We all know a bold lip color is the fastest way to transform your workday persona into your party-ready alter ego. But what if you have yet to find a dramatic hue that looks chic as opposed to over-the-top? No matter how in love with a new shade you may be, it has to work with your skin tone. To help, we enlisted celebrity makeup guru Sarah Uslan to give us the 411 on the best high-impact lipsticks for the holidays, based on complexion. Here, 6 glamorous ways to up the ante from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve and beyond.
High Drama
For Olive To Darker Skin Tones
"One color I know many fair women—like myself—wish they could pull off without looking goth is a deep burgundy or deep purple," says makeup artist Sarah Uslan. "Those with darker skin tones are able to rock these bold lip colors and still look feminine and chic. My go-to for clients is Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu. A great less expensive option is NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania."
For Medium To Olive Skin Tones
"Medium to olive skin tones can make a bold statement with vibrant orange-red lipstick," says Uslan. "Orange tones complement an olive complexion and bring out the warmth in the skin. My longtime favorite is MAC's Lady Danger. The shade enhances most skin tones, but it works extra magic on medium complexions. Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Marigold is another great orange at a lower price."
For Lighter Skin Tones
"A statement shade I always go back to when working with fair-skinned models or clients is a bright fuchsia pink," says Uslan. "It's a softer option when you want a bold lip without going red. Blue-hued pinks complement even the fairest skin. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bella is a great choice when you want a color that will last with minimal touch-ups. CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Bombshell Pink is a gorgeous pink and a steal."
