How To Brave The Dark Lip Trend

MAKE UP FOR EVER Wild November Look Escentual - Dark Lip & Dark Eyes

Trying something new doesn’t have to be daunting. I know that being bold with makeup can sometimes take a little courage, but speaking from experience, taking risks and embracing your wild side with colour can also have its plus sides too.

Whether you’re a novice or expert, trying an ‘out of your comfort-zone’ makeup look is almost as unnerving as cutting your hair, or embracing colourful prints when your wardrobe mainly consists of black. But, fortune favours the brave here – believe it or not, there’s a way to make the vampy makeup look work for you, no matter your colour threshold…

MAKE UP FOR EVER Wild November Trend Makeup Look using the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte in 505 - Blackcurrant - Dark Lip

Here’s what you need

1) Black Eyeliner
For smudge-proof and waterproof eyes, I can always rely on MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Aqua XL Waterproof Eye Pencil in M-10.

2) Dark Lipstick
I’ve picked MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Artist Liquid Matte in 505 – Blackcurrant as it’s the darkest shade in the collection. Plus it lasts for up to 20 hours on the lips and it’s really easy to create a subtle or statement look.

3) Smudger Brush
Pick a brush that’s small enough to fit into hard-to-reach areas, but is also fluffy enough to buff and blend makeup. You can’t go wrong with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Precision Smudger Brush – Medium – 212.

Black Eyeliner

Colour, Smudge & Blend
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua XL Waterproof Eye Pencil in M-10 Smokey Eye & Dark Lip

Sometimes it’s hard to know how much is too much. So, here are a few helpful application tips to help achieve your desired style…

For a natural look…
1) Make sure your Aqua XL Waterproof Eye Pencil is sharp, then delicately trace your upper and lower lash line.
2) Next, grab your Smudger Brush and blend outwards and upwards for a subtle yet smoky look.
4) To keep it simple, avoid lining your waterline.

If you want to go bolder with this look…
Use your eyeliner in place of an eyeshadow and colour your eyelid. Make sure you line your waterline too, as this will increase the overall intensity of your look.

Dark Lipstick

Line, Colour & Blot

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte in 505 - Blackcurrant Dark Lips

If you’re usually partial to a nude or pink lip colour, now’s the time to be brave and embrace the dark side! Creating a vampy lip takes a little more time as you’ll playing with deeps red, smoky purple and black-brown shades. So be warned, creating the perfect dark lip can get a little messy.

To master a dark lip, keep a concealer or a cotton bud close during application, this makes sure that your lines are clean and your colour stays perfect, whilst making sure that your comfort zone is always well and truly in reach.

For a natural look…
1) Apply lip balm! Not only does this stop lips looking dry, it also provides a smooth, soft base for colour.
2) Lining your lips is essential, this makes sure no colours go outside the lines, but it also gives you a precise, clean shape, which is essential when applying colour.
3) Finally, start slow and gradually apply the dark colour. Remember you can always add, but you can never take away. Apply the 505 – Blackcurrant shade to your finger or a lip brush, then pat onto your lips and build to a level where you feel comfortable.

If you want to go bolder with this look…
1) Use the black eyeliner that you applied to your eyes above to delicately trace the line of your lips, blend with your Smudger Brush, then apply the 505 – Blackcurrant shade directly from the applicator to your lips.

What I love about the vampy look as you can be as creative as you like. Don’t get me I wrong, this isn’t a trend I’d wear every day, but I did enjoy the feeling of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. If this look isn’t for you, try mixing the eyes with a neutral lip, or pair lighter lips with a more bronzed eye for an equally beautiful finish. Go bold; be daring, for it’s the perfect season to do so!

If you have any more questions about this look, or if there’s anything else that you’d like to see us create on the blog. Pop me a tweet – I’d love to hear from you!

Discover More:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte Swatches
The Eye Colours To Be Seen Wearing This Autumn

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