Dark Winter: Lipstick

Dark Winter lipsticks are deep and cool. Such intensity would be overpowering on other Winter subtypes and seasons but, on these individuals, they look natural. Due to this ability to tolerate depth, there are a wider range of colours available to them than other seasons.

In this article, we’ve used a variety of red, pink, orange, purple and brown lipsticks to demonstrate which colours we’d advise for Dark Winter as well as those you should avoid. Affiliate links have been used to provide additional visual examples.  These products have been swatched on clients to ensure accuracy - online images may vary. As with the lipstick chart, you are encouraged to sample these products on your wrist prior to making any purchases.

Please note, this advice is generic for all Dark Winter individuals and recommendations will vary based on your unique colouring. Some trial and error may be required in order to find the best shade for yourself. For personalised advice, we suggest purchasing a Colour Analysis package with the makeup option.

Dark Winter lipsticks are taken from the reds, pinks, purples and neutrals on the colour chart.

This subtype belongs to a season influenced by bright chroma so colours are clearer than those we'd see in Dark Autumn.

Where those who lean closer to Dark Autumn will need to select the neutral coloured products, those who flow towards Cool Winter must prioritise the cooler, brighter products due to having a more moderate contrast level. This means avoiding the neutral suggestions.

Red Lipstick

Red lipsticks work particularly well for Dark Winter due to their depth and cooler leanings. The darker the better. 

In example three, we see a blackened red that verges on purple. This cool shade balances Ivy as we see her face before the other. On other seasons, this colour is likely to reflect white on the skin as would overpower anyone without this natural depth. Products such as Flori Roberts Lipstick in Black Brandy is a good example of this colour. 

We also see a burgundy red in example two, which is slightly lighter but still has the intensity required for Dark Winter. Note that this colour has a touch of cooling blue, which works perfectly for Ivy. It looks natural here but would be overwhelming on other subtypes and seasons. A good burgundy lipstick to try would be L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Shine Plump Lipstick in 470 Map To Nirvana. 

The blue red in example one is much lighter than the other two recommended colours and may be likened to e.l.f O Face Satin Lipstick in No Regrets. It would be effective for a Dark Winter leaning towards Cool Winter. Ivy’s image is visibly lightened by this red due to its cool undertones. Her eyes also sparkle and she has a rosy glow. 

As a dark and neutral-cool subtype, Dark Winter needs to avoid light and warm lipsticks such as the coral red in example one. This would be better suited to a Bright Spring as it leans towards an orange. Dark Winter is influenced by its season’s bright chroma but they also border Autumn so need intensity rather than vibrancy. This colour reflects yellow on Ivy’s face - it looks overdone and unnatural. 

Despite bordering Autumn, the warm colours recommended for that season such as the orange red in example five and the warm red in example six don’t work for Dark Winter. Both of these colours are a little more muted than the coral red but are still too orange for Dark Winter. These colours would be better suited to Autumn individuals. 

Pink Lipstick

The Dark Winter colour palette includes a range of deep pinks such as ‘Vivid Magenta - 18-1750 TCX’ and ‘Rapture Rose - 17-1929 TCX’. These shades are both intense and cool, which creates balance for people with these colour qualities. 

In example one, we see a raspberry pink colour with some depth and a cool blue undertone. It lightens Ivy’s appearance and makes her eyes sparkle. We also see her before we see the colour, which indicates balance. You could try L’oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick in 114 Raspberry Pink. 

The vivid magenta in example two has some moderate depth but is brighter than the previous colour. A similar product would be Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Is Everything in Forward Magenta. It would be well suited to a Dark Winter individual leaning towards Cool Winter. Note how it reflects some white on Ivy’s skin. It may still work if she balanced it with darker metals, neutrals and accents in her jewellery and clothing choices. 

Dark Winter individuals can also wear rose pinks provided they are deeper, neutral variations. Example three can be likened to Avon True Colour Ultra Creamy Lipstick in Toasted Rose. This colour looks incredibly natural on Ivy as it has the depth required for her intensity as well as the neutral hue to balance her colouring. It is a perfect example of “my lips but better!” and would be ideal for everyday wear as well as corporate occasions. 

Despite pink generally being a cooler colour, there are some pink lipsticks that Dark Winter individuals need to avoid - predominantly the light variations seen across Spring and Summer as well as vibrant colours.

In examples five and six, we see candy and pastel colours. These are cool toned colours but also far too light for Ivy as they reflect white on her skin. They would be better suited to a Light Summer individual. 

