The beauty industry has made significant strides in recent years towards inclusivity and diversity, recognizing the unique needs and preferences of individuals with various skin tones.
For those with dark skin, finding makeup products that enhance and complement their natural beauty can sometimes be a challenge. One such essential product is the lip pencil. Often overlooked, lip pencils play a crucial role in defining, shaping, and enhancing the lips, ensuring a polished and long-lasting look.
In this article, we will explore the importance of lip pencils for dark skin, highlighting how they can transform your makeup routine and help you achieve a flawless finish. Before moving further, let’s know about lip pencil.
What Is Lip Pencil?
A lip pencil, also known as a lip liner, is a cosmetic product that is typically sold in a retractable tube or pencil form that can be sharpened . It is available in a wide range of colors, including nudes, pinks, reds, browns, and plums, and can be used for a variety of purposes..
What Are The Benefits of Lip Pencil for Dark Skin?
Lip pencils offer a whole lot of benefits for people with darker skin tones, and can really elevate your lip look! Here are some of the key advantages.
- Defines and Shapes Lips: Darker lips can sometimes appear undefined, and a lip liner helps create a crisp line around the edges, giving your lips a more polished look. You can also use it to subtly reshape your lips, making them appear fuller or more symmetrical.
- Prevents Lipstick Bleeding: Lipstick can sometimes feather outside the lines, especially on fuller lips. Lip liner acts as a barrier, stopping your lipstick from bleeding and making your lip color last longer.
- Creates a Fuller Appearance: By lining your lips just outside your natural lip line, you can create the illusion of fuller lips. Just be sure to blend the liner in slightly so it looks natural.
- Enhances Color Payoff: Lip liner provides a base for your lipstick, making the color appear more vibrant and opaque. This is especially helpful for lighter or sheer lipsticks that might not show up as well on darker lips.
- Finds Your Perfect Shade: Darker skin tones often have a wider range of undertones, from cool to warm. Finding the perfect lipstick shade to complement your skin tone can be tricky. A lip liner allows you to create your own perfect shade by lining your lips with a color that complements your undertones, and then filling them in with a lipstick shade you love.
Choosing the Right Lip Pencil for Dark Skin
Choosing the right lip pencil for dark skin involves considering both the undertone of your skin and the color intensity you desire. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect lip pencil.
i. Understanding your undertone
Identifying your skin’s undertone is crucial in selecting a lip pencil that complements your complexion. Dark skin tones can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones.
- Warm Undertone: Shades with red, orange, or golden undertones work best.
- Cool Undertone: Shades with blue or purple undertones are more flattering.
- Neutral Undertone: Both warm and cool shades can be suitable.
ii. Choosing the right shades
Different shades can enhance various aspects of your look. Here are some popular choices:
- Nudes and browns: For a natural look, opt for deep chocolate browns or warm caramels. These shades blend seamlessly with dark skin tones, providing a subtle yet polished appearance.
- Reds and burgundies: Rich burgundy and brick red shades complement dark skin beautifully, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. These colors are perfect for a bold, statement look.
- Pinks and mauves: Berry pinks and mauve shades offer a softer, more romantic look. They are versatile and can be worn for both day and night occasions.
- Purples and plums: Deep plum and violet shades are striking and bold. They provide a pop of color that stands out, making them ideal for special events or when you want to make a statement.
iii. Popular Lip Pencil choices
Several brands offer shades that are particularly flattering for dark skin tones. Here are some recommendations:
1. MAC Lip Pencils
- Chestnut: A classic deep brown that works well as a nude.
- Nightmoth: A deep, dark plum perfect for a dramatic look.
2. NYX slim Lip Pencils
- Espresso: A rich brown that serves as a versatile neutral.
- Plum: A versatile purple shade that adds depth.
3. NARS precision Lip liners
- Rouge Marocain: A deep red that makes a statement.
- Misdemeanor: A rich berry shade that adds sophistication.
iv. Try before you buy
Testing the lip pencil on your lips, rather than your hand, ensures you see the true color. Many stores offer samples or testers to help you find the perfect shade.
Application Tips for Dark Skin
Here are some lip pencil application tips specifically for dark skin tones.
i. Match your undertone
Go for a lip liner that complements your skin’s undertone. For warm undertones, pick liners with warm browns, plums, or reddish browns. For cool undertones, choose liners with deep browns, berries, or mauves.
ii. Consider the lipstick
If you’re using a bold lipstick, a lip liner in a similar shade will create a cohesive look. For sheer or nude lipsticks, a liner a shade or two darker can define your lips without overpowering the natural color.
iii. Sharpen it up
A sharp lip pencil gives you more control and precision during application.
iv. Start with a bare canvas
Exfoliate your lips to remove any dead skin and ensure a smooth application.
v. Line the natural curve
Follow the natural curve of your lips. You can slightly overline for a fuller look, but be subtle and blend well to avoid an unnatural appearance.
vi. Focus on the cupid’s bow
Define the peak of your cupid’s bow with a light touch to accentuate the shape of your lips.
vii. Buff it out
Use a lip brush or your fingertip to gently blend the lip liner inwards towards the center of your lips. This softens the line and creates a natural gradient.
viii. Line after filling
For a fuller look and to prevent bleeding, you can line your lips after applying your lipstick. Fill in just outside your natural lip line with the lip liner, then blend inwards.
ix. Highlight your lips
Apply a touch of concealer with a pointed brush just above your cupid’s bow and blend it out. This helps to define the shape and make your lips appear fuller.
x. Set It for long wear
Apply a translucent setting powder over your lips with a light touch to help your lip color last longer.
Conclusion
Lip pencils are an indispensable tool in the makeup kits of individuals with dark skin. They offer a myriad of benefits, from defining and shaping the lips to enhancing the longevity of lip color. The right lip pencil can prevent feathering, provide a smooth base for lipstick, and create a perfect, polished look.
By choosing shades that complement and enhance natural lip tones, those with dark skin can achieve a balanced and harmonious makeup aesthetic. Embracing the use of lip pencils is a step towards celebrating and enhancing the natural beauty of dark skin, ensuring that every makeup look is as flawless and stunning as possible.
