How to Pull Off Purple Lipstick

Courtesy of MAC
Courtesy of MAC

Elizabeth Siegel,Allure magazine

I haven't given much thought to purple lipstick. (In fact, the last time I thought about it was probably the last time I watched The Craft.) But the once-goth shade is starting to pop up all over the place: at fashion week, on Amanda Seyfried, and in Allure's office. We're not talking berry or even plum. This shade is full-on purple.

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It's a bold look, for sure. But it's also really, surprisingly flattering. That's because the new purple lip colors aren't dark or brooding. The best ones come in rich jewel tones (like the bold, glossy amethyst color that Seyfried wore to Miu Miu's spring show) or pretty purple-y stains (like the berry lips at Marni). Yep, this is actually one instance where the runway version of a trend is subdued and totally wearable. Use your fingers to pat on a deep purple, such as Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Black Tie, or a vibrant one, like M.A.C Yung Repunxel (a gorgeous shade created in collaboration with Azealia Banks). Or if you want to go all out, swipe on two coats of M.A.C's rich purple shade Cyber. Just make sure to finish your look with blush, so you don't veer into '90s territory.

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