Rihanna Makes A Strong Case for Bold Lips

Photo: Getty

Rihanna stepped out looking a little more ladylike than usual at last night’s MAC AIDS Fund film premiere of It’s Not Over. While we love her Altuzarra gingham skirt and blazer combo, she managed to give the ultra-feminine ensemble her signature bad-gal attitude with a sultry bordeaux lip and cool henna hand tattoo.

Related: Keira Knightley’s unconventional take on pink lips

To get this statement look, grab a lip pencil and fill in lips completely (we like NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Lanikai). Then, use a brush to apply a creamy lipstick to the entire lip (try MAC Lipstick in Hang-Up or L’Oréal Infallible Lipstick in Bold Bordeaux). Keep the rest of your makeup simple and natural to give your pout the spotlight.

Photo: Getty

Even though the singer’s henna-inspired hand tattoo is nothing new (she’s had it for over a year now), we can’t help but want to copy it. To give it a temporary try, we like the Flash Tattoos Sheebani collection, which includes four sheets of tattoos in gold and silver—perfect for channeling RiRi during the holidays.

If you’re looking to go more of the traditional route with henna, you’ll likely be able to find a salon in your city that can offer the intricate Mehndi design. Henna kits are also available for purchase online or at your local beauty supply store. With any dye based product, it’s important to be mindful of potential allergies and test the product on a small area of the skin before you begin. The FDA has not yet approved pure henna dyes—which are usually red, orange or brown—for use on the skin. Black henna dye should always be avoided, as it contains para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and can cause severe allergic reactions.