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Remember the dark overdrawn lips of the ‘90s? Naomi, anyone? Well, ombré lips are the modernized 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) colors 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 inspiration beyond your FYP? Take a peek at the recent runway shows. Our favorite: Models at Kim Shui’s fall 2023 shows 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.
How to create ombré lips
You’ll need a lip liner and at least two shades of lip color, 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 color products to glide right off.
When it comes to the ombre technique, Holm 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 color 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 Holm. Tap the lightest shade in the center 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 Holm. (A lip brush works too.)
Once your two lip colors are blended, trace the natural outline of your lips with a lip liner — DiSabatino recommends using a lip liner that matches the darker shade of lipstick. DiSabatino’s go-to is Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat and Holm likes to use Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner which has a dual-ended brush for easy blending. (Holm is an ambassador for Buxom.)
Go in with a brush again or your finger to diffuse the lip liner into the lipstick. “Be patient and take your time,” says Holm. “It’s important to blend each shade together for a seamless finish.”
It’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 Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick, Pat McGrath Labs Satin Allure Lipstick, and Jason Wu Beauty Hot Fluff 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.
Discover more makeup trends:
- TikTok’s Ombré Concealer Trend Changed the Way I Do My Makeup
- TikTok's Honey Lips Trend Is as Sweet as It Sounds
- Stained Glass Blush Is the Expert-Approved Way to Get Perfectly Rosy Cheeks
Now, watch Jennifer Garner react to TikTok Trends
