14 DAY TRIAL // Since only yesterday we were telling you how designers had all rallied to push the bad taste fashion trend off the catwalk and onto the streets, one shouldn’t be too surprised that the same tendency is also noticeable in terms of makeup. One of the dreaded trends of the ‘80s in makeup was purple lipstick and is now making a splashing comeback as part of what is called the hypothermia chic look.
In all fairness, purple lipstick has been on the catwalks ever since last year’s collections, so saying this “comeback” has been completely unexpected would be somewhat redundant at this point. Yet, as stylists note, back then, it came in more natural shades, combined with pink or red accents, which did not make the wearer look as if she had just walked in from the blistering cold – which is precisely the look they’re going for this spring.
Purple, from the cold shade that makes women look inanimate (or on the verge of becoming so, at least), to dark colors that can almost be mistaken for black, is all the rage this spring in terms of makeup. However, stylists warn, women bold enough to try it should also keep in mind that going for such an audacious color for the lips means the face has to be as “natural” as possible. As a matter of fact, in order to pull off this look, contrast between the lips and the eyes is to be desired.
This means, of course, that there will be no additional purple shades used on the face other than the lipstick itself. Soft browns are ideal for the eyes and even cheeks, makeup experts share, but this too depends entirely on the complexion and the shape of the face. In order to play it completely safe, stylists recommend a makeup as natural as possible, using only foundation, a delicate, barely-there shade for the eyes and black mascara. If the woman who tries the purple-lips look is pale, then all the better, since this means she’s free to try her hand at pulling off the goth look.
The latest celebrity to try on the purple lipstick is British star Peaches Geldof who, one might as well add, is not a stranger to going where no other female star dares to go in terms of fashion. Granted, the hypothermia chic look does take a bit getting used to, some tell, but, in the end, is the safest bet to go for a fabulous sense of individuality this spring.
