How to wear dark lipstick? Here’s what to keep in mind

Wearing dark lipstick can seem challenging, especially if you’re unsure how to apply it properly or pick the right shade for your skin tone. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help you make the most of those bold, dark shades on your lips.

The first rule – always prep your lips. Exfoliating them gently with a toothbrush once a week will help remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface, making it easier to apply lipstick. Smooth lips will ensure a cleaner and longer-lasting finish.

The second important step is to use powder or foundation on your lips before applying the lipstick. This technique neutralizes the natural color of your lips, allowing the lipstick shade to be true to its color. Using a lip liner also helps define your lips and prevents the color from bleeding. You can opt for a subtle line or full definition, depending on the effect you want. For longer-lasting results, apply the dark lipstick with a brush, blot with a tissue to remove any excess, and then lightly dust a layer of translucent powder over your lips.

When choosing a shade of dark lipstick, go for one that complements your skin tone. Cooler skin tones look great with dark berry shades that have blue undertones, while warmer skin tones are best suited to shades with orange or brown undertones. If you have thin lips, dark lipstick can make them appear smaller, so it’s recommended to add a bit of gloss to the center of your lips to make them look fuller.