Breaking the Rules: Unexpected Lip Colour Trends for AW15

Have you ever noticed that the seasons are often categorized into certain colour tones? This is especially true in the world of fashion; for spring we think pastel, for summer there are brighter shades like tangerine or aqua, autumn shades are usually russet and gold and then winter is where berry shades come into play.

In general, the same categories are seen in the make-up world too, reflected in eye and lip colour trends. They can usually pretty predictable but every once in a while there’s a little blip in the matrix. Unexpected shades come to the fore, acting as an alternative for those who don’t want to play it so safe (check out our previous article on black lipsticks here).

Lipstick and gloss are back this season, but so are some colours that aren’t your typical winter favourites.

Bubblegum Pink: Seen on models walking the runways for Tibi and Max Mara, bright bubblegum pink would normally be seen as a much more summery shade but if you pair it with flushed cheeks and lots of lashes you’ll get more of a Victoriana, Doll-like effect.

Two of my favourites are Wet n Wild “Doll House Pink” €2.99 and MAC St Germain (€20), if you’re feeling like a pop of colour.

Brick Red:

Ruby, Oxblood and Scarlet are often the shades of choice come the winter months but this season earthy, brick red lips were the main focus for designers Naeem Khan and Timo Weiland.

The nice thing with this shade is that you can go full on glamazon, pairing it with a gold or brown smokey eye, or just keep things simple with just a touch of mascara.

Try NYX Matte lipstick in “Alabama” €9.25 and Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in “So Marilyn” (€30).

Pastel Gloss:

Lipglosses are back in a big way this season which isn’t great news for people who live in Ireland or have to get a bus anytime soon (seriously, they are impossible to wear when your hair is down). But gloss is in vogue again and two of the more popular shades for gloss on the runways have been lavender and pale pink.

Now, you might think these are ones you’d be more likely to be seen on someone making their communion but if you team them with a punky, smudgy liner or jewel toned eyeshadow they suddenly look less 90s disco and more up to date.

Get your gloss on with Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in “Pinkissimo” (€10.49) and Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupte Lip Gloss in shade #51 (€25).