As soon as the temperature dips, we find ourselves gravitating towards warmer, deeper hues in everything from our outfits to our make-up. Which is why the rich, dark lip dominates our beauty board from fall through winter. It’s seductive, it’s sultry, and surprisingly, it’s also not new. Vampy lips are an extension of vamp make-up, called so because of their resemblance to vampire’s dark eyes. Women in the 1900s, who were known for charming men with their looks were called vamps, or ‘femme fatales’, and the name has stuck since. 

It’s a look that has been famous on the red carpet, on runways, and even in films with everyone, from Rekha to Rihanna, donning a signature bold lip. 

If you want to channel your inner femme fatale this season, scroll ahead to discover what is the ‘vampy lips’ look and how to ace it. 

What is the ‘vampy lips’ look?

While vampy make-up is not new, the bold lip era is making a strong comeback this season, if the runway looks of Carolina Herrera, Gucci, and Max Mara at Spring 2024 shows are anything to go by. The trend is characterised by lip make-up featuring deep, dark, and bold shades like berry, wine, brown, and purple among others. The vampy lips of yesteryear were usually matte, but this season it has been replaced with a glossier look, which is apt, given the current affinity for lip glosses and lip oils. 

Pick a shade according to your skin tone 

Picturing a vampy lip and only a deep wine, almost black, shade coming to your mind? Think again. What we love about this trend is the flexibility. From maroon, plum, and chocolate, to oxblood and even black, most bold, dark shades fit the definition of vampy lips. The trick is choosing one that will complement your skin tone. For instance, shades like terracotta might wash out those with darker skin tones, while a black might be too overpowering for fair skin. 

Here’s how to get the ‘vampy lip’ right the first time

Whatever shade you end up going for, it’s important to know some tips and tricks that will ensure a head-turning ‘vampy’ look, every single time. 

A lip liner is must whenever you’re wearing lipstick, but especially when you are opting for darker shades as they tend to bleed easily. Using a lip liner ensures a refined look and makes sure your lipstick doesn’t smudge even after hours. 

So, start by lining your lips with a lip liner in a shade that is closest to your lipstick shade, then follow it up with a swipe or two of your preferred dark lipstick. Keeping most of the pigment in the centre (it gives the illusion of a fuller pout), blend it all out with a lip brush. You can choose to keep it matte for a more traditional look or go the glossy route by finishing with a dab of your favourite clear lip gloss or oil. 

In order to let your lips do all the talking (pun intended), it’s best to keep the rest of your face fresh and glowy with minimal make-up; a neutral eyeshadow plus mascara, and you’re good to go. If you want to nail two birds (read: trends) with the same stone, go for a cherry cola lip, a look doing the rounds of the internet where your lips look like they’re stained in the delicious burgundy-brown shade of the soft drink. 

Another way to incorporate ‘vampy lips’ is by going for a much darker shade of lip liner (even your brow pencil or kajal will work!) and blending it out before applying a lipstick that is slightly lighter in shade, for a nostalgic ’90s look.