Purple lipstick, in its myriad of shades from soft lavender to deep plum, is a statement of confidence and style. While it might seem daunting, this versatile colour can complement every skin tone when chosen thoughtfully and applied with care. The key lies in understanding your complexion and mastering a few simple application techniques to ensure a polished, long-lasting finish. This guide will walk you through finding your perfect purple and achieving a flawless look every time.
Choosing Your Perfect Purple
The secret to pulling off any bold lip colour, especially purple, is finding the shade that harmonises with your skin's natural undertones. Once you identify your undertone, selecting a flattering purple becomes a much simpler process.
Understanding Your Skin's Undertone
Your skin's undertone is the subtle, underlying colour beneath the surface. It doesn't change with sun exposure and typically falls into one of three categories: cool, warm, or neutral.
- Cool Undertones: Your skin has hints of pink, red, or blue. The veins on your wrist may appear blue, and silver jewellery often looks more flattering on you.
- Warm Undertones: Your skin has hints of yellow, peach, or gold. The veins on your wrist may look greenish, and gold jewellery tends to complement your skin best.
- Neutral Undertones: You have a mix of cool and warm tones, or your undertone is not obvious. Both silver and gold jewellery suit you well, and your veins may appear blue-green.
Shade Recommendations for Different Undertones
Matching your lipstick to your undertone creates a balanced and cohesive look.
- For Cool Undertones: Look for purples with a blue or pink base. Shades like lavender, lilac, mauve, and rich plums with blue hints will look stunning. These colours will brighten your complexion and make your features pop.
- For Warm Undertones: Opt for purples with a red or pinkish-red base. Think magenta, fuchsia-purple, berry, and warm grape shades. These hues will complement the golden tones in your skin beautifully.
- For Neutral Undertones: You have the most flexibility and can wear a wide spectrum of purples. Both blue-based and red-based purples will likely work for you, from vibrant violet to muted, earthy purples.
Considering Your Overall Skin Tone
Beyond undertones, your skin's surface tone—light, medium, or deep—also plays a role.
- Light Skin: Softer, less saturated purples like pastel lilacs, lavenders, and mauves are excellent choices. Very dark or intense purples can create a stark contrast, so if you opt for a darker shade, consider a sheer or glossy formula.
- Medium Skin: You can handle more vibrancy and depth. Rich berry shades, true violets, and bright magentas look incredible. You can easily wear both bright and deep purple tones.
- Deep Skin: Bold and deep purples are your best friend. Saturated shades like plum, eggplant, dark magenta, and wine-coloured purples create a luxuriously rich and elegant look.
Mastering a Flawless Application
A bold colour like purple demands a precise application. Preparing your lips and using the right tools, such as a lip brush, will ensure a clean, professional-looking result that lasts.
Step 1: Prep Your Lips
A smooth canvas is non-negotiable for a perfect finish. Start by gently exfoliating your lips to remove any dry skin. You can use a soft toothbrush or a simple homemade scrub of sugar and a drop of oil. Afterwards, apply a hydrating lip balm and let it absorb for a few minutes. Blot away any excess before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Define with a Lip Liner
A lip liner is essential for preventing purple lipstick from feathering or bleeding into fine lines around the mouth. It also helps to create a crisp, defined shape. Choose a liner that closely matches your lipstick shade or a neutral tone that matches your natural lip colour. Carefully outline your lips, and for extra longevity, you can also fill them in completely with the liner.
Step 3: Apply the Lipstick
For the most precise application, use a lip brush. Load the brush with colour and start applying from the centre of your upper lip, moving outwards towards the corners. Follow the line you created with your lip liner. Repeat on the lower lip. Applying in thin layers helps build up the colour evenly and gives you more control.
Step 4: Blot and Set
To increase the wear time and prevent transfer, gently blot your lips. Place a single ply of tissue over your mouth and lightly press. This removes excess oil and product without dulling the colour. For an even more durable finish, you can reapply a second layer of lipstick and blot again. A light dusting of translucent powder over the tissue can also help to set the colour.
Finishes and Formulas
The finish of your lipstick can dramatically change the final look. Purple comes in various formulas, each with its own benefits.
- Matte: Offers a modern, velvety finish with intense colour payoff and excellent longevity. However, it can feel drying, so thorough lip prep is crucial.
- Satin or Cream: Provides a comfortable, hydrating feel with medium-to-full coverage and a subtle sheen. It's a great middle-ground for both comfort and impact.
- Glossy or Sheer: Delivers a high-shine finish with a wash of colour. This is an excellent option for those new to purple or for a more casual, daytime look. It can also be layered over other formulas to add dimension.
