The new red lip is... a red wine lip
Dramatic, romantic, sexy, edgy… a deep, dark burgundy-wine lip can be any and all of these. But it’s essential to prep lips before application, as colour this bold is unforgiving on anything but the smoothest skin. That means exfoliation, regular applications of lip balm and perhaps even a mask, such as Kaplan MD Perfecting Pout Lip Mask, £35, which also has a light exfoliating action.
Against darker skin tones, lip colours can be fuller and deeper, from richest ruby to black-laced pinot noir reds, applied straight from the bullet (though using a lip liner first gives it something to anchor to, as well as shaping the mouth). On fairer skin, very dark shades can carry a risk of looking too ‘goth’, so go lighter or redder, or soften by wearing as a stain: push the colour into the centre of the lips from the bullet and buff it out to the edges with a cotton bud or a small fluffy brush.
A matte or semi-matte finish always looks modern – Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Intense Velvet in Cedar 206, £31, Lancôme L’absolu Rouge Matte Lipstick in Berry Noir and Lancôme L’absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick in Bad Blood Ruby, £27 each, all give a flattering, sculpted look with a little luminosity, and feel comfortable. ‘Dotting liquid highlighter in the centre of the mouth looks festive and stops the colour fading once it dries,’ says Soh.
Wear it with:
A strong lip means paring everything else back. Think clean, glossy skin, no blush, brushed-up brows, curled lashes and minimal mascara for definition. You could go without eyeshadow or add a soft, something-and-nothing shade with a hint of light-reflective sparkle, such as Trinny London Eye2eye in Chalice, £18.