Cabernet. Bordeaux, Merlot. No, we aren’t talking about the prized varietal you sipped last night, we are talking about the hottest celebrity lip trend right now for Fall/Winter.
Wine-stained lips are everywhere and there isn’t a bottle to be found. This statement makeup look, however, is a little bit more difficult to pull off than say, a nude gloss. The color, undertones, pigment and staying power make a huge difference in how well you can master the trend. And don’t forget, not all deep-red lip tones look great on all skin tones.
So if you want to flirt with this sultry look, first focus on finding the perfect shade for you. When it comes to lipstick, it’s all about your skin tone and the natural color of your lips that make a difference in how a color looks on you, says Misty Chapman, celebrity makeup artist at the Warren-Tricomi Salon in NYC. “A lot of times, you might see a deep lipstick shade you like and when you try it on, it might turn pink on you or it might not come out the color you imagined it to. You have to keep that it in mind.”
Basically, try before you buy such a bold color. Go to a makeup counter and have the saleswoman try each wine-colored shade on you. You might have thought burgundy was the ticket, but actually look better in something with more purple in it. You won’t know till it is on your lips.
As for the pigment and consistency, a highly pigmented matte color works best for this look, says Chapman. “I tend to like the matte colors because they don’t run. People wear this trend at night and the last thing you want to do is touch up your lipstick all evening.”
To apply, she suggests first applying a light lip balm to your bare lips. “If your lips are dry or peeling, they will grab that color in the wrong places.” Then, use a lip brush to apply, as you want a lot of precision with such a dark color. Finish by lining the lips in the same shade.
If you want a bit of shimmer, you can apply a bit of lip gloss to the center of your lips, but be wary if you have small lips, as Chapman says that shimmer tends to accentuate the thinness of the lips.
Wine-stained shades we love:
Estée Lauder ‘Violet Underground’ Pure Color Velvet Lipstick in Black Cassis ($25)
Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in Crimson Noir ($48)
Jouer Lipstick in Sarah ($22)