Be Surprising: A Coral Lip

I’ve had an overwhelming response to the recently posed question: What would you do? If you could go back and redo your wedding day, would you make any bolder choices? As I continue to compile my favorite responses from readers, please keep the emails coming. And in the meantime, I have another one for you. I went with a soft creamy lipstick by Giorgio Armani, a favorite that I still wear at least twice a week. Josh loves it. And my ‘maids selected from hot pink or bright coral. But I love coral lips so much, a part of me wishes I’d switched it up for the reception. Here are some great ways to rock a coral lip on your big day:

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January Jones has a very Old Hollywood thing going on here, and it would work perfectly on a bride. Balance out your creamy coral lipstick with heavy black eyeliner (just on top!), long lashes, and bouncy 1950s curls. I can’t imagine a wedding for which this wouldn’t just be divine. From backyard barbecue to black tie at the Ritz, it’s just a stunning, classic look. Try NARS lipstick in Niagara, $26, purchase here.

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Create a more ethereal look with dewy, silver eyeshadow and soft pink liner on the bottom. This high-gloss coral stick is offset with bold rouge on the cheeks, making her features stand out evenly. I am picturing this gorgeous makeup design paired with a lacy, bohemian gown. The key to pulling it off is perfectly groomed brows. There is way too much going on here to let strays ruin it! Try Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in Coral Crush, $5.49, purchase here.

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Take a softer approach to the trend by using a sheer stick instead. A hint of coral goes a long way, as proven here by supermodel Miranda Kerr. We might not all have her bone structure and goddess-like waves, but I have a feeling you can rock this lip like any VS angel on your big day. Try Laura Mercier Lip Color Creme in Tangerine, $24, purchase here.

 

matte

A matte variety can also pack a major punch. I love her messy updo and natural eye makeup. Notice the brightener applied to the inner corners of the eye, utilized to open things up and make her look awake and alert. A subtle blush on the lips and she’s ready for the aisle. For a little more drama, you could bring in false lashes or a slightly bolder eyeliner, maybe in a nice, muted gray. But matte coral lips do so much for any bride, you’ll hardly need a fully painted face. Bonus? Matte varieties are likelier to stay put through all that smooching, smiling, and cake eating. Try NYX Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick, $6, purchase here.

198238_728911648095_609385408_nAnd just for fun, here’s a snap of us in Paris a year ago this weekend. I’m wearing my all-time favorite coral-red, CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet in La Favorite, $35, purchase here.

 

Ice Princess

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I mean, does it get any sexier than this?

You might be sugary sweet, but your lips can say a lot with just a light frosting. I love a warm pink lip, but the winter bride might consider cooling things down. If you are not into red, consider a sheer pink that errs on the side of silver. You’ll find this look turns into a new neutral — and will look great with your honeymoon tan, too!

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CoverGirl Continuous Color Lipstick in Iceblue Pink is a fantastic choice for all skin tones. And it’s less than $5 on drugstore.com

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It looks a little dark in photos, but MAC’s Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Blossom Culture goes on soft, shimmery, and pearly pink. $17

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Light in texture but not in impact, L’Ancome’s L’Absolu Nu is a perfect pink for the bride. Add a shiny, even sparkly gloss over it for winter wedding perfection. $30