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Beauty Board: Blackberry Lips

There aren't many things you can count of these days, but there is a certain beauty trend that reliably turns up just as the temperatures start to drop: dark lips. But unlike past iterations of this look—like the opaque black gloss shown at Yves Saint Laurent last year—this season, the deep shade that's showing up on everyone's lips is much more wearable. Whether it's nearly noir (as seen on Daisy Lowe) or more of a stain (check out Rihanna), our favorite notables are all about blackberry lips!



While a number of the fall collections showed these intense purple lips, we were curious to see if this trend could work off the runways. After all, even though there were countless articles about black lipstick last year, frankly the look never really took off. But, as today's fashionable faces attest, blackberry lips are already experiencing a wholly different trajectory. The bold berry tint first piqued our interest a couple of weeks ago when we spotted Agyness Deyn wearing it during London Fashion Week. Snapped en route to the UK-outpost of Bungalow 8, the major model balanced the statement shade by keeping the rest of her face basically bare, save for a smidge of soft pink blush.

It's worth noting that Deyn's overall look—neutral clothes, otherwise simple makeup—is the definitive way to wear blackberry lips. Other celebrity trendsetters seem to agree: recently Rihanna paired charcoal clothes with a deep berry stain (specifically Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Armanisilk Lipstick ($25) in 92 Black Plum) and Mischa Barton accented this rich lip color with an otherwise undone face and simple t-shirt. Even in the most extreme versions, such as the uber-dark lipstick Daisy Lowe wore to Alexander Wang's S/S 10 show, looks sophisticated if you keep the rest of your beauty regime simple and casual.

Of course, the greatest thing about this trend is the fact that you don't need much to try it: just a great lipstick and a bit of attitude! If you're truly daring, definitely check out MAC's Lipstickicon ($14) in Cyber, it's been the go-to product for romantic goths for ages. Readers who are searching for something a little lighter and easier to wear should pick up Lipstick Queen's Chinatown Glossy Pencil ($20) in Mystery. Though it appears black at first glance, trust us when we tell you that the formula is quite sheer and lovely. In addition to this department-store duo, we also found a couple of awesome choices at the drugstore. Topping our list of favorite tubes are Maybelline's Color Sensational Lip Coloricon ($8) in Plum Perfect and Revlon's Matte Lipstickicon ($8) in Wine Not—both excellent formulas and hues. But no matter what shade you pick up or product you prefer, the results are certain: a seasonally spot-on beauty look!


Photo of Daisy Lowe from Anne Ziegler; photo of Rihanna from x17; photo of Mischa Barton and Agyness Deyn, from PCN.
Beauty Board , Daisy Lowe , Mischa Barton , Rihanna , Lipstick Queen , MAC , Maybelline
DISCUSS/30 post(s)


I LOVE this trend, if you are a fair skinned lady, it looks gorgeous against some alabaster cheeks. I wear MAC Cyber and love it.

        Posted by: Erin  |  2009-11-04 14:10:12

Wow. What a disaster.

        Posted by: manon  |  2009-10-16 17:49:14

This is a trend that will take some getting used to! Plus you have to already be a bold person to have enough confidence to pull this off, love the idea though. I read about this on BeautyBlitz.com as well, there were different products that they mentioned that will capture this look, see here!

        Posted by: Kim  |  2009-10-14 15:09:31

Oh no no no. No bueno, unless you're on-stage and performing in front of an AUDIENCE. twitter.com/noodlefunk

        Posted by: C-tali Lace  |  2009-10-08 01:09:48

I found an amazing purple gloss...Check it out on my blog www.harleyshops.blogspot.com

        Posted by: becca  |  2009-10-07 22:01:40

I love this look im going to try it in purple because black is way too advant garde theplumpenny.blogspot.com

        Posted by: tiffany marie  |  2009-10-07 19:18:15

I purchased the kat von d lipstick in 'homegirl' and I like it. But it's not something you should wear on a daily basis. But it's a great for a night out in the town..I would tone down the blush and eyemakeup though..(for those who want to wear this blackberry color)

