From the catwalk to the streets: How to wear fall’s Dark Lips

Out of the myriad of beauty looks that graced the Fall runways  – some have shocked us while others got our eyes twinkling – only a few could be envisioned in reality. By reality we mean, us normal folk, who cannot afford to scare our bosses with over the top beauty looks. The Fall 13/14 trends features quite a number of graphic eye looks and deep lip colours. It’s almost an ode to the 90s era but with a modern twist.

The look

One of the more wearable and classic looks was the sheer complexion, flawlessly complemented with a rich maroon or burgundy lip. Spotted on the runways of Anteprima and Derek Lam, this is one makeup trend you can effortlessly re-create in reality.
How to achieve it?

1- Whip out Lancome’s latest innovation, the Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting duo (approx. USD56), which doubles up as a foundation and a corrector. Start by dabbing on the corrector on areas with blemishes and redness. After which, apply the foundation with a stippling brush and blend in circular motions. You will notice that while the foundation has almost full coverage, the end result is a dewy finish.

2- Continue with concealer on areas that still need a tad bit concealing or skip this step and head straight to a finishing powder such as the Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Powder (approx. USD48). You may also opt to warm your skin up a little by applying blusher or bronzer to avoid looking pale.

3- Lastly, the look is only complete with a deep aubergine lip, which you can get with the NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga (approx. USD30). It is important that you go with a matte finish lipstick to allow the lipstick to appear less made up and exude a more natural ‘bitten’ finish.

– Instead of using a lip brush, dab the lipstick on with your fingers and build the colour up as you please. Stay with one coat for the office but increase the depth of the colour for nights out.

– To remove the natural pinkness of your lips and achieve the true burgundy colour, apply first a bit of foundation or powder on your lips to give it a neutral base.

– Finally, skip the eye makeup and simply go for a swipe of mascara to brighten up the eye area. Now you’re all set to take down this slightly vampish beauty look, in a more realistic manner of course.

Tarandip Kaur

* Tarandip is a regular beauty/ fashion contributor on Marie France Asia. You can read more on her Singapore-based fashion blog at www.fashstash.net.