Beauty Reporter: Beauty 101.(lipstick)

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Dark Lips

Rich lip color that doesn't smudge-or overpower the face. By Catherine Piercy

Like the Hollywood bombshells who favor them, rich burgundy lipsticks smack of confidence and, more often than not, a hint of trouble. But handling these weapons of seduction isn't nearly as dangerous as you might think. "Women often fear that deep lipstick colors will give them a washed-out or sickly appearance," says makeup artist Mally Roncal. "But the right shade will make your skin look healthier and your eyes brighter." And although vibrant hues may call to mind high-maintenance women, applying them isn't nearly so demanding. The new way to approach dark berry, plum, and wine lipstick is to abuse it a little. "Intense colors look freshest when they're just dabbed on with a fingertip," says makeup artist Mathew Nigara. For more control, use a lipstick brush and "be sure to blot the color afterward to keep it looking soft," he says. On the rest of the face, stick to a tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation to even out the skin and a few coats of black ...