Come Fall ‘Bordeaux is always a favorite, as it’s the perfect vampy shade to complement all the rich jewel tones in clothing,’ says Nars National Artist Sarah Lucero. If you’re looking to take this season’s hottest beauty trend from the runway to the sidewalk, here are some tips from the pros on how to get the look.
For a classic take on the Bordeaux lip, Lucero recommends starting with a long-wearing base like Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl or Cruella. ‘I always like to start with a lip pencil because it gives you more precision and helps the color last longer,’ she says.
Next, fill in your lips with a matching lipstick shade using short strokes for even coverage. To really make the color pop, Lucero recommends using a lip brush for a second coat of lipstick. Finally, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any imperfections around the edges of your lips.
If you want something a little lighter than a traditional matte lip, opt for a sheer or semi-sheer formula like Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anita or Audrey. ‘These lipsticks have great color payoff but they’re not as heavy as some of the matte formulas out there, so they’re perfect for daytime wear,’ says Lucero. For an extra touch of shine, top your lipstick off with a clear gloss.
No matter what finish you choose, all experts agree that prepping your lips is key to getting any lipstick look right. ‘I always like to start by exfoliating my lips with a sugar scrub to get rid of any dead skin cells that might be sitting on the surface,’ says makeup artist Daniel Martin. ‘This will help your lipstick go on smoother and prevent it from settling into any fine lines or creases.’ He also recommends using a hydrating lip balm before applying any color to help lips look their best.