Orange Lipstick for the Uninitiated: A Complete Guide to Pulling off Spring's Biggest Makeup Trend
By now, you've seen orange all over the Spring runways, from Prabal Gurung (shown above) to Rag & Bone (next slide!). Of course, that means our favorite girls—from Kate Bosworth to Zendaya—have already been spotted wearing the trend with aplomb. Still, that doesn't exactly make orange any less intimidating, does it?
That's why we consulted some of our favorite pros to break down how to pull the color off. Enter Nicola Chapman of Pixiwoo (who, shortly after our conversation, created this incredible video tutorial!), James Boehmer of NARS (who kickstarted the trend at Creatures of the Wind during New York Fashion Week), and Pati Dubroff, who painted the aforementioned Ms. Bosworth's lips a red-orange hue just last month. Click through the slideshow to get their advice, plus our top picks for the lipsticks you need now. Trust us: You're in good hands!
Photo courtesy of Taylor Jewell1/5Exactly how to wear the color of the season.
photo courtesy of Revlon2/5The Preparation
"Just like wearing any bold lipstick, it’s important that the lips are well-prepped and free from dry flakes," says celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff. "I’m a big fan of Fresh’s lip scrub and balms. But I also just discovered the Pout-o-Matic by Bliss! It’s like a Clarisonic for your lips. It’s perfect for people who get super dry!"
Photo: Getty Images3/5How to Appy It
After you’ve prepped according to Ms. Dubroff’s instructions (see Slide 1), it’s time for application. Layering products is absolutely essential for long-wear&and who wants to be bothered with mid-day touch-ups anyway? "Start with a liner in a similar shade to the lipstick you’re wearing," says NARS Director of Global Artistry James Boehmer. (M.A.C’s creamy lip liner in Lasting Sensation will be ideal!) "Outline the lips, and then color the entire lip in with your liner. Afterwards, apply a sheer layer of translucent loose powder to set the pencil and diffuse the edge of the lip so it doesn’t appear too harsh. I usually apply my color directly from the tube." If you’re looking for more precision, Real Techniques makes a retractable lip brush that you can pop in your purse. After all, a fine line is key if you’re rocking a look like Kate Bosworth’s (shown here).
Photo: Getty Images4/5Choosing Color by Skin Tone
All of the artists consulted on this piece agreed on one thing: If you’re going to try orange, you have to commit. "Orange isn’t always the most flattering color to wear if it’s wishy-washy, so make a statement of it!" says Nicola Chapman of Pixiwoo.
"For those of you that have very pale skin with a pink undertone, choose a blue-based color," says Chapman. We love NARS Heat Wave or the Velvet Matte Pencil in Red Square.
"If you have olive skin, opt for a true orange with a more yellow undertone," Chapman says. Try Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Favorite for tangerine or M.A.C. Lady Danger for an option with a bit more red.
"For those of you with darker skin, you’re lucky! You can rock both tones. I say, the brighter the better!" FACE Stockholm’s Lipstick in Matte Orange is perfect for major color.
Photo: Getty Images5/5The Rest of the Face
Please note: The lips will be making the statement. "Orange on the lips will automatically give warmth to the entire face," Boehmer notes. "You’ll want to keep your bronzer or blush very transparent." You can opt for no color on the cheeks at all, or a slight hint of peach. Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow will impart a hint of color and a little sheen for added radiance. (Kind of like Shay Mitchell’s look, shown here.)
You should also keep in mind that, while wearing statement shade, your skin should be immaculate, but not too heavy or powdered. "It should always look like skin," says Boehmer. Conceal blemishes and under the eyes thoroughly, and skip the foundation for a natural look.
As for the eyes? "Make sure they’re defined with brows and lashes paid attention to," Dubroff notes. The rest of the lids can be totally naked to keep the focus on your pout!
