In the Mood for…The Perfect Pink Pout
Pink might read as an overtly feminine tone — girly, even — but this season’s bright pink lip is anything but a stereotype. It’s already been tapped as the “badass shade of the season,” loud and tough and yet still with a bit of cheer. We dug into the archives for some inspiration to help style the statement color, and it turns out, when it comes to a bold pink lip, bolder is always better. Here, pink pairs up with brilliant jewel tones, decadent jewels, and dark smoky eyes for maximal impact.
When it comes to beauty, more is always more. Don’t fear layering a statement hot pink lip with equally bold eyes.
“Color Forms” photographed by Kenneth Willardt, styled by Michelle Cameron; W magazine August 2015.
A bikini paired with cowboy boots might make a statement on its own, but it’s nothing without a hot pink lip.
Amanda Seyfried in “Young, Bold, and Beautiful” photographed by Craig McDean, styled by Edward Enninful; W magazine March 2014.
Hot pink too hot? Take it down a notch like Soo Joo Park with a softer, yet still vibrant lilac.
“Eastern Promises” photographed by Erik Madigan Heck, styled by Lindsey Frugier; W magazine April 2014.
Pink works just as well in contrast with a dark red lip as it does solo.
“Fifty Shades of Red” photographed by David Slijper, styled by Andreas Kokkino; W magazine October 2014.
A cool-toned pink pairs perfectly with primary colors for a practically Warholian, pop art-inspired look (though W’s beauty director looks back even further, to the Fauvists like Matisse and Derain).
“Full Spectrum” photographed by Plamen Petkov; W magazine June 2012.
A strong pink lip can also highlight statement jewels; the more statements, the better.
“American Dreamin'” photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, styled by Alex White; W magazine December 2008.
A muted, yet still opaque pink reads frosty yet glamorous.
Cara Delevingne in “Heavenly Creature” photographed by Mikael Jansson, styled by Edward Enninful; W magazine February 2013.
Hot pink lips aren’t even the boldest — or the pinkest — part of this look, proving that the color doesn’t have to be scene-stealing to be effective. “Rave New World” photographed by Mario Sorrenti, styled by Panos Yiapanis; W magazine March 2013.
We don’t know if Marilyn Monroe would have been a fan of this season’s hot pink lip, but we’d like to imagine yes. Eva Mendes does her best “screen siren” impression with the latest trend.
Eva Mendes photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, styled by Alex White; W magazine July 2010.
It’s no Pink Panther, but we’ll never say no to a jewel tone.
“The Stone Age” photographed by Daniele Duella & Iango Henzi; W magazine June 2011.
