How to Wear Dark Lipsticks

Women with fair skin tones should try shades of berry and brick while those with medium tones can go slightly darker with burgundies and maroons. Typically, only women with darker skin can pull of the deepest shades of wine and plum. Also, skip the shiny finishes and stick with a cream, matte or slightly glossy lipstick. High shine lipsticks are more likely to smear and travel to your teeth, especially unattractive when wearing a dark shade. If you have thin lips do wear a slightly glossy finish. Dark, matte lipsticks can make thin lips look severe.

Next, exfoliate and moisturize your lips to prepare them for the dramatic color. Lipstick collects in the small cracks of your lips and dark lipstick is even more noticeable.  Take care of chapped or dry lips by gently rubbing them with the corner of a nubby washcloth dipped in a lip emollient.  This will remove dead skin and moisturize at the same time. Another important prep step is lining your lips. A liner will keep your dark lipstick from wandering. Apply a same-shade lip liner or a light line of translucent powder around your lips to hold the dark color in place.  

Avoid wearing dark, heavy clothes or wearing your hair in a severe style when sporting dark lipstick. The combination can look more like a Halloween costume than a fashion statement. Balance the overall look with soft touches like wavy hair or light-colored clothing. Keep the rest of your makeup light and simple when wearing a dramatic shade on your lips. Apply a neutral, iridescent shadow and plenty of mascara to frame the eyes and sweep a light blush on the apples of your cheeks. The point of dark lipstick is to draw attention to your kisser, don’t create completion by painting on heavy eye shadow or cherry cheeks.