Fashion Or Freak: Violent Lips

MAKEUP artists have been battling with smudging and short-lived lip wear for years; forever reverting back to plain matte colours in order to gain that staying power women want.

It’s true that the lip designs stay put for up to eight hours. But that is without drinking from a glass (straws only) and avoiding oily foods, or any food at all in my experience.

That was until entertainment industry veteran Jeff Haddad and his two daughters Isabella and Sophia invented ‘Violent Lips’ - a range of natural and vitamin-enhanced temporary lip appliques, made in America, tested on supermodels.

Violent Lips

The Violent Lip craze has been pouted by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Jessie J and TOWIE’s Amy Childs, but whether the look should remain among the wacky stars is yet to be confirmed. I decided to put them to the test...

Violent Lips have to be applied to dry, clean lips and work in the same way as temporary tattoos from children’s bubble-gum wrappers. The drier the better in fact as oil is used to remove them. Making an ‘ahhh’ shape with your open mouth, you measure the appliqués up against your cupid’s bow. You then cut three times from the bottom of the transfer, not the top before peeling the plastic backing off. Paying particular attention to the corners you seal the deal by dabbing with a wet cotton ball. You then have to allow drying time of five minutes and check the online list of products which can and cannot be used as a top coat.

Violent Lips

The ‘easy’ application is for anyone with the patience of a saint or those with their own personal make-up artist. That said, each £10 pack comes with three applications and step by step instructions, so there’s some room for trial and error.

It’s true that the lip designs stay put for up to eight hours. But that is without drinking from a glass (straws only) and avoiding oily foods, or any food at all in my experience. With no food and little to drink, events for appropriate wear are already running short.

Say 'Ahhh' to apply

The design I tried was the ‘red zebra’ print (pictured). It’s part of the ‘animal print’ range which is just one of many ranges including polka dots, fishnets, glitterati and even a Valentine’s day range.

Yes, these designs create a stunning article of the lips and will certainly turn heads, both in ore and utter confusion, but don’t throw away your lipglosses just yet, this is costume makeup. Save it for a special occasion.

If you fancy having a go, you can buy Violent Lips from Harvey Nichols at £10 per pack of three.

Beth's Violent Lips