by Beth Hammarlund
As much as the fashion cognoscenti boast of breaking boundaries, they certainly do love their rules. And with few exceptions, one of the greatest rules in the transition from runway to reality is that softer makeup is appropriate in the spring and summer, and heavier makeup should be saved for the colder months. But the impatient berries and aubergines that graced the runway of the Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear shows have already made the leap to the red carpet, gracing two of fashion’s most significant annual events: The Costume Institute Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival.
Kate Bosworth in Prada at the Met Gala (source: abcnews)
This March, dark wine lips dominated the Fall 2012 runways at Rochas, Nina Ricci, and YSL. Shortly after, guests at the Met’s Costume Institute Gala embraced the trend, including Kate Bosworth in a red-toned mulberry and Camilla Belle in a chocolatey raisin. Amber Valletta, Jessica Alba and Jessica Chastain all wore shades of plum as well.
Lana del Rey in Altuzzara at the Met Gala (source: PacificCoastNews)
Lana del Rey paired her glittering Altuzarra gown with matching boysenberry lips and nails. Topped with a sheer floor-length black cape, the effect was a little Clara Bow, a little Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. It was proof that the self-identified “ghetto Nancy Sinatra” possesses more style versatility than originally projected. The singer wore a similar shade of deep red lip color in her music video for “Born to Die.”
Karolina Kurkova in Roberto Cavalli at the Cannes screening of Killing Me Softly (source: Bauer Griffin)
This year’s Cannes Film Festival has had plenty of innocent and ethereal looks float down the red carpet, but Karolina Kurkova, Li Bingbing and Bella Heathcote opted for wicked drama, with vampy merlot lips. The trend has also made multiple appearances at the red carpet for premieres for the ghastly-looking What to Expect When You’re Expecting.
Jennifer Lopez at the L.A. premiere of What to Expect When You're Expecting (source: Getty)
Darker colors can read a bit flat and make lips appear smaller, so consider highlighting the center of your bottom lip with a slightly lighter shade for dimension. Use a lip liner and brush, and it doesn’t hurt to get a bit old-fashioned and blot. Top it off with a lacquer of gloss, or exercise some restraint and keep the look matte.
Bella Heathcote in Gucci at the Cannes Gucci/Vanity Fair Dinner Party (source: Getty Images)
The very best of the best:
Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Black Orchid
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in Noir Laque
Lipstick Queen Lipsticks in Black Tie Optional Sheer Seduction and Wine Sinner
Too Faced Lip of Luxury in Drop Dead Red
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in Aubergine
