Carlyle Routh
Author: Julia McEwen
Changing to a darker lip for autumn is expected, but this season's nearly noir berry lipsticks take "going to the dark side" to the next level. Makeup artist Grace Lee shows us how deeper shades can look flattering and modern.
This fall, the new look in lipstick is all about drama, with deeper-than-deep berry hues and, in some cases, jet black. Models from such influential fashion brands as Dior and Marc Jacobs strutted down the Fall 2016 catwalks wearing goth-inspired black lips while social media queen Kylie Jenner launched a black liquid matte lipstick called Dead of Knight, which sold out in minutes. High fashion and niche celeb beauty brands aren't the one ones going dark, either; when CoverGirl launched 11 lipsticks with Katy Perry earlier this year, the shade that got the most buzz was Perry Panther, a demi-matte black.
Scared to try a full-on black lip? Just interpret the trend in your own way, says Grace Lee, Maybelline New York's lead makeup artist in Canada. "Fashion is a way to inspire people," she says. "You can be inspired by runway shows and by celebrities, but you don't have to take things literally."
Start with the red spectrum—a classic. "Red looks good on everyone," says Lee. She suggests choosing a lipstick with a sheer finish or, if you're already comfortable with that, a more opaque formula. And if you're feeling brave, go for a deeper red, plum or blackberry hue. "It's like getting accustomed to red wine. You start with a Pinot and work your way up to a Merlot—something a little more rich."
Remember that when you go bold with lip colour, whether it's crimson, wine or black currant, all eyes will be on your pucker, so minimize your other makeup to avoid looking costumey or goth. "Make sure your skin looks fresh, your eyebrows are groomed and you have a bit of mascara—that's it," says Lee. For regular wear, she advises using your finger for a stain application. "When you apply lipstick directly from the brush or tube, you don't have as much control," she explains. Pressing the colour into your lip with your fingertip also helps set the pigment, giving you a more natural look and boosting your lippy's staying power.
Slideshow
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Maroon meow
CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Maroon Meow, $11, covergirl.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Royale
Annabelle Twist Up Retractable Lipstick Crayon in Royale, $10, annabelle.com.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Jam on it
Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Jam On It, $25, sephora.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Infatuation
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Infatuation, $11.50, revlon.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
The plums
Nyx Professional Makeup Pro Lip Cream Palette in The Plums, $17, nyxcosmetics.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Damned
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Damned, $24, sephora.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Bold bordeaux
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Bold Bordeaux, $14, lorealparis.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Beetroot
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Beetroot, $30, sephora.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Berry Boss
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Loaded Bolds Lipstick in Berry Bossy, $10, maybelline.ca.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Michelle
Lise Watier Rouge Fondant Supreme in Michelle, $26, lisewatier.com.
Go to the dark side with the best lipstick picks of the season
Wet suit
Tarte Drench Lip Splash Lipstick in Wet Suit, $26, sephora.ca.
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