How to Apply Dark Lipstick for Light Skin

Yes, gals with lighter, pale skin can pull off that deep, retro, glamorous look without getting all washed out. You just need to pick your lip colors carefully and apply the lipstick following these guidelines for a great overall look.

Things You'll Need

• Lip balm
• Nude lip liner
• Lipstick with blue undertones
• Applicator brush
• Clear lip gloss

Instructions

1. Look for lip color that has blue undertones, especially if you have any kind of stains or discoloration on your teeth. The blue helps the teeth appear whiter, where a yellow undertone will bring out the yellow.

2. Massage your lips with a wet washcloth to exfoliate flakes and get your lips nice and smooth. Dark color really brings out the lines and flakes, so don't skip over this step. Put on a thin coat of lip balm.

3. Use a nude lip pencil to follow the natural shape of your lips. Make sure that you use a color that matches your skin. Also choose a lipstick color that complements your natural skin tone. Burgundy is good for bronze and dark beige skin tones, but women with ivory or light beige skin should go for a true red, while women with very light skin tones should stick with dark lipsticks that have a bit of a pink in them.

4. Brush on your favorite dark lip color. Dip the brush into your lipstick. Start at the middle point on your bottom lip and move out to the ends. Follow this same process with the upper lip. Blend with other lip shades to create the perfect color for you.

5. Dab a circle of noncolored lip gloss on the middle point of your bottom lip to amp up the shine and glam of those dark, sultry lips. Push your lips together to soften the edges of the gloss.

6. Make the rest of your look very subtle. Dark lipstick is a dramatic look, so keep your eye color and liners light so that those lips can really pop. Use blush that is as close to your natural light tone as you can get it.