The burgundy lip and winged eyeliner combo is one of those makeup pairings that never fails to look polished, dramatic, and seasonally appropriate. For fall parties, holiday gatherings, or any evening event where you want to feel confident, this look delivers. I have been wearing this exact combination for years, and it still gets compliments every time. The deep wine shade pops against warm golden light, and when you add sharp black liner, the contrast is immediately striking. Whether you have dark curly hair like the subject in the photo, or a different texture, this face works because it balances bold color with clean structure. Let me walk you through the steps to recreate it at home.
Skin Prep for a Glowing, Party-Ready Base
Before you touch any color, start with skin that looks healthy and luminous. The photo shows a dewy finish with subtle highlighter on the cheekbones, not a flat matte face. You want that glow to come through under warm golden lighting, which is common at fall parties and holiday dinners. Begin by cleansing and moisturizing well. If your skin tends to dry out in cooler weather, use a hydrating serum or a few drops of face oil before your foundation.
For the base, choose a medium-coverage foundation or a tinted moisturizer with a luminous finish. Apply it with a damp sponge for an even, skin-like look. Then spot-conceal any redness or dark circles. The key is to keep the skin looking like skin, not a mask. Set only your T-zone with a light dusting of translucent powder, and leave the rest of your face dewy. This is what gives that fresh, glowing finish you see in the reference photo.
- Moisturize with a rich cream or hydrating primer.
- Use a luminous foundation or mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your base.
- Conceal sparingly only where needed.
- Set with powder only on the forehead, nose, and chin.
How to Choose the Perfect Deep Burgundy Lip
Not every burgundy shade looks the same on different skin tones. In the photo, the lip color is a deep wine shade with cool undertones, almost like a crushed berry. For fair to light skin, a true burgundy with a hint of plum works well. Medium and olive skin tones can go deeper, into a black cherry or wine-stain shade. Darker skin tones look incredible with a burgundy that has a slightly brown or maroon undertone, which adds richness without washing out.
When you test shades, apply a small swipe on your inner arm or on your bare lips. Look at it in natural light and also under warm indoor light, because that is what you will be wearing to parties. A creamy bullet lipstick gives a satin finish, while a liquid lipstick stays matte and lasts longer through drinks and dinner. I personally prefer a creamy formula for fall nights, because it feels more comfortable and catches the light slightly. The photo shows a lip that is not completely matte, but has a subtle sheen.
Mastering the Sharp Winged Eyeliner Technique
The winged liner in this look is precise, sharp, and dramatic. It is not a soft smudged line. To get that clean wing, you need a felt-tip liquid liner with a fine brush tip, or a gel liner applied with an angled brush. Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, keeping it as close to the lashes as possible. Then, imagine a line extending from the corner of your lower lash line toward the end of your eyebrow. That is the angle for your wing.
Draw the wing in one smooth motion, or in two dots that you connect. Keep the tip of the wing sharp, not rounded. For people with hooded eyes or monolids (like many of my clients), the trick is to draw the wing with your eye open, looking straight ahead. This way you can see exactly where the wing will sit without getting hidden in the fold. In the reference photo, the eyeliner extends past the outer corner of the eye and lifts upward. The lashes are long and dark, which helps the wing look even more dramatic.
Sculpted Brows and Long Lashes to Frame the Look
Notice how the eyebrows in the photo are perfectly sculpted but not harsh. They have a defined arch and a slightly darker fill, which balances the bold lip and heavy liner. Use a brow pencil or a powder to fill in sparse areas with light, hair-like strokes. Brush the hairs upward with a spoolie to keep them looking natural. Avoid a blocky outline, you want structure, not a drawn-on effect.
For lashes, a good volumizing mascara is non-negotiable. Curl your lashes first, then apply two coats of a black mascara that adds both length and thickness. If you want extra impact, add a few individual false lashes on the outer corners. That is exactly what gives the eye that lifted, cat-eye feel. The photo shows long, dark lashes that blend seamlessly with the black liner.
Adding Highlighter and the Gold Nose Piercing Accent
The glowing skin in the photo comes from a well-placed highlighter, not an all-over shimmer. Dust a champagne or rose-gold highlighter on the high points of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and just above your Cupid’s bow. A small fan brush or a tapered powder brush gives the most control. Keep the application subtle, you want a lit-from-within effect, not a stripe of glitter.
The gold nose piercing on the left nostril is a small detail that adds a lot of edge to this makeup look. If you have a piercing, lean into it with a simple gold stud or hoop. If you do not, you can skip this or use a clip-on for one night. Either way, the combination of warm gold metal with the cool burgundy lip and black liner creates a nice contrast. It is a small touch that makes the whole look feel intentional and modern.
Long-Lasting Tips for a Full Evening Out
Fall parties often involve eating, drinking, and talking for hours. You want your makeup to stay intact. Start with a good primer on your eyelids and your lips. For the lip, line and fill your entire mouth with a matching lip liner before applying the burgundy lipstick. This creates a base that prevents feathering and helps the color last through a meal. Blot once with a tissue after the first layer, then apply a second layer.
For the eyeliner, set it with a tiny bit of black eyeshadow patted over the line with a flat brush. This locks in the liquid liner and prevents smudging. Carry a mini powder and a lipstick for touch-ups, but with the right prep, you should only need one or two refreshes all night. The photo shows a flawless finish, and that is achievable with a few extra minutes of prep.
Final Thoughts on This Festive Fall Look
This burgundy lip and winged eyeliner combo is a classic for a reason. It is bold, flattering, and works for almost any fall party or holiday event. The glowing skin, sharp liner, deep wine lips, and that subtle gold piercing all come together to create a look that feels both polished and a little rebellious. I hope these steps help you recreate it with confidence. Try it for your next night out, and see how the warm golden light makes every element pop.
Save this guide for later, and feel free to share your own versions of the look. I would love to know which burgundy shade ended up being your favorite.
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