From the brown lip shades on the runway during New York Fashion Week 2013 to the everyday chic’sters sporting their purple and brown tones at your local shopping mall, dark colors are definitely taking over this fall. I know your probably thinking, “I don’t know if I can pull off that shade…” I’m here to put a stop your doubts and give you that boost to just try it! A simple plum or brown can bring out the best undertones in any complexion, so go for it girl!
Before we go any further, I must admit I was a little skeptical at first as well; dark shades can be daring, bold and a little intimidating. My mind was made up until I made my daily trip to the make-up section in the local Rite Aid. Yep, I said it – Rite Aid. There is nothing more exciting than brining home tons of new lipsticks, especially when your receipt rings up under $20!
Here are a few sensual fall shades that are a must try!
Maybelline’s COLOR sensational #440 “Mauve it Up” The first shade I picked up was a deep purple with shimmering silver highlights. The packaging is a clear rectangular case enclosing this creamy and rich beautiful color on a silver base. It glides on with a smooth consistency so there is no need to reapply frequently. Also, unlike Covergirl’s version of this shade, it does not stain your lips! Awesome right? A little make-up remover or Vaseline will wipe this right off after a long day of helping you look fabulous.
Maybelline’s COLOR sensational #905 “Brazen Berry” It is safe to say that this is one of my new faves! I have worn it almost everyday since I bought it. Brazen Berry comes in a bright red plastic case which makes it look like a brighter shade than it really is, until you lift the top and twist up the most beautiful shade of purple ever! It also has a creamy and smooth consistency upon application that leaves your lips moisturized and healthy. You can go for a lighter shade of plum with one swipe or reapply a few extra times for a more bold statement. Either way you choose to sport this shade, you are sure to turn heads!
Maybelline’s COLOR sensational #380 “Bean There” After having my fun with the plum colors, I slowly made my way over to the rich, dark brown shades. The first color that grabbed my attention was “Bean There.” It has shimmering gold highlights that make the color sparkle like diamonds against your lips. The shade is on the dark side but just like the Brazen Berry, you can make it as dark or light as you please with the amount of times you apply it to your lips. If you are looking for a calm yet daring look, I would definitely go pick up this shade. It would also look great with a bold electric blue eye shadow or a more neutral shimmering golden eye.
L’Oreal Color Riche #815 “Ginger Spice” L’Oreal’s eye shadows are my absolute favorite, but they also have the best lipstick money can buy from the drugstore. The gold packaging entices you to pick up the lipstick and once you open it, it’s love at first sight. The second thing that attracted me to this lipstick was the smell. L’Oreal is famous for their lipsticks having a great smell that radiates off your lips along with the amazing glow the glitter inside of the shade gives you. However, unlike the Maybelline COLOR sensational, it does not stay on your lips for long. You may have to reapply this product a few times throughout the day to keep it looking fresh. Don’t let that discourage you; the color is very much on the neutral side, perfect for the work place and versatile enough for a night out on the town!
A Word of Advice: (Since we are dealing with drugstore brands and not the higher end MAC or YSL lipsticks, we want to make sure our lips are well taken care of before applying these products. Here are a few tips and tricks I do on my own when wearing drugstore lip colors.) Next time you’re at the store, pick up an extra toothbrush and make sure it’s “Soft.” Wet the toothbrush and gently use it to scrub your lips for a few minutes. This exfoliates your lips to clear away any dead skin you may have from the day. Next, grab a thimbleful of table sugar and apply it to your lips with your finger (make sure hands are nice and clean!). Gently scrub the sugar onto your lips and let it saturate for 2-3 minutes. Not only does it clean your lips but it also tastes great! Now, wash your lips off with warm water and apply a small amount of non-tinted moisturizer (Vaseline will work as well). Lastly, apply your makeup or do your hair in the meantime (just to waste time because you always want to apply your lipstick last!). Grab a dry towel and wipe off any left over residue from the moisturizer. Viola! Apply your fabulous fall shade and have a great day turning heads and collecting compliments! Until next time, collegiettes™!