Forget the classic red lip – this season it's been all about showing off your gothic side with dark berry hues. Spotted on stars from Alessandra Ambrosio to Jennifer Lawrence, these shades make for a bold and sultry finish to any beauty look – making them ideal if you want to make a statement at parties this festive season.
We take a step-by-step look at how to master the trend…
Alessandra Ambrosio often rocks dark berry lips for a high fashion look
Step one: find the right shade
Because this look is so eye-catching, you don't want to risk picking the wrong shade that leaves you looking washed out. Fair skinned ladies should opt for lipsticks with pinkish red undertones, or, for a bolder look, with plum or purple undertones. Avoid lipsticks with an opaque finish – these risk looking too heavy for your skin tone.
Olive skinned ladies with warmer complexions should opt for dark red wine or burgundy shades, but if you have pale cheeks or a faint pink tint, magenta, pink and mauve shades will work better.
Dark skinned ladies will want to try a shade that pops – try finding a lipstick with undertones of violet or tangerine. If you want a particularly striking look, shades with dark red and chocolate brown undertones will work well.
Step two: prep your lips
Before you apply any product, you'll want to exfoliate and moisturise your pout in order to keep it looking healthy, as well as helping the colour to last longer. Mix a tablespoon of brown sugar with honey, and then rub the scrub onto your lips. After one minute, wipe off with a damp washcloth and apply lip balm. Next, apply a moisturising lip balm.
For a striking look like Jennifer Lawrence, find a shade that matches your skin tone
Step three: primer and lip liner
Start by applying a primer or concealer all over your lips – this will hold the colour in place, especially if you're heading somewhere where there will be food and drink. Next, take a lip liner matching your chosen shade, and begin lining your lips, to create a barrier that will also stop the colour from bleeding.
Step four: applying the colour
To provide even coverage, use a lip brush rather than applying the lipstick directly. Dip the brush onto your chosen shade and apply the lipstick all over your lips – take a step back and check in natural light to make sure the colour is even.
Step five: add a slick of lipgloss
Dark berry lipstick makes a sultry statement of its own, but if you want to add that extra 'wow' factor, add a slick of clear lipgloss. If you're after a more understated look, you may want to stick to a matte lipstick and skip this step.