Blackberry Lips are Back: Galway Makeup Artist Pauline Fletcher Shows us How to Get the Look
Backberry lips are officially back and bolder than ever. As someone who never strays far from a classic nude gloss, the blackberry lip trend caught my eye whilst watching AW25 fashion shows on YouTube. Judging by the runways – I spotted this moody look at Versace, Tom Ford and Annie’s Ibiza – it’s set to be the lip colour of the season.
Whether sheer wash for a casual coffee date or a bold hue for a girls night out, the berry lip is the perfect way to add some moodiness to your look.
If you’re ready for some drama, but hesitant to try a bold lippie, fear not, we’ve chatted with Galway makeup artist Pauline Fletcher for all her top tips on getting the look. Pauline has been the lead make-up artist on several Galway Now covers and has over 25 years in the industry under her belt.
From how to balance a bold lip to making your pout last all night, keep scrolling for Pauline’s pro tips on how to wear this gorgeous, seasonal look.
Do you like recreating the blackberry lip trend?
I’ve always loved a blackberry lip — it’s bold, versatile, and instantly adds drama or sophistication, depending on how you wear it. I actually had the chance to create this lip back in 2008 at London Fashion Week for designer Giles Deacon, where it was the signature look. We used Mac Black Lipmix with a precision brush to outline and fill in, and just before the models went on, we layered plenty of Mac Lipglass for that high-shine finish. The rest of the makeup was kept very minimalistic to let the lip really take center stage.
I also love bringing it into my bridal work — just this week, one of my brides requested it, and we used Finding Ferdinand’s The Black Lip Balm in Mixed Berry for a beautiful, sheer version.
Who do you feel is showcasing the blackberry lip trend really well this season?
Giles Deacon has been revisiting this look — his 2025 show really brought it back in a modern way.
On the red carpet, I’ve seen celebrities like Rihanna and Halle Berry embracing deep berry and blackberry shades beautifully. Halle Berry, in particular, has shown how this trend can go from bold, editorial statements to more wearable, everyday versions, proving its incredible versatility.
What are your top tips for recreating the look?
The key is versatility and precision. Start with a lip primer — I love Mac Lip Primer, especially if the lipstick is matte. Outline and fill in with a liner or a precision brush; this helps control the shape and prevents feathering. You can then go sheer, satin, or fully matte depending on your mood.
I often keep the rest of the makeup minimal to balance the bold lip, but pairing it with a dark smoky eye can give a glamorous 1930s-1940s vintage vibe. This is the decade where the modern dark berry lip trend takes its roots — those deep reds and wines evolved into today’s blackberry tones. The idea was “never without lipstick” even factory workers wore it to boost morale!
Any tips for someone who doesn’t usually wear a bold lip?
If you’re hesitant, start with a sheer or balm version of a deep berry shade. This gives the hint of drama without feeling overpowering. Keeping the rest of the makeup minimal – soft eyes, subtle cheeks – this helps balance the look. You can also experiment with lip stains or layering sheer shades to build intensity gradually, so it feels comfortable for day-to-day wear.
Finally, any tips on how to make a lip look like this one last longer?
To make a bold berry lip last, I recommend:
1. Prep: Start with smooth, exfoliated lips and a lip primer
2. Line: Outline with a lip liner to define the shape and create a base.
3. Layer: Apply the lipstick in thin layers, blotting lightly between layers.
4. Seal: For glossy versions, apply something like Lipglass only just before finishing — for matte, lightly dust translucent powder over tissue to lock the colour.
5. Touch-ups: Keep your liner handy for quick definition if it fades during the day.
Pauline’s picks
MacPrep + Prime Lip primer: Use under all dark lips for long lasting, bold colour.
Mac lipstick in Diva: A deep, cool toned burgundy
Finding Ferdinand The Black Lip Balm: Sheer and wearable, gorgeous for weddings
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in 'Glastonberry' luxurious deep berry with a satin matte finish
Nail the the Blackberry lip trend with these Irish brands
Sculpted by Aimee Hydralip in 'Berry' : Sheer, wearable and moisturising
bPerfect Lip library lipstick in 'Revenge': A warm, creamy berry red
Ayu lipstick in shade 'Plum': Cool plum lipstick, natural, vegan ingredients
Follow Pauline on Instagram @paulinefletchermakeupartist, or find her at paulinefletchermakeup.ie
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