Channeling the intensity of purple lipstick can seem like a challenge, especially if you are unsure of yourself. Take care of yourself in the process of putting the lipstick on and allow yourself to adjust to the look slowly if you’re nervous, which will limit any mistakes you may make.
Applying Your Purple Lipstick Flawlessly
- Step 1: Exfoliate your lips first to give yourself the most optimally textured palette to show off your choice of purple lipstick. You can create your own lip scrub with brown sugar, a few drops of honey and a drop or two of an oil like coconut, olive or jojoba oil. Take your mixture and rub it, gently, across your lips in a circular motion for a few seconds. Rise off your lips and apply a moisturizing lip balm but be careful not to slather it on.
- Step 2: Grab a complementary lip liner and create the clean edges you need with such a strong color. Begin with your top lip, starting at the center of the cupid’s bow and working your way outwards. Line your bottom lip from one side to the other. Fill your liner in just a bit, or fully with the pencil in order to give your purple lipstick a long-lasting application.
- Step 3: Apply your purple lipstick! If you are wearing a satin or a sheer lipstick, it is best to apply this with your finger and build to the coverage you want if you want a sheer application. If you want medium coverage to start, use the applicator or apply directly from the bullet.
- Step 4: For matte and deep, dark shades, use a lip liner for best precision. Start from the center and work your way out while staying within your liner outline.
- Step 5: Pull and blot. Everyone knows this step, but to keep purple lipstick this startling off teeth, insert your thumb or forefinger into your mouth, close your lips lightly around the digit and pull it out. Next, you should blot your lips to remove any excess product from the rest of your lips.
- Step 6: Reapply if a darker, more intense purple lip is your end goal. If you do reapply, remember to repeat step 5.
Completing Your Look with a Strong Purple Lip
Consider going with a monochromatic look to balance out the intensity of purple lips on your face. A set of purple lips will stand out with anything, so choose to limit your palette everywhere else, including your clothing.
Don’t feel the need to shy away from color either. An outfit in a complementary color will only make you stand out more. A lot of people who are afraid of bold colors fear they may seem like they are “doing too much.”
Try pairing your favorite classic outfit with the strong purple lip and see how you feel, and of course make sure to take a few pics to review.
Quick Purple Lipstick Tips
- Prepare for the contrast! Darker shades of purple lipstick can make your skin look paler in comparison. You can balance it out by using a light bronzer in place of blush or you can lean into it and enjoy the contrast. In general, try to prepare a flawless canvas for purple lips, as the intensity of the color will highlight any skin imperfections easily.
- Keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Purple lipstick stands out enough that you can keep the rest of your makeup low-key. Neutrals and perhaps a bit of sparkle or tinted moisturizer if that is your thing will allow your purple lips to take center stage.
- A hint of a complementary mauve or wine on another feature, like a hint of blush or a light sweep of eyeshadow will only accentuate your look further. Consider using yellow rather than blue or green as a bright accent that complements the purple perfectly.
- Take your eye color into account as well. When trying out shades, don’t forget to allow the one you pick to complement more than just your skin tone. Highlight your eyes as well! Purple lips look incredibly chic especially with amber eyes.
- Don’t shy away. Intensify your purple lipstick by wearing the shade in a matte finish. The color will show through uninhibited and strong – a perfect statement-making feature for a night out. If you are looking for a more daytime look, consider a satin finish or sheer purple lipstick, which would have a less intense effect without sacrificing the color.
Photos via @daryna_barykina, Instagram
