Purple and Plum Lips 101 – Joan Smalls
Rihanna loves it. Rita Ora and Jessie J have done it. Joan Smalls rocked it at the Met Gala (pictured). What is it? Purple hued lips and you can wear this look day and evening, work and play, without looking like you’ve become Dracula’s daughter. From the palest mauve to the deepest, darkest plum, there is a color that will suit your skin tone, your outfit and your desired look. The first step is to ensure your lips are properly exfoliated and conditioned, according to Melbourne makeup artist Katherine Murphy. “I make my own sugar lip scrub and store it in small glass jars. There are many recipes online and they are just as nice as any you can buy in store, and more cost effective.”
Next, draw a line just on the outer edge of your lips using Napoleon Mauve Minx lipliner. This is a subtle hint of color that will ensure you master the perfect shape and that your lipstick doesn’t ‘bleed’ outside your lip line.
Purple and Plum Lips 101 – MAC Pure Heroine
MAC never fails to read the trends before we’ve seen them coming so that their collections are bang on time with what celebrities and fashion editors are loving. Inspired by the edgy and youthful NZ performer, Lorde, Pure Heroine is a deep, luscious purple that is definitely not shrinking violets. This is a limited edition shade, so be quick to get your order in. Less plum and more Bordeaux is lipstick in Rebel.
Purple and Plum Lips 101
Lush Cosmetics has developed a range of cosmetic pigments that are inspired by emotional intelligence. Drive is a powerful pink-purple that flatters pale to olive skin tones. For darker skin tones, Confident is a more burgundy-hued purple that will add warmth to your complexion. L’Oreal offers a range of plum hues, including Persistent Plum and Intense Plum.
Purple and Plum Lips 101 – Party Proof Little Devil
Australia’s own ModelCo , fronted by the divine Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, boasts some highly-pigmented purple lipsticks. Try Little Devil or Purple Sangria. Feel free to blend both colours for your perfect shade. The in-built mirror is genius for re-applying covertly! For a no-colour liner that enhances your natural lip line, try ModelCo Illusion lipliner. An in-built sharpener? Of course.
Something more subtle might appeal if you’re planning on wearing this to a conservative workplace or if subtle is your mantra. Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Silvery Moon is a bright pink with a purple edge, but you can also dial it down a few notches with Violet Berry or Sugared Maple. Blending any brighter shades with a nude or pale pink will elicit a gentler shade. Try blending two or more shades using the universally flattering Pink Chocolate as a base.
Purple and Plum Lips 101
“After the first lipstick application blot back excess with a tissue and re-apply another layer,” says Katherine. “You can use this method to build color and it helps the longevity of your lipstick.” Don’t go overboard with the rest of your makeup unless you’re dressing for the stage. Conceal any redness with theBalm. Time Balm for ultimate long-lasting cover and apply bronzer in a ‘3’ shape to the outer edges of the face and under the cheekbone and jaw for a flattering contoured effect. Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Bronzer comes in a variety of shades that are much more natural than some of the orange-tinged bronzers on the market.
