Vamp up Your Look

Here I am on a night out in London
wearing my signature shade.

Anyone who knows me knows that I try many different makeup looks. I will try anything once and see how I like it. Last year, while I was studying in London, I got hooked on dark color lipsticks. I was never really a lipstick wearer until I realized just how a certain lip color can complete a whole look. While in Boots (a pharmacy that also has a stellar beauty assortment in the UK) I found a rich burgundy color (Revlon Super Lustrous Créme 477-Black Cherry) that became a staple in my makeup palette. As you can see in the picture to the left, this particular lipstick has a sheen to it and as the name suggests, it has a creamy consistency.

Much to my delight, dark lip colors are in again this season. Currently I am lusting over Burberry's Oxblood. Not only is it a beautiful color, but my dear Cara Delevingne rocks it, too! This particular shade leaves lips with a matte finish for all day wear, certain to vamp up any look. Some people are hesitant to try such a color because of how dark it is, but my motto is just go for it and chances are, everyone is going to be envying your confidence! The other amazing thing about untraditional lipstick shades is that you can be wearing the most simple tshirt and jeans and yet you are still making a statement!

Although this color seems like it is a nighttime color, I think that it is perfect for any time. As I said before, it can really dress up a casual look. This color looks particularly great with a denim button down because of the contrasting between the cool and warm hues of the blue jean and the red undertones of the oxblood. If you are still iffy about trying this color, you should really just test a similar color at Sephora or Ulta before splurging on a $33 Burberry lipstick. There are many cheaper alternatives that can achieve a very similar look. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a matte color or one that is more glossy. Although I love my creamy Revlon color, there really is something to say about a matte oxblood lip. It takes the look one step further and makes it that much more dramatic.

For anyone worrying that this color doesn't work on all skintones, I'm here to tell you differently. The model above definitely has an olive skintone and darker features, but someone with a fair complexion can pull it off just as well, maybe even better. Look at this picture of Kate Bosworth! This image alone would make me try anything because she looks absolutely stunning! I wasn't sure about the whole matching oxblood on oxblood but the combination of that dress and lip color is the definition of flawless. I guess the different eye colors also lend a hand in this situation because both look amazing with the oxblood lip.

Kate Bosworth