Gearing up for the cold weather of the months ahead makes early fall a prime time to shore up your winter wardrobe with all the essentials. Fall into line with plenty of warm knits, the always-popular oversized sweaters and leather-accented tops, jackets and jeans. Form and function are less dependent on one another this season as fall runways welcomed a gamut of experimental fabrics, prints and embellishments, and a combination of the like as seen at Altuzzara. The minimalism of seasons past has given way to a more fun and fanciful aesthetic this fall at everyone from Givenchy to Thakoon to Proenza Schouler.
Let this experimental spirit inspire your hair and makeup in a similar fashion with a dark purple lip. With so much going on from head to toe with clothes and accessories you do not want to overdo it in the beauty department, but do not neglect what is seemingly most subtle. A red lip, like YSL’s Rouge Volupte in Red Temptation, is always a classic and burgundy reigns supreme as the “it” color this season, but push the boundaries by going even darker on days everything else stands to be too conventional for your new look. A plum lip packs the perfect subtle punch for this season. Two top lipstick picks to try: Smashbox, Black Plum, and MAC, Yung Rapunxel.
The boldness of a dark purple lip requires a little extra attention to ensure that it looks its best. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying this new hue:
- Keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum. A plum lip speaks for itself and gives the face all the drama it needs. Opt for a flawless complexion and a subtle blush like Benefit’s brightening powder in Dandelion. Play up your natural skin tone for maximum effect, whether it is warmth of olive undertones, or the more dramatic alabaster appearance of fair skin.
- Maintain balance with your eyes. Minimalism is key in pulling off the plum lip, but do not forget about your eyes or the lip may seem too bold. Aim for a neutral eye with help from a trustworthy mascara, like Maybelline’s classic Great Lash Mascara in Very Black, or YSL’s Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara in Rich Black for a splurge. Soft spiky lashes will help make for a cohesive look.
- Choose the hue that is right for you. Success with any makeup trend depends largely on finding the right shade to complement your complexion. Try a few variations on the purple theme, but do not be afraid to go as dark as you want. Apply the lipstick a little lighter or experiment with layering underneath a light gloss if you are hesitant at first.
Try wearing the purple lip during the day with a more toned-down neutral outfit and let the color stand alone. Switch over to wearing it at night by indulging in fall’s rich offering of navy-and-black and leather-heavy trends. For some additional style guidance in pulling of this new hue check out OscarPRgirl’s fall shoot.