My interest in black lipstick was piqued a few weeks ago when I discovered this picture of Lady Gaga, in which then that I also learned that Lancôme has launched a black lip gloss (Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black, $23) in its spring collection. Other additions to the category include Le Métier de Beauté Lip Metamorphosis in Black Magic ($36) and MAC PRO Lipmix in Black ($11.50).
Black lipstick had infected the wildly gothic creations of several designers. But how—and why—would anyone not slouching down a catwalk wear it?
According to Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and co-author of Gothic: Dark Glamour, “This has been a very gothic moment for fashion, and cosmetics are inextricably linked to fashion,” She says that for black lipstick to work, you’ve got to embrace the whole decadent, unhealthy, tubercular look, she says. “You wear black lipstick with floaty black garments,” says Steele. “It can be a very dramatic evening look.”
Right. I’m not exactly sure I can pull it off, but maybe some of you can.
