How to get the perfect berry lip

It wouldn’t be autumn without a signature berry lip, but have you perfected the art of applying vampy lipstick yet? Wearing a dark lip can be a bit intimidating if you’re used to just a slick of balm, but with a little preparation and the right products, you’ll be embracing the berry trend in no time.

Exfoliate and moisturise

Exfoliating and moisturising is a daily part of our skincare routine, but when was the last time you gave your lips a good scrub? Between the changing seasons and central heating getting cranked up to the max, it’s easy for skin to get dried out - especially the delicate skin on your lips.

With a dark berry lip, it’s important to start with a smooth base so lipstick applies evenly. So, you want to make sure exfoliating and moisturising your lips becomes a regular part of your routine. Start with a sugar scrub to buff away dry skin and leave your lips smooth and soft. Lush do the best lip scrubs around - the Bubblegum variety is our favourite for a super sweet skincare treat.

Make sure to follow up with a good moisturising balm that will take care of your lips during the colder weather. Try the cult favourite, Nuxe Reve de Miel, for an ultra-nourishing balm to repair dry lips.

Flawless skin

A statement berry lip looks best with pared-back makeup to let the lipstick stand out. Keep it simple with flawless skin and lots of mascara. Make sure you’re on top of your skincare routine for naturally beautiful skin. Need to fake it? No worries. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is your best friend. Its lightweight, buildable formula is perfect for disguising both dark circles and blemishes.

Lip liner

Lip liner is a step in our beauty routine we’re all guilty of skipping, but it’s well worth taking the extra two minutes to apply some before you go in with a dark berry lipstick. Not only will the lip liner prevent any bleeding around the edges, it will also help your lipstick stay put for longer and - if your lipstick does fade away - it will leave a stain on your lips.

Choose your lip liner carefully and make sure to colour match it to your favourite berry lipstick to ensure the best results.

Match to your skintone

Finding your perfect shade can take a bit of trial and error, but in general there are a few shades that work best on different types of skin tones. Cranberry and oxblood shades look great on everyone, so they’re always a safe starting point if you’re not sure what to go for.

Plum hues look best on those with cool undertones - if you’re pale, go for a sheer look, or if you have darker skin opt for a punchier metallic shade. For skin with warm undertones, choose rosy raspberry and strawberry shades for a pop of pinky-red colour.