Sparked by this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, purple-hued lipsticks, from deep plums to light lilacs, are popping up everywhere. Maybelline New York makeup artist Julia O’Neil gives us a few tips on how to get away with the year’s hottest shade.

Application tips

Make sure your lips are in good condition before wearing a purple lip, as any dryness will be highlighted by the colour.

If you apply a lip balm before your lipstick, make sure it has time to sink in or blot off the excess with a tissue before application to ensure the colour doesn’t slip.

For a bold lip, take a lip pencil that is the same shade as your lips or the lipstick, lining the edges and then filling in the entire lip with the pencil to create a good base.

Apply the lipstick in fine layers from either from the bullet or using a lip brush, blotting in between each layer to avoid smudging.

For an extra precise lip line blend concealer at the lip edge to create perfect definition.

How to wear it

To complement the purple lipstick, you want to avoid matching your outfit too perfectly, but you also don’t want to clash either. Look to an outfit that includes an element of purple or has the same cool undertone as the lipstick.

If you are new to a bold coloured lip, choose a lipstick that provides easy to wear, comfortable colour – like Maybelline Color Sensational Whisper Lipstick in Oh La Lilac. This has a sheer, subtle finish and is wearable for a vairiety of skin tines.

For a brighter lip, Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Hot Plum is an intense bold colour that is vibrant but still very flattering. Plum looks especially striking on medium/darker skin tones, and those with a cool undertone.

Remember, these are only general tips and guidelines. I really think that if you love a colour and it makes you happy – wear it!