        Posted by: lianna  |  2009-10-07 16:33:31

Um no

        Posted by: Lily  |  2009-10-07 15:35:43

Chanel Vamp all the way! the best dark plummy yummy color...and you can blot it down to a really pretty stain too http://rosieshaheen.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: Rosie  |  2009-10-07 03:45:19

I love this look even if I'm a fan of pale lips, been with it for a while. I own a few dark gloss plum lipsticks, inglots probably my best buy. I'd love to find an electric colour next

        Posted by: Laura mason  |  2009-10-07 01:38:51

I love this! blackberry lip looks very good on me :) makes me look more sophisticated.

        Posted by: Ess  |  2009-10-07 01:13:55

omg Mischa Barton looks like a zombie. lol

        Posted by: ...love Maegan  |  2009-10-07 01:02:56

Good idea, but very sloppily applied in all your examples. I like Mischa's shade best - makes her look undead, but in a cool way.

        Posted by: Hannah  |  2009-10-06 21:32:13

They all look like monsters from a vampire movie.NOT a good look for anyone

        Posted by: lees  |  2009-10-06 20:46:57

i am not liking it..makes everyone look so old or something..
tofuscloset.blogspot.com

        Posted by: cassie  |  2009-10-06 20:00:36

mischa looks like a crone version of abbey lee.

        Posted by: lulu  |  2009-10-06 18:28:17

strangely mischa looks like helena chistensen in this pic.

        Posted by: sarah  |  2009-10-06 14:39:35

Dsquared2 has also launched a make-up collection, you should see it.. ;) http://MaisonChaplin.blogspot.com @ Donatella Versus Christopher

        Posted by: MAISON CHAPLIN  |  2009-10-06 13:50:28

Daisy Lowe can definitely pull off a dark lip. She looks awesome!!! Check out my new fashion blog: blog-http://myfashionlens.blogspot.com/2009/10/fashion-copycat-sling-back-bootie.html

        Posted by: Leslie  |  2009-10-06 13:32:54

This is a terrible idea. seriously.

        Posted by: Rach  |  2009-10-06 12:42:35

i actually own the color sensational lip color in that shade and i love it. the color is so good on and it lasts all day it's a for sure buy. x noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com

        Posted by: s  |  2009-10-06 10:52:09

I love fall!!! The dark lips just add more of goth side!!! ima give it a shot!

        Posted by: ALICE M.  |  2009-10-06 10:41:39

I am loving the goth look! Please check out my blog I have some great items for sale from Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, like the BDG ankle acid washed jeans! Don't miss out! www.shopcheapandchic.blogspot.com

        Posted by: cheap and chic  |  2009-10-06 09:49:20

i really wish i could pull this off. i am very intrigued! http://fashionhedonism.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Christing  |  2009-10-06 09:30:39

the colour on the blonde model is flattering on all skin colours. thats my fave colour for lips and nails

        Posted by: D.  |  2009-10-06 09:25:19

I think fall is the perfect time to play around with new lip colors! Check out our blog we talked about red lips the other day: lekisskiss.blogspot.com

        Posted by: valerie  |  2009-10-06 09:01:40

I'm usually devoted to a nude lip, but I think this look is so beautiful. www.harleyshops.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Becca  |  2009-10-06 08:32:47

I adore Daisy Lowe! She can pull off anything! http://crty.tv/standout

        Posted by: Patti  |  2009-10-06 07:53:48

I love the idea too. But maybe not the execution... I tried on the new color from mac's style black collection-didn't suit me at all. Looks good on Rihanna though. http://thatsjustmybag.onsugar.com/

        Posted by: Eva L.  |  2009-10-06 07:29:59

i LOVE the idea of a black lip. the dark dark red looks great on mischa. http://alwaysrememberonething.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: hannah  |  2009-10-06 06:39:07

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