $13
Photo: Lily Collins/ Instagram, Sephora & Colourpop
Instead of going for a muted red, go for a bright, bold warm red that almost looks like the autumn leaves which we rarely find on the streets. The trendy shade is nearer towards an orange-red that’s perfect for Asian skin tones, and is perfect for when you’re having fun with your girlfriends.
While the shade is rather versatile, avoid wearing yellow or orange-coloured clothes. The best pairing would be an all-black outfit.
Matte finish: theBalm’s Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Loyal, $36.90
Smooth finish: Chanel’s Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Carmen, $51
Photo: Max Mara/ Instagram, Sephora & Chanel
Dive deeper with a deep, sexy red lipstick that instantly brings your outfit to a whole new level. Go for deep-reds with cool-undertones instead of warm ones, to make your teeth appear whiter instead of more yellow.
A red this deep and intense is best worn with minimal eyeshadow, or a pop of gold on the inner corners. It’s perfect for date night, so dress up with a LBD and add a little winged liner.
Matte finish: theBalm’s Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Adoring, $36.90
Smooth finish: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Cream in Rock Steady, $29
Photo: Dolce & Gabbana/ Instagram, Sephora