No longer reserved for the anti-establishment teens or the goth generation, black lipstick has gone mainstream this fall. Thanks to the current pop culture phenomena that is all things vampires — think True Blood, Twilight, and The Vampire Diaries — as well as appearances on the fall runways, the dark trend has become one of this season's must try beauty looks. Before you disregard the trend as one that only works in fashion editorial, consider it an option that will enhance your complexion and complement your pale winter visage. Make this bold lip hue part of your evening beauty look with complementary makeup and the right setting — you'll be surprised just how glam the look can be when tackled properly.
Leave all the drama to your lips by keeping the rest of your face on the minimal side. Defined liner, and a neutral eye shadow will leave you with a subtle eye that won't compete with your bold mouth. However, if subtle just isn't your thing and you prefer a smokier eye, work with soft shades of brown and grey without any sparkles. Go easy on the blush by sticking with natural-looking shades that softly contour your cheekbones.
As this trend is really a focal point, as in, everyone will be focused on your mouth, make sure your pout is in flawless condition. Dark shades tend to settle into lines and cracks, so chapped and/or dry lips are a huge no-no. Exfoliate your mouth with a scrub and warm towel to remove dead skin cells and create a soft and smooth base. Once your lips feel as smooth as silk, prime them with a flesh-toned primer or concealer, a pro trick that will keep the color inside the lines, as well as on your mouth for an extended amount of time. As for your clothes, leave the all-black edgy look for another day and instead consider toning down your clothing by sticking with neutral colored options.
If you're a bit more hesitant, go for lip gloss instead, as the result will always be more sheer. Make Up Forever Lab Shine Lip-Gloss in Chrome Onyx ($18) is a lightly textured gloss that delivers just the right amount of shine and color for a more subtle finish. Because darker shades tend to look better on brunettes and raven-haired beauties, blondes and redheads should stick with a more sheer option. As for skin tones, darker complexions look better with satin or matte colored lipsticks, while paler faces should stick to shiny glosses.
images: IMAXtree
Via: Own It! Dare to Do This Season's Most Dramatic Beauty Look Black Lipstick