Softer than red and more vibrant than nudes, pink adds a pop of color that’s at once feminine and unabashedly powerful. And there are myriad ways to wear it.
“When people think pink, they tend to think girly, Barbie pink, which can be bright and pretty but there are various shades that can look more natural and delicate,” says makeup artist Nick Barose, who works with Lupita Nyong’o and Lily Gladstone. Then there’s magenta and fuchsia, which lean more purple, and look “deeper and more sophisticated,” he adds. Since these hues blend warm and cool undertones, they truly flatter every complexion. File candy pink in this category, too, seen here in a sumptuous satin texture.
As a general rule, the darker or brighter the lip shade, the more matte it should be to keep the look grownup and chic. Precision is key here. Line lips before application, feathering out the edges to anchor color.
To dip your toe in the trend, consider a sheer gloss formula with a hint of shimmer or a stain that leaves lips softly kissed in velvety pigment.
And why stop at lips? Amp up the effect with strategically placed blush. “A rosy flush blended high on cheeks adds drama,” says Barose. Choose a lighter-hued liquid or balm that marries lip color and the look instantly turns “ethereal, angelic,” he advises. Case in point: Elle Fanning at this year’s Met Gala. A coordinating eye color, swept across lids to above creases will do, too, especially when paired with dewy skin.
Whatever your pleasure, wear it with confidence — there are few shades that spark joy (for the wearer and the beholder) quite like pink. Just ask Barbie!