Similarly, the hot pink is example four throws orange on Ivy’s face and looks overdone. It would be better suited to a Bright Spring. 

purple Lipstick

When it comes to purple lipsticks, Dark Winter individuals can make use of the deep, cool variations. 

In example one, we see a dark plum colour that visibly lifts Ivy’s appearance. This works for her due to its depth and blue undertone. A similar product would be L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Magnetic Stones Matte Lipstick in 473 Obsidian. 

The eggplant colour in example three has a similar effect. Note how Ivy’s appearance is refined by this deep and cool colour. It is more neutral than the previous purple so would be better suited to an individual flowing towards Dark Autumn. You could try Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 380 Plum Pillow. 

Example three shows a brighter variation similar to Bourjois Rouge Fabuleux Lipstick in 14 Clair de Plum. Due to its cool hue and moderate depth, it would work for a Dark Winter leaning towards Cool Winter. For Ivy, this colour brightens her appearance. We see her face before we see the colour, which indicates balance. 

Dark Winter individuals need to avoid include those which are light, warm or overly bright. 

In examples four and five, we see bright variations that are perfect for Bright Winter individuals. These colours reflect on Ivy’s skin and look unnatural. They may lean cool, which is suitable for her, but their depth is wrong and she needs more intensity. 

Similarly, the lavender in example six reflects white on her skin. Again, this colour has cool leanings but is far too light for Ivy’s mysterious appearance and does not create any interest to balance her contrast level.

brown & black Lipstick

Brown lipsticks are generally reserved for Dark Autumn individuals given their warmer colouring. However, deep variations with a blue undertone can be suitable for soft Dark Winter individuals. 

The chocolate brown we see in example one lifts Ivy’s colour and pairs perfectly with her high contrast level. A good option would be Max Factor Colour Elixir Velvet Matte Lipstick in Coffee.

Example three shows an intense black, which has a similar effect except this time her complexion is refined. This would be overwhelming on any other subtype or season, including Dark Autumn, but it works so well for Ivy. You could try Barry M Cosmetics Ultimate Icons Lip Paint in Black.

Pinkier browns may be tolerated by those leaning towards Dark Autumn such as that we see in example two. This colour may be likened to Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Truffle. This colour lightens Ivy’s image and we see her image before we see the lipstick. It would be a good choice for everyday wear as it maintains her intensity without detracting any interest from her appearance. 

Given brown lipsticks are generally on the warm side, there are some that Dark Winter should avoid. These include the colours shown in examples four and five. Where the caramel reflects yellow on Ivy’s face, the stone strips her of her rosy glow. These colours are far too warm for her and lean quite light. They may be suitable for some Warm Autumn individuals. 

The warm brown in example five is also not suitable due to its orange undertone. Like examples four and six, this colour reflects on her face and makes her look sickly. 

Other Lipsticks

Due to their neutral-cool hue, orange lipsticks are not suitable for Dark Winter. To make colours suitable for this subtype, we would need to add black to deepen and blue to cool. Adding blue to orange would result in either warm brown, green or a dull purple. There is no way of cooling this colour without completely changing it.  

The bright orange in example one and the tangerine is example three are vibrant variations best suited to Bright Spring individuals. They reflect yellow on Ivy’s skin, which is disharmonious with her natural palette. Similarly the burnt orange in example two flattens her appearance. It has the intensity for her depth but is too warm for her cool hue. 

Other lipsticks that should be avoided by Dark Winter are nude and neutrals. Whilst it is possible to find cooler variations of these colours, they are often too light and boring for this subtype. 

Where the flesh nude in example six is lost on Ivy, the peach nude in example four is also too warm as it has a yellow undertone. The beige rose in example five may be suitable but is still too light for her appearance. Compare this to the pink brown colour we looked at in the section above. Note how the depth works better for her. 

Lipstick Finishes

Dark Winter belongs to a season influenced by bright chroma. Those with bright chroma as their dominant or secondary characteristic require shinier finishes such as gloss, lustre or satin.

However, as this subtype borders Autumn, they can start to make use of matte finishes provided they are balanced with glitzy eye and dewy complexion products. A small amount of shine is flattering but gloss will look unnatural so they should not opt for an all shine look.

Care should be taken to nourish the lips prior to makeup application if you opt for matte products. You could incorporate lip scrubs and masks into your evening skincare routine in order to prep a smooth base.

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Dark Winter - Lipstick Chart [Digital Download]

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