Unleash your dark side with this season’s hottest trend — red wine colored lips. Rooted in the ’90s, this vampy look offers a striking alternative to the classic red lip, and the fashion world can’t seem to get enough. Top designers like Vera Wang, Christian Dior and Derek Lam have featured the look in their fall 2013 collections. On the runway, deep red lips were paired with minimal makeup, which is great for everyday wear. It was also used with a metallic smoky eye for a more dramatic evening look. Fall has arrived and the craze for deep red lips has officially begun. So, as you pull out those scarves and combat boots, here are a few tips to rock the sought-after look.
Prepping the Lip
When applying color to chapped lips, the lipstick adheres to the driest parts, leaving lips looking cracked and uneven. This problem can be easily avoided by moisturizing. If using a dark yet bright red, dab some concealer on your lips before application. This showcases the color and primes your lips for long-lasting wear.
Choosing the right product and application
Stains
Stains should be applied to bare, dry lips. Let the color sit for a few minutes before finishing with a balm. While stains tend to fade throughout the day, they do so in a way that looks natural.
“I like lip stain because it doesn’t rub off or get on my teeth, and I think the color is a little more subtle, which can be really powerful,” LSP sophomore Cassia Araujo-Lane said.
Pick up Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Midnight ($8.99) at Walgreens.
Lipstick
A creamy lipstick can keep lips feeling velvety and may be worn matte or glossy. While reapplication may be inevitable, there are some long-lasting options available.
“I like Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color because it’s cheap, super pigmented and seems to stay,” LSP sophomore Mary Kang said.
For a softer look, press lipstick onto the lips rather than smearing it. For a more intense look, line lips with a lip brush and then fill in. To prevent the color from sticking to teeth, blot off the excess product with a tissue. Try Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Che-rry Bomb ($1.99) from Walgreens.
Liquid Lip Color
While liquid lipstick is a great, no-fuss way to keep your lip color vibrant throughout the day, careful application is crucial. Once the color is applied, it’s going to stay there, so take the time to avoid mistakes. These products also dry lips out, so don’t forget to top them off with a moisturizing lip balm. Look for SHISEIDO Lacquer Rouge in Nocturne ($25) at Sephora.
Removal
When the day is through and your lip color has survived, blot off with a gentle makeup remover like Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($5.99, Walgreens) to prevent the bloodthirsty vamp look.
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, Oct. 2 print edition. Vanessa Karalis is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].