Create the Perfect Dark Lip With These Tips & Tricks

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Prep Early

No matter how talented your makeup artist for the wedding is, you’ll need to prep your pout for a darker lip a few days in advance. The slightest imperfections or dryness will be highly visible up close. Try a lip-targeted scrub, chemical peel, or heavy-duty moisturizer to create a smooth, flawless canvas.

The pick: Dermalogica – Nightly Lip Treatment ($68)

dermalogica

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Get Liquid

We normally associate liquid lipstick with shine and gloss, but newer launches include wands that can create a rich, matte finish. At the 2018 Grammy Awards, Rita Ora looked classically beautiful wearing a burgundy lip paired with flawless skin, bold brows, and a very neutral eye. Her surprising trick for keeping that pout looking immaculate throughout the evening? Re-applying occasionally with a lip wand in the Rimmel shade Plum This Show.

The pick: Rimmel London - Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour ($7)

Rimmel London

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Embrace Liner

Even if you haven’t used a lip liner since MAC’s lip pencil in “Spice” peaked in the '90s, it’s time to revisit this tool. Makeup artist Hung Vanngo used Marc Jacobs Beauty’s (P)outliner pencil to add polish and a precise outline to client Kate Bosworth’s dark red lips for the recent Critics’ Choice Awards. Ideally, the liner and lipstick shades should seamlessly match.

The pick: Marc Jacobs – (P)outliner Longwear Lip Pencil ($24 US)

Marc Jacobs

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Add a Highlight

To add interest to a darker lip, try this runway-approved trick: highlight your cupid’s bow with a cream highlighter or metallic shimmer. The effect works best with matte hues, but is an easy way to add a bit of shape to your lips.

The pick: Smashbox - L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Colour ($36)

Smashbox

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Go Long

Ideally, your wedding day glam should remain impeccable from the ceremony to the very last dance. Pick a long-lasting, hydrating lipstick that won’t budge or fade, and be sure to do a test-run before the big day if it’s a product you haven’t used before.

The pick: Charlotte Tilbury - Matte Revolution Lipstick ($39)

Charlotte Tilbury

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Create the Perfect Dark Lip With These Tips & Tricks

The go-to lips for most brides are pale, natural pinks or bold reds. But for something a little less expected, why not consider a dark lip for your wedding day? It’s dramatic, eye-catching, and makes a bold fashion statement. Keep in mind that a darker lip will require more frequent re-application, and generally looks best … Continued

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The go-to lips for most brides are pale, natural pinks or bold reds. But for something a little less expected, why not consider a dark lip for your wedding day? It’s dramatic, eye-catching, and makes a bold fashion statement.

Keep in mind that a darker lip will require more frequent re-application, and generally looks best when paired with a neutral eye and low-key makeup on the rest of your face. And, while some shades will work on most skin tones, others are only flattering against certain complexions. There’s no way to know if a “perfect” lipstick will look great on you until you try it on in person—and make sure to take a few selfies in natural light and with a flash to see how the colour will photograph on your big day!

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