Black lipstick is the new black

THE Yves Saint-Laurent fall show in Paris showcased Stefano Pilati’s designs and a pout of death. Now black lip gloss -- most recently spotted on Rachel McAdams on the cover of the New York Times T Magazine -- has become all the rage and made kissing a rather messy affair.

YSL’s Pur Black gloss was out of stock before it shipped, but the pure plum-ebony veneer, which sells for $28, should be available late this week. Lancôme has its own version, called Piha Black, a limited-edition offering available in November at Bloomingdale’s, the Lancôme boutique in Brea and on the beauty behemoth’s website. (Limited, by the way, means limited -- there will be just 500 of the $48 pieces, which come paired with red lipstick, available.

Black lipstick has long been the terrain of Nine Inch Nails-loving teens in black mesh T-shirts held together with safety pins. Which is why its revival feels so deliciously insubordinate. Famous rebels such as Marilyn Manson, Siouxsie Sioux and Lou Reed have all made ebony lips a trademark.

If you’re prone to dark humor and find oil spills sexy, go for it. Otherwise, let the trendbots rush in while you just spectate.

Or, consider test-driving this trend on the cheap. A tube of the sinister stuff will set you back a mere $1.99 at a Halloween costume shop such as BuyCostumes.com. Unlike the pricier products, this black is matte. But a swipe of clear lip gloss or a dab of Vaseline gives your lips the same patent-leather quality seen on the runways for just pennies on the dollar. And that’ll confine the horror show to your lips, not your AmEx bill.

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The Image staff