Sloaney Beauty: The perfect plum pout will help transform your daytime look to evening glamour

Earlier this week, The Sloaney gave some fashion tips for the forthcoming party season and showed you how to style your outfit to take you from desk to dinner. 

Our newly appointed Beauty Editor, Halle Carlson, continues this theme by explaining how you can make a last minute transformation with a simple, yet dramatic amendment to your makeup.

One of my favourite ways to warm things up during the chilly winter months is to sport striking, rich lips. My most preferable hue this season is deep plum and exploring such a strong makeup trend also provides a quick and easy way to transform your look as darkness arrives.

Earlier this week I attended an art exhibition in Mayfair. After a hectic day, I had less than 30 minutes to take my look from office drab to sophisticated glam. I decided that it was time to coat my pout with one of this season’s most desirable shades.

Not only have dark lips recently taken centre stage on the catwalk but they have been showcased by a number of stars such as Miranda Kerr and Catherine Zeta Jones. 

Everyone can pull off this trend with the benefit of a few helpful tips.

When choosing to sport high impact lips you must always remember the golden rule: accentuate only one feature of your face and leave the rest very simple. Keeping your eyes natural will encourage all the attention to focus on your gorgeous pout.

A deep plum shade is guaranteed to add instant definition to your face and you will feel like you have walked straight off the catwalk, rather than out of the office. It is best to opt for a lipstick that has a slight shine and by steering clear of matte textures you will avoid a vampire-esque result.

One of the best tricks I have learnt from working with makeup artists over the years is to always couple lipstick - especially dark shades - with lip liner. You should colour your entire pout with the latter to create definition and provide a base coat for your lipstick. This not only helps it last longer but it will prevent undesirable smudges from spoiling the chic finish.

I tested this old trick at the art exhibition and I am delighted to report that I managed to enjoy sipping champagne without a single smudge; a necessity for lip wear on an evening out.

So, if you are caught unaware by an invitation to a drinks party, or simply fancy spoiling yourself by dining at your favourite restaurant; don’t forget to include plum lip colour in your hand bag. It is a quick fire way to add some festive glam and transform your daytime style.

Tom Ford LipColor in Black Orchid £36.00

Dolce and Gabbana in Passion Duo Gloss Fusion £24

Giorgio ArmaniRouge d’Armani in Plum £23.00

Dior Addict inPerfecto £22.00

Clarins JoliRouge in Plum £16.50

- Halle Carlson, Beauty Editor