When it comes to the red carpet (and real life), a pop of colour on your lips gets you noticed – for the right reasons. We asked Elizabeth Arden’s Celebrity National Makeup Artist, Lucoh Mhlongo, to reveal the trends we’ll be wearing this season and easy ways to pull them off.
The hot new shades
As we go into a new season, the lip shades to go for are bold! Dark colours are the talk of the town, from your ultra violets to rich chocolate browns. Red (from deep red to tomato red) is also big, in both matte or glossy. It’s time to stand out! We love Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Matte Lipstick in Bold Red (R320).
Pick your texture
Choosing lipstick texture is subjective. Red lipsticks, for example, are beautiful in matte and velvet finishes, but if you have a more daring personality, you can put a gloss over it. Alternatively, pick your texture according to the needs of your lips. Matte textures may dry out your lips a bit, so go for something moisturising, like a liquid lipstick or a gloss. We love Elizabeth Arden Plush Up Lip Gelato in Cherry Up! (R295). These are especially great in colder temperatures when your lips tend to be more dry.
Stock your kit
Make sure you have a good lip conditioner, lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss, a sharpener and of course a small mirror for touch-ups on the go.
Banish flakes
Exfoliate your lips regularly to remove dead skin. Then pamper them with a good lip conditioner. Wear it when you’re at home, before you sleep and when you’re not wearing any lipstick. It’s all about maintaining moisture. TRY Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm (R255).
Lip liner know-how
Use a lip liner all over your lip to help you maintain your lip colour. If you have thin lips, be cautious not to overline too much – just ever so slightly over your lip line so that it still looks natural. Make sure to blend the line so that it doesn’t look like a harsh outline. If you’re creative, use your lip liner to create an ombré effect. Or, use your liner as your lip colour and dab a gloss on top. Go for Elizabeth Arden Plump Up Lip Liner in Fire Red (R225).
