Once you find the right shade, how should you wear the rest of your makeup? If you are going to have one piece of makeup that stands out, you want to keep everything else neutral to highlight that effect,
90s Grunge
Dark lips are a must-have for any grunge-inspired look. Bring out your favorite leather jacket and pair it with an Angela Chase-inspired floral dress or dark-wash denim to pull it all together.
Getting Graphic
Nothing says “I’m a rebel” more than sporting dark lips and a graphic tee. Can’t be tamed? Check out Forever 21’s Be Advised Muscle Tee ($12.80) or Urban Outfitters’ Feather Hearts in Memory Muscle Tee ($39). Match your tee with a skirt for a more feminine look!
Edgy Vamp
Head-to-toe black may seem ultra goth, but you can make it work by pairing it with dark lips. Go big and go bold!
Gabrielle Sorto, a sophomore at Georgia State University, says dark lips and edgy outfits go hand in hand. “I absolutely love wearing dark lips this time of year because I feel like it can make you look so put together even if the rest of your outfit is simple,” she says. “I usually pair dark lips with an edgy outfit to create that vampy kind of look.”
Campus Comfy
Get ready to fall in love with the baggy sweater, skinny pant and dark lipstick combo—it’s always a winning look. Top it off with a hat and chunky scarf to make this outfit complete! Check out Forever 21’s Standout Mixed Knit Grid Sweater ($22.80) or Express’s Marled Side Slit Shaker Knit Sweater ($49.90).
Connie Chan, a senior at Carnegie Mellon University, says that dark lips can offer a more mature look and spruce up a casual going-to-class outfit in an instant.
“I had never been into heavily-pigmented lipstick before, but now I feel like I'm old enough to pull it off without looking like I'm playing dress-up,” she says. “I've recently been obsessed with Smashbox's Be Legendary Lipstick in Fig ($20). It's the perfect balance of sultry and sophisticated, and gives any outfit a more mature feel. I love pairing it with a casual outfit like black tights and a denim shirt. My lips really pop, yet the deep maroon color and matte finish make my entire look seem effortless!”
Night Out
Two worlds collide as bold meets elegance. You’ll soon learn that dark lips work as the perfect accessory for a night out. Get ready to turn heads when you pair your lipstick with Express’s Plunging V-Neck Metallic Lace Dress ($118) or H&M’s Lace Dress ($24.95).
What will be your signature look? Instead of sticking with your favorite pinks and nude shades, why not go to the dark side with your lipstick? There’s a shade for everyone, and we hope our tips will help you find the perfect match. Have a favorite already? Sound off below!
