FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: How To Wear and Pull Off Dark Lipstick

A pleasant Friday to all my lovely readers! Are you all excited for 2013? I definitely am! In fact, I already started jotting down (although vaguely) my goals for the incoming year. I just want to say that 2012 was a great year: It is where I have learned so many wonderful life lessons, and one of which is the true meaning of H-A-R-D W-O-R-K. In my next posts this January, I’ll show you why. :D

 Anyway! Our Fan Mail Fridays question for the day is from Adeliza, and looks like she’s having trouble pulling off dark lipstick. She asks:

Hi Martha! 

I have another kikay problem I hope you can help me with. 

Today, I got Snoe's Plum Crazy lipstick and I feel that it makes me look old because of the deep color. My question is how can I sport this color but still look fresh and young? (I hope that's possible! hehe) Do I avoid eye makeup and/or blush na?

I thought I'd ask you since you pulled off Snoe's Bite Me pretty well. Thank you!

 Adeliza

Hi Adeliza!

Ah, dark, vampy lips—my expertise! Arrogance aside, I really know how to work dark lipstick because it’s one of my favorites. (Second to my first favorite, which is color red) Needless to say, I’ve already experimented with them long enough to find the perfect ways to wear them.

Dark lip products are the easiest to wear, yet the hardest to pull off. (There lies a difference) As for the first statement, here’s a visual approach. Click READ MORE and start rocking that dark lippie now!    

Dark lip products are quite easy to wear because they’re so striking on their own, that it’s okay for you to skip a couple of products such as eye shadows, colored liners, and sometimes, even blush. That means you get to save more time!

DARK LIP FOR DAYTIME

 I like breaking rules and most of the time, I wear vampy lips in broad daylight. For super dark lipstick, I pair it with fresh and dewy skin, lightly colored brows, and a few swipes of mascara-I find that combining an almost bare face with dark lipstick helps me retain my youthful look. I also add a touch of pink to my cheeks for that healthy flush—it’s also my way to counteract the darkness of my lip.

 If my lipstick is just a little deeper but not at all dark, I sport thicker brows and lashes, and a little contouring on my cheeks—It’s like I’ve just set a canvas for the lipstick. This is my usual makeup look, by the way.

In some occasions where eye shadows are a must but I want to wear dark lipstick, I use eye shadows sparingly: I only use a small amount to give my peepers a little color. As for the blush, I use a pastel or light shade that compliments the tone of the lipstick.

DARK LIP FOR NIGHTTIME

Dark lips scream sexy, so I always don a heavily lined eye and contoured cheeks with it for nighttime. For the eyes, I stick to neutrals ‘coz they’re the safest bet, and it lets me experiment with other lip colors. In terms of color intensity, I always make sure that my eyes and lips are balanced.

That’s it! As for the last statement, all you need is just sheer confidence to pull off dark lip products! If you’re not confident wearing it, then wipe it off. :D

Here are a few more tips:

1. Always go for a color that you’re comfortable with

2. I’ve noticed that dark lipsticks tend to have a creamier formula. That said, wear lip liner to prevent it from bleeding around your lips. A nude lip liner should be good.

3. Dark lip colors are already bold on their own, so don’t wear it with striking eyes and cheeks or else, you’ll end up looking old.

**Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com or shoot 'em up at The Beauty Junkee's FB Fan Page via the MESSAGE button and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)

Your friendly beauty guru,

The Beauty Junkee