Don't Let Purple Lipstick Scare You
Purple lipstick can be intimidating. It's just so ... purple, a color that demands attention. But think of it this way: purple lipstick is way less intimidating than other popular bold colors, such as blue and the especially terrifying black. And you can make a purple lip as bold or as subtle as you want.
To prove to you that you CAN pull of purple lips, we had three women with different skin tones model wear their favorite purple lip color.
Favin in MAC
The lipstick: MAC matte lipstick in Heroine
Favin's undertones: neutral (discover your own undertones here)
Why she loves it: "It's dramatic enough that if you wear it during the day, you hardly have to put on any other makeup. It's basically a one-step beauty routine!" Favin says. "For night, I pair it with some eyeliner."
Fun fact: This MAC purple lipstick was originally part of a short-lived summer 2013 lipstick. However, the bright matte purple rocketed to cult-favorite status due to its universally flattering blue undertones, and MAC decided to make it a part of its permanent lipstick collection.
Other flattering purples for skin tones like Favin's: Dose of Colors liquid matte in Purple Rain ($11.99)
Charmaine in Make Up For Ever
The lipstick: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in Pearly Violet
Charmaine's undertones: warm
Why she loves it: "It's a standout shade but still versatile enough that you don't have to worry about it clashing with your outfit," Charmaine says, adding that the dark purple lipstick reminds her of "a ripe, delicious eggplant."
Other flattering purples for skin tones like Charmaine's: L'Oreal Infallible Paints Liquid Lipstick in Violet Twist ($6.99)
Katie in Lorac
The lipstick: Lorac Pro matte lip color in violet
Katie's undertones: cool to neutral
Why she loves it: "It goes nicely with sheer washes of pink and mauve eye shadow," Katie says.
Other flattering purples for skin tones like Katie's: Smashbox Be Legendary matte lipstick in Fair Play ($16.99)
Photos (aside from the top photo) by Andrew Nawrocki, Groupon
This article was published in a different format in 2014 and has been updated.
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