It’s that time of year again. Time to start brainstorming for that fashionista on your gifting list. Lucky for you, designers and cosmetic companies alike are combining beauty, fragrance and fashion together to create an accessory fit for a beauty queen.  Brands such as Dior, YSL, Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture, Urban-Decay, Givenchy and more are offering these chic two in one gift-ables.

Whether she opens a sparkled ring with lip-gloss inside, or a bracelet containing her favorite fragrance, these items will not disappoint. Now, head out to your favorite beauty store and mark that fashionista off your list.

Not exactly. While the Black Lip has been famous in the past painted on the pale-skin, grunge-loving “Goth kids”. This year it has been spotted on some very famous runways.

Now this is not a fashion statement you want to make in a T-shirt and jeans. In fact, unless you’re working in a fashion based industry I recommend you steer clear of trying this trend until evening hours.  Keep in mind that unless you’re going to an event wearing couture you may not want to go for the full-on Black Lip.

 Here are some tips to help ease you into the trend:

FIRST – Keep the rest of your face makeup pretty muted. As with any bold lip, over doing your eyes and cheeks can make you look over made up. Keep eyes neutral with little to fine eyeliner and black mascara and make sure cheeks are bare to slightly highlighted.

SECOND – Start by lining lips with a clear, nude or (preferably) your favorite fall COLOR liner.  DO NOT LINE WITH BLACK LINER.  Trust me, black liner will not blend well and it will just be a nasty mess.

LAST -Apply YSL or favorite black lip-gloss or Sheer, next to black lipstick. Viola!