Fall Foliage Lip Color!

Raisa Kahn, photographed by Alicia Prosceno

Lately, I’ve been totally amping up my makeup game, or trying at least.  Most fashionistas know that your pretty little face is the icing on the cake, meaning accessorizing a Fall wardrobe must not stop at picking the perfect pair of wedge booties.  This fall, there are a ton of fun makeup trends that can help amp up any outfit, from graphic eyeliner looks to channel your inner artist, to metallic eyelids - the luxe, modern take on a smokey eye, to in-your-face spider eyelashes.  The look that has me in a frenzy however, is bold, matte lips.  Perhaps I like this look because of my mainly black Fall and Winter wardrobe, or quite possibly it’s my love for old Hollywood glamour.      Either way, there’s no denying that a brightly painted pout is the way to go this Fall, and I can’t think of a better way to kiss summer goodbye.

I know that many of us struggle with how to select the perfect color when going bold. If you’re someone who insists on following the rules, generally cool skin tones will look best in bold lip colors with blue undertones (think raspberry shades), and warm complexions will benefit from trying shades with a little more of an orange base.  I tend to not get too caught up in these rules, especially since I swear I have jaundiced skin every time I hold my arm up to someone else’s to compare skin tone.  Instead, I go somewhere where I can try a few shades on.  You really only need to find one fantastic bold lipstick to get you through most of fall, so it pays to head to a department store or beauty store for this one.  By being able to try on multiple shades, it’s easy to see what compliments you, and a sales associate can most likely help give an unbiased opinion on the matter.  While you may spend a little more on that one tube of lipstick, you’re guaranteed to like it and wear it, unlike the three that were purchased at the drug store, all of which you could quite possible hate.

If you’re not typically a lipstick wearer, you can still get in on the trend without staining your lips fire engine red.  While I love the deep merlots, cool berry shades, hot fucshia lips, and brick red tones, I do know that bold lipstick is not something that everyone feels comfortable in (don’t knock it unless you try it, however).  If you aren’t a fan of leaving your mark all over your glass wear, opt for a beige nude lip.  It can make just as much of a statement (if not more), and will be a smooth transition for those of us who are too timid to take on a daring lip color this fall.

How To: Bold Lips 

1.  Anytime you are making your lips the focal point you need to show them some love. Exfoliate your lips with a simple DIY scrub of olive oil and sugar to remove dead, dry skin. Remove the scrub completely with a damp towel. This crucial step will allow for a smoother application and help ensure your lipstick lasts longer.
2. Gone are the days of matching your lip pencil to your lipstick. Instead, reach for a lip pencil that matches your natural lip color (try M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Subculture) so you can wear it with any shade of lipstick you have. Following your natural shape, line and fill in with your lip pencil. This gives the lipstick something to adhere to and increases staying power.
3. For maximum color payoff, apply your lipstick directly from the tube (save the lip brush for any detail work in the corners of your mouth). Wherever you first apply your lipstick is where you will deposit the most product, start at the center of your bottom lip. Extend the color to the edges of your mouth, top and bottom, and carefully blot your lips together.
4. To further increase your lipsticks longevity, take a coffee filter and use it to blot your lipstick. This simple step helps push the color pigments into the skin to create a stain. Coffee filters don’t leave unattractive lint the way tissues do (they’re also great for wiping down mascara wands and absorbing oil and perspiration on your t-zone in a pinch). Once you have blotted your lips, carefully apply another coat of lipstick.
5. With bold lip colors mistakes are bound to happen. Fret not, clean up with Q-tips soaked in makeup remover to remove any errant stray marks. To polish and tighten the edges of your lips, trace a concealer brush dipped in concealer around your lips to cover any imperfections. Follow this up with a Q-tip dipped in your face powder, if needed, to complete your bold lip look.

For more makeup trends, tips, and tricks check out BreBeauty Makeup Artistry.

So now that you’re all wondering how I happen to be a fashion guru and a makeup genius, I will let you in on my little secret.  It just so happens, that a friend of mine has a happening little beauty business in this area, known as BreBeauty Makeup Artistry.  Owner Breanna Bennet is a licensed esthetician and M.A.C. certified makeup artist who knows anything and everything beauty related (if you’re not familiar with M.A.C. makeup products, I strongly suggest trying out their products- for more info head to www.maccosmetics.com).  I’m always delighted to read her latest blog posts, so I asked her to put together a makeup tutorial for us all on how to attain a perfect pout with this must have look for Fall! 

For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store, The Purple Zebra and follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/goodnpretty.  Also, find The Purple Zebra on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purplezebrashop!