I LOVE it when people get experimental with makeup. That's what our teens and 20's are all about. However I'm a bit alarmed that the dark lip is making a comeback this season. Don't get me wrong, I love a dark lip. It can be mysterious, sultry and bold......if you're under 30. After Youtube star Michelle Phan posted her latest video on how to create the perfect dark lip I knew it was time to make sure I included a list of the do's and don'ts for lip color.
Before I start the list I put together a photo sample of a neutral, bright and dark lip colors worn on the red carpet by 28 year old actress Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo). As you can see the dark lip color really emphasizes her smaller top lip. Her face also looks hard and sunken. The color really brings out her eyes, but at the cost other less appealing attributes. Mara's neutral lip really brings attention to her eyes. As much as I love the effect of a matte lip, she would have actually benefited more by wearing a glossy lip so that her lips don't appear so small. The look is a little lifeless for my taste. Even some shimmer on the top cheek would help this look, but we're focusing on lips here. Finally the bold red lip color is a big winner for me. She really looks a lot younger here. Her eyes really pop. Not everyone can or wants to wear a bright or bold lip, but keep in mind colors on the lighter side can really make the face appear much more youthful.
DO's and DON'Ts
DON't wear dark lipstick if you have small lips.
DO find a makeup artist to help you find the right tone to make sure you don't look dead if you choose to wear a dark lipstick.
DO wear a gloss over dark lipstick if you have smaller lips to prevent them from looking even smaller (dark colors recede).
Please DON't wear dark lipstick after 30 UNLESS you have a skin tone like Rihanna or Jennifer Hudson.
DO make sure your eyes balance your lips. Emphasis on the lips and not the eyes/brows still pull the face downward. Lift those lashes upward to defy the illusion of gravity and compliment those lips.
DO use a pencil to make sure your lips are not bleeding or mishapen.
DO use a semi-permanent lip product to make sure lipstick doesn't end up on your teeth.
DO know that most guys find dark lipstick a big turn-off.....just ask Kanye West lol http://bit.ly/1fz92Ll
So do you agree with this week's Tuesday Tip?
