How to wear the plum lipstick trend and 9 of the best to try
It was a sad day when I realised the red lip shades I'd been wearing for years really, really didn't suit me. As I clutched my freshly-taken passport photo (which I have to use for a decade, lest we forget), I realised it looked like a 1940s throwback. And no, not in a good way – think wartime nurse, not pin-up vibes.
I am not the only one who's realised red is a not her colour. Keeks Reid, Cosmo's Acting Beauty Director, tells me 'I hate tomato shades 🤮,' with an added 'vomit' emoji to really cement those feels. Perhaps the iconic scarlet pout is not so universally flattering after all. Sorry, Marilyn.
As soon as I made the switch to a plum alternative, the compliments started rolling in on evenings out. It gave me the chutzpah to start experimenting with darker lipstick tones – from sultry plums to gothic purple-reds. And I found that, as a sucker for all-black outfits, it was lifting my whole look entirely.
Next thing I knew, I was decanting my entire scarlet/postbox- and poppy-red collection into my grateful friends' hands. I am making the bold statement now that I'll never be sporting a classic red lip ever again.
How to wear plum lipstick
There's a common misconception that plum lipsticks call for vampy looks. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Morticia Addams aesthetic. But in 2023, we should all be emboldened by the return of 1990s liners and chocolate-brown palettes. Yes, you can strip back your make-up look and top it with a plum lip – just look to Hailey Bieber if you need inspiration. Mrs Biebs has worn a glossy burgundy lip with a smudged brown eyeliner and a tank top at home. She's also worn one with iridescent eyeshadow and a slick wet-look bun on the red carpet. Talk about versatile.
If you're true to the plum looks vampiric roots, no stress. Try head-to-toe black outfits and a winged liquid liner like our girl Elle Fanning, or throw caution to the wind with a striking arches brow, retro parting and smouldering smokey eye a la Lily Collins.
How to apply plum lipstick
We hate to break it to you, but trends like this are not low maintenance. Which means application and prep are essential. 'Obviously, hydration is key,' says Raoul Alejandre, Global MUA at H&M Beauty.
If you’ve got a big event coming up, start your prep a few days early – mask lips before bed to ensure they’re flake-free and start regular exfoliation. While Dua Lipa has admitted to using her toothbrush, we prefer a scrub from the experts like Ilia or Wonderskin.
When it comes to perfecting application, liner isn't always needed – especially if you don't want to buy both a new lippy shade and liner. There's another trick Alejandre likes to use: 'A layer of powder before you do the lip really helps you see what your natural lip looks like, that way you’re not overdoing it or underdoing it.'
9 of the best plum lipsticks
Here are the best plum lipsticks in a nutshell. For long-lasting wear, Wonderskin and Huda Beauty are your best bet. Pat McGrath does pigmented, matt finishes to perfection, while Victoria Beckham and KVD offer a shot of hydration and are more forgiving on any application mishaps. Charlotte Tilbury's Festival Magical wins for us when it comes to the perfect plummy hue.
How to pick a plum lipstick shade
No plum lipstick is the same. Myriad shades fall under this umbrella term – blood-red and burgundy undertones reminiscent of your favourite glass of merlot, punky purple and magenta takes, and then gothic dark berries that pack a serious punch.
Dipping your toe in? The closer to red or brown undertones you get, the easier it'll be to transition from your standard lippy. These shades suit every skin tone, so they're a little less scary to tackle at first. You'll be graduating to something stronger in no time.
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