Sultry and smoky

Fall-Winter is all about dark colours taking over. And the Fall 2016 fashion weeks were no different with smoky lips being sported by models at Christian Dior, Marni and Marc Jacobs shows. While smoky eyes have been done and overdone on red carpets, this lends a smouldering effect to the pout. A number of cosmetic brands are launching their own lip kit to recreate this look off the runway. Lipstick Queen offers a two-piece kit with a nude pink shade and a sheer black one with glitter that can be layered on top. This shade, named Black Lace Rabbit, can be worn alone on bare lips or applied over another colour to transform it "into a sexier, smokier version."Estée Edit too has a Lip Flip Shade Transformer that can darken and deepen any other shade, and Chanel's new onyx lip gloss adds a grungy tone to your favourite pink lip shade.

Go for deep and dark shades

Natasha Nischol, co-owner and co-founder of Fat Mu make-up academy says smoky lips are making headlines as it's super easy to create and trendy. "This look was first spotted at Christian Dior’s Fall 2016 runway show in Paris. Deep and dark shades are used to create a statement on the lips. This trend makes ‘weird' seem chic and mysterious," she says. One can replicate this look at home. Start by applying your lip pencil as usual. Apply a lipstick of your choice. Blot. Finish by applying your smoky lip shade. If you’re using black lipstick, lightly blot. One can also add MAC lip glass for a wet, lustrous look. Hues like deep berries, jet blacks, earthy Marsala, chocolate browns etc work really well for Indian skin tones. Some of these colours are easily available here – check out hang-up, cyber, smoked purple by MAC and the simply vamp range from NYX cosmetics, poison lip colour by Dior and paint in naughty by Tarte cosmetics," she adds.

Stick to minimal make-up

After having over done the smoky eye, this trend comes as a welcome change says Priya Kapur, make-up and hair expert. "There are many kits available in the market that give you a pale lip colour along with a smoky deep lip shade like a blue, jet black, deep plum etc. If you can’t get your hands on one, then experiment with your own lip colours. For example, blend a light pink with a deep plum or burgundy, the look achieved will be close to smoked. Another way to get this look is to blend a black kohl liner in moderation with a lighter shade. If trying this trend, your face should exude a matt velvety finish. Highlight the cheekbones and use just a hint of blush to add a touch of colour. Keep your eye make-up minimal, while adding volume and definition to your lashes with mascara. It’s best to only enhance one feature at a time," suggests Priya.

Similar to Ombre lips

Clint Fernandes, make-up expert feels the smoky lip is a variation of ombre lips. "Ombre is all about using a dark liner around the lips and smudging it inwards to add some dimension to a lighter lipstick. This gives a dual lip shade effect. While the center remains more pink or red, the outer edge is dark and deep shades. It creates a sort of 3D effect on the pout," says Clint, adding that the smoky lips will catch on with the younger generation here. "Today girls like to wear dark lip colours and they work well with Indian skin tones. While black is quite goth, a deep chocolate brown or a blackish grey would be better. In fact, I've seen women sporting Kylie Jenner's lip shades in dark greens and blues too. If going for a smoky lip, team it with metallic gold or silver eyes, this will give a glam goth effect. Also, apply a bit of highlighter to complement the look," says Clint.