Return to the dark side

Gucci's gothic glamour got Milan Fashion Week off to a dark start. Their Milan show might have been dark, but it was far from dreary. Italian powerhouse Gucci unveiled an ultra glamorous array of floor-length, billowing dresses in midnight hues. "This is modern-day romanticism," designer Frida Giannini said. "A dramatic sensuality, a dark glamour with subtle tones of provocative intellect."

The offerings in black, forest green and plum had been designed with decadence in mind – fur, silk, velvet and leather all adorned Edwardian-esque layered ensembles. Plum lipstick, leather capes and moody lighting all complemented the noir feel of the presentation.

Courtesy of http://www.hellomagazine.com

AW 12 Trends from the latest catwalk collections

I've already mentioned it in a previous post but with models sashaying down the catwalk at all the major international collections and most recently at the LMFF Illamasqua/Kevin Murphy colloboration backstage the dark berry lip is sure to be a popular look for the next few seasons. Winter is perfect for trying rich shades like wine, aubergine, plum, mulberry, raisin and merlot.

Rochas FW 12/13

Opt for the softer, more romantic finish with a stained lip finish by pushing the colour into the lips with your fingers for a more subtle and muted look for day.

Or amp up the vamp with a precisiely lined and sleek crismon lip applied with a fine tipped lip brush for night time glamour.

Alex Perry AW 12 for LMFF

Dark lips call for a sculpted flawless skin, sheek and sheer, smouldering eyes. Bring some warmth to the look by applying a soft hued blush for day o stronger contoured look for night. Prep work is vital for strong lip colours. You should hydrate the lips at least five minutes before applying the lip stain so prime your lips first with Lip Balm for soft, smooth lip and then stain or prime the lips with Lip Base before applying lip pencil and filling in the lips with lipstick. Nothing looks worse than applying a dark lipstick shade to dry, chapped lips.

Darker colours have a tendency to look a little flat and will make small lips appear smaller so highlight the centre of the bottom lip with a lighter, more violet or golden shimmer to create a fuller more voluminous lip.

Apply lipstick with a lip brush for precision and pull the colour out from the centre. Avoid smothering the lips in too much lipstick/gloss as it will bleed and look to heavy and messy. This look requires beautifully, polished application on a smooth, plump lip.

Backstage with Clare Lille from Illamasqua for LMFF AW 12

Find your winter colour from the ARTDECO Red Carpet Lips or Lip Lacquer collections.