Lips have always been a major conversation piece in makeup. They can make or break a look – and they can also be the whole look. That’s the beauty of the dark lip.
Deep, bold lips are having a moment – whether it’s a nod to the 90s (and Stila was there!) or our love of a little drama. This should come as no surprise – after all, the look is stunning. Nothing says sophisticated glam like a dark lip. The thing is, it may seem intimidating at first but the truth is you just need a few tips and some stellar products to pull up the ultimate look. Allow us to guide you in a little dark lip magic.
First, a smooth base is key. Darker shades are going to call attention to any dry or chapped lip situation, so your first step is exfoliation.
Buff & Blur Lip Enzyme Exfoliator
This gentle (and vegan) lip treatment smooths away dryness and patchiness with a blend of papaya and pineapple enzymes that buff for soft, hydrated lips and seamless lip color application. Extra tip: use a little lip balm after exfoliating but just a tiny bit before you go in with color.
The genius of this game-changing lip stain is the two-way tip that you can slant to use as a precise lip liner and then shift to a flat slant to “fill” in with color. Start your lining at the corners of your lips to create depth and take your time lining cupid’s bow. Connect your line and voila, you’re looking at picture-perfect, stay-put lip definition.
Some shades to try – Malala, Marie, Michelle
This is a cult fave for a multitude of reasons. It’s creamy, comfortable and the color stays on and on – up to 12 hours of color-rich wear. It’s budge-proof, smudge-proof and won’t bleed or transfer. Our pro-tip: line lips first with Calligraphy Lip Stain, then swipe on this liquid lip. Combos we love?
Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Bacca x Calligraphy Lip Stain in Hedy
Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Valentina x Calligraphy Lip Stain in Rosa
For a deeper brown tone - Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Sheer Narciso x Calligraphy Lip Stain in Malala
Makeup is always about creating, having fun, and playing with ways to express you. Think of a dark lip as just another way to do that. Have fun!