Remember the dark overdrawn lips of the ‘90s? Naomi, anyone? Well, ombré lips are the modernised version and they are currently having a moment. For context, #ombrélips has a whopping 1.7 billion (not million!) views on TikTok. Apparently, we all like a two-tone lip look… a lot.
But dark-lined lips and ombré lips are two different things, though the effects are similar at a glance. In 1995, the look was as simple as tracing a stark line around your lipstick. Present-day ombre lips are all about a gradient, seamless-looking finish. It’s an art form that commands attention to your lips… though it doesn’t require the skill of a professional artist to create it.
“You can create so many different versions,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Ash K Holm — pick two (or three) colours and have fun. She loves neutral browns and pinks together for a your-lips-but-better iteration or dark red and black shades for a statement.
Looking for more inspiration? Take a peek at the recent runway shows. Our favourite: Models at Kim Shui’s fall 2023 show wore bold ombré lips in black and red, paired with fresh skin, making the lip look impossible to miss, in the best way.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to achieve a perfect seamlessly blended ombré lip every single time.
A step-by-step guide: How to create ombré lips
You’ll need a lip liner and at least two shades of lipstick, plus a lip gloss if you like a shiny finish.
To make sure all of these products go on smoothly, New York-based makeup artist Andrea DiSabatino recommends starting with lip prep (first exfoliation, followed by hydration) to “ensure a smooth canvas.” Buff away flakes by massaging on a gentle lip scrub (we love the Fresh Beauty Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator) then apply a thin layer of lip balm (you can never go wrong with Aquaphor Lip Repair Balm). One swipe keeps lips soft without causing your colour products to glide right off.
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ExfoliatorAquaphor Lip Repair OintmentWhen it comes to the ombre technique, Ash takes a different approach than most of the countless TikTok tutorials in which people start by lining their lips. Instead, she applies two shades of lipstick in the same colour family, but slightly different shades, like a tan brown and rusty pink, before defining the lips with liner.
“This helps you blend the ombré lip seamlessly,” says Ash. Tap the lightest shade in the centre of the lip, then add the darker shade from the middle to just below your lips' edges. “Use your ring finger to gently tap where the two shades meet to create a soft blend,” says Ash. (A lip brush works, too.)
Once your two lip colours are blended, trace the natural outline of your lips with a lip liner — Andrea recommends using a lip liner that matches the darker shade of lipstick. Andrea’s go-to is Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat, which has a dual-ended brush for easy blending.
Go in with a brush again or your finger to diffuse the lip liner into the lipstick. “Be patient and take your time,” says Ash. “It’s important to blend each shade together for a seamless finish.”
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip LinerPat McGrath Labs SatinAllure LipstickFenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Ice Cooling Lip LuminizerTower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip JellyIt’s not the easiest look to touch up, so if you’ll want to use formulas that last all day without drying out. We love Pat McGrath Labs Satin Allure Lipstick. For more shine, add a layer of clear gloss. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Ice Cooling Lip Luminizer and Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss in Chill add the perfect non-sticky, ultra-shiny gleam.
A version of this article originally appeared Allure.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8tbXKraakZZ%2Bir7OxjKWgqatdobywtw%3D%3D