Berry makeup is having a moment this autumn, with deep berry lips and plum shades showing up everywhere. The best part? You do not need a dramatic lipstick or a whole new makeup collection to try it.
The easiest way to wear the trend is to choose one berry feature and keep everything else soft.
Start with a tinted berry balm
If you normally wear nude or pale pink lipstick, a sheer berry balm is the easiest place to start. It gives your face a little more colour but still feels comfortable and effortless.
Apply one layer for everyday makeup, then add another if you want the colour to show more. You probably will not need lip liner unless you prefer a more defined finish.
My personal favourite is Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It looks surprisingly dark in the tube, but once you apply it, the colour is sheer, buildable and very easy to wear. It is also the kind of product you can apply without a mirror, perfect for when you are running late and want something quick to make you look a little more put together.
For something slightly stronger, try Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color. It gives you more colour than a balm but still has that softer, slightly blotted finish.
Try berry blush
Berry blush can look intimidating because it is often very pigmented. The secret is to use much less than you think you need.
Place a tiny dot on the back of your hand first. Pick up a little with a brush or sponge, then tap it onto your cheeks. This gives you more control than applying the product directly to your face. You can always add more, but berry blush is not the place to be heavy-handed.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush comes in several berry and plum shades. My picks are Faith and Believe. Faith is a deep matte berry, while Believe is a softer, dewy mauve. These blushes are very pigmented, so one small dot is plenty.
Try a deeper berry lip
A deeper berry lip can be beautiful for a big event when you want your makeup to feel a little more special.
To make it feel softer, apply the lipstick to the centre of your lips and tap it outward with your finger. The result looks more like a stain and less like a perfectly painted lip.
Keep the rest of your makeup simple. A little mascara, softly defined brows and natural-looking skin are enough.
Let one berry feature lead
Berry lipstick, berry blush and plum eyeshadow can all be beautiful, but wearing all three at once can feel like a lot.
If you choose a deeper lip, pair it with a soft neutral blush. If berry blush is the focus, wear it with a clear balm or a subtle pink lip.
One berry feature is usually enough to make the whole look feel current.
Find Your Berry
Forget complicated colour charts. The easiest way to find your berry is to begin with the lip colours you already reach for.
If you love pinks, try raspberry or cranberry. If your makeup bag is mostly warm nudes, look for mulberry, raisin or a berry with a hint of brown.
Then wear it for a few minutes and look at yourself in natural daylight. If it brightens your face and you keep sneaking another look in the mirror, that one is yours.
Big Sister Tip: Went a little overboard with the berry blush? Do not wipe it all off. Gently tap over it with the sponge or brush you used for your foundation. The little bit of product left on it will soften the colour without making you start again.
