Richard Drew/The Associated Press
The question
Can any skin tone sport the new superdark blue-reds that were shown on fall's runways?
The answer
Yes, but the trick is to wear it sheer or medium in its intensity or opacity. This way, your lips won't become the only thing people see when they look at you. Also, you'll need to keep the rest of your features in balance with this bold lip. During the day, define your eyes with black liner and mascara and add a touch of blush to bring warmth to your face. For the evening, smoky grey or warm brown eyeshadow with defined brows works well.
Keep the dimension of your lips intact by using a hint of shimmer in the Cupid's bow or tubercle (the place where the two arches of your upper lip dip and meet) and in the centre of the lower lip; otherwise, the dark shade can make your lips appear smaller or thinner than they are. If the bluest of the reds are just too much for you, try M.A.C's Russian Red. It's a true red, which means it is equally cool and warm in tone, so it works well with most skin, hair and eye colours. Before you pucker up, however, know that a dark-red lip requires a willingness to maintain the look throughout the day and an ample dose of confidence to pull it off.
Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has appeared on The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.