Many years ago, I bought a plum lip pot from Victoria’s Secret (similar item here). It was so dark in the little jar, but when you put it on, it was sheer, yet bold. I used it up quickly, because it was an incredibly luxe gloss that I absolutely loved. Ever since, I’m always on the look out for similar looks that are sexy, yet easy to pull off.
Not to mention, I love wine (check out my complete guide to Merlot), and I am obsessive over makeup (see: How to Rock a Red Lip and/or The Perfect Bold Lip for NYE).
The key to pulling off a wine lip is to pay attention to the other makeup you’re wearing. Many people say that if you want to do a bold lip, you’ve got to mute everything else… not quite true. If you do that, you’ll look like a vampire and/or Wednesday Adams. If that’s not your thing, wear makeup that’s dewy and well, full of life!
Wine lip hues to try:
Desire Tinted Lipglass by Mac ($18) – Tinted Lipglass is a unique lip gloss can create a high-gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own or over a lip pencil or a lipstick, it’s the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It’s pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic color. It’s formulated with jojoba oil to help soften and condition lips.
Wine Tour Moisturizing Lipstick by e.l.f. Studio ($6) – All e.l.f. lipsticks provide even, natural-looking lip color, without fading or drying out. Each lipstick has been formulated with key ingredients and vitamins to nourish and moisturize lips for a healthy, long-lasting look. e.l.f. Cosmetics offers the best selection of high-quality, affordable lipstick cosmetics.
Shiraz Lip Tint by Wine Country Organics ($7) – This organic grape seed oil lip tint provides rich organic moisturizing with a touch of natural pigment. This 100% natural formula – made with 97% certified organic ingredients – soothes, conditions and moisturizes for soft, beautiful and kissable lips.
Merlot Crème Smooth Lip Colour by Laura Mercier ($27) – Laura introduces a luxurious new lipstick that gives lips the ultimate in colour, texture, and finish. In one smoothing swipe, the creme formula envelops lips in rich colour with a semi-lustrous finish. The cushiony, lightweight texture feels comfortable, while pure Olive Oil and Vitamin E nourish lips. Features an elegant, modern case with a metalized finish. Application technique: Press bullet to lips using even pressure to apply colour on both upper and lower lips; to refresh press lip together.
Divine Wine Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color by Maybelline ($6) – Maybelline’s Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color delivers a burst of bold lip color and a surge of creamy texture in make-a-statement shades, for mattes your lips will love to wear!
Copenhagen Soft Matte Lip Cream by Nyx Cosmetics ($9) – This matte lip cream is a new kind of lip color that goes on silky smooth and sets to a matte finish. Soft Matte Lip Cream is surprisingly durable and, unlike some matte lipstick formulas, also moisturizing. Delightfully creamy and lightweight, our award winning line just expanded with two captivating new shades. Apply directly to lips, or over lipstick. Apply with lip liner to define outline of lips.
If you’re a wino, like me, and have experience true wine lips after downing a glass a bottle, it’s not really the look you’re going for. To prevent REAL wine lips, make sure you’re regularly exfoliating the lips (try The Lip Scrub). Red wine sticks to dry skin. It’s also a good idea to smear on a little lip balm with olive oil before indulging in a sip session (try 80 Acres).
If it’s too late, and you’re mid-date in the bathroom with wine lips, dap on a dark red hue over the wine-stain and it’ll look like you meant to do it this entire time!
The other part of the problem could be wine teeth. This is not a good look! Avoid getting wine teeth by brushing your teeth before you hit the bar. If possible, sip water between sips of wine. And finally, load up your purse with some Wine Wipes – these suckers are safe for your teeth and will clean up that Merlot mouth ASAP.
So, there you have it – you can master the wine lip in the right way, and avoid the downsides (though they are few and far between) of sipping the sauce.
The Bitter Lemon 