How to Pull Off a Bold Lip Like a Pro

Don't hesitate next time you consider buying that look-at-me pink.

By Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director · Jun 30, 2016

A bright, bold lip can scream, “I’m confident and sexy and I know what I’m doing.” It’s one of the ultimate beauty statements you can make, but it tends to scare people away. Whether you don’t think you can pull it off or you’re not sure how to apply it, here’s the expert lowdown from one of the top makeup artists in the biz. Take note!

Sephora PRO artist Eliza Davila says the best way to wear a bright or bold lip is to keep everything else on your face minimal. “A lightly sculpted eye or a soft layer of neutral eye shadow will create subtle definition and balance,” she explains. “If you’re feeling like you want a little more oomph, winged eyeliner pairs well with a bold lip, too.”

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Another thing to consider? Whether to go matte or glossy. “If you’re going for a matte lip, create a beautiful glow by using luminizer on the high planes of your face like your cheekbones,” suggests Davila. “If you prefer a glossy lip, keep your skin clean and matte to make your lips the focus.”

If you’re still a bit hesitant or want to go bold, but not too bold, you can create an ombré effect. “After putting on your bold color, apply a lipstick that’s a couple shades lighter on just the center of your lip to bring light to it and create a softer look,” explains Davila. “I sometimes like to add a bit of yellow gloss, like the Sephora Collection Gloss Balm in 08 Recognize ($10), to the center of a red lip to give the lips a poutier effect.”

For summer, the shade to try is berry/fuchsia, which the pros say is one we’ll be seeing a lot of this season. We like Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Shockaholic ($24), which gives stay-put bold color without making your lips feel dry.

Expert Tip: Applying high-impact shades of lipstick with a fluffy eye shadow crease brush can create a sheer, washed-out bold lip look. “This will still give you intense color, but softer edges for a more diffused look,” says Davila.