Summer love, bright colors, vacations and long days full of sunshine are among our favorite things in the whole world. But there's always a time during the summer when it hits us that fall is just around the corner and we're ready to welcome it with open arms. Before you go throwing on a tweed jacket and a knitted scarf in 100-degree weather, stop and consider taking baby steps toward fall style - starting with the dark lip. Just because everyone around you seems to be frolicking about in light lip glosses or bright corals doesn't mean you can't pull off a dark lip this time of year. The trick is keeping the rest of the look light and luminescent. Makeup extraordinaire Emma Willis for Contour Fossashows us how it's done.

Step 1: Start by using a primer to ensure an even skin tone. Willis used L'Oréal RevitaLift Miracle Blur, which works brilliantly as a skin smoother. Then use a blending sponge to apply a foundation like Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Don't forget to blend well into the neck so your skin looks naturally flawless.

Step 2: Use a contouring brush to sweep a bronzer like Lancôme Star Bronzer in Sunkiss into the hollows of your cheekbones and along the edge of your hairline.

Step 3: Swipe a rose gold eye shadow all over your eyelids, from the lash line to just past the crease. Willis used Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy. Apply a voluminous mascara like L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga in Blackest Black.

Step 4: Using your dark red or berry lipstick color of choice, brush on the lips with a lip brush. If you want a lighter "lip stained" look, dab the color onto your lips with a fingertip. Willis used Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge in Berry Noir.

What's your favorite lip color for summertime? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Photography: Joshua M. Shelton

Makeup: Emma Willis

Model: Shauna Gutierrez