Joan Smalls launches a lipstick collection

You know your beauty aesthetic is in demand when people start tagging you in their own copycat looks on Instagram. That’s exactly what happened to Joan Smalls, whose bold purple lips at last year’s Met Gala caused a social media flurry.

“I started seeing people tag me after the Met Gala,” she told US Vogue. “I was like, ‘This is so cool. People are really reacting to it in a very positive way.’ ”

Smalls is already a face of Estée Lauder, so it was a natural fit that the model and beauty giant join forces on a range of lip colours. The result is a range of 12 matte lipsticks in vibrant shades from rich purple to neon coral, which will hit stores 9 August.

Joan was involved in picking the shades and finishes for the collection, and unlike Estée Lauder’s collaboration with Kendall Jenner, this range is not a limited edition.

So how do you wear the lipstick like a supermodel? “It’s all about self-expression. Just go with your heart and your mood. If you don’t want to go as bold, pat it down with a tissue and use it as a tint,” says Smalls. 

Oh, and as for those still pining for Joan’s Met Gala look, Shameless is your go-to shade.
Pure Color Envy Matte Lipstick in Commanding, Neon Azalea and Shameless all $50.