The problem with trends: you think you have to pick one. But that’s not necessarily the case… For those of you who are looking to rock some trends in a bold way, you’re in luck. The ombré lip is just one of this season’s ways to incorporate both bold dark tones and bright pops of color at once. Added bonus: this look gives you the look of fuller lips without any crazy Kylie Jenner tactics.
My personal ombré lip inspiration is Instagram and YouTube beauty guru Ellarie. Not only do her techniques rock, but her lips are to die for, and she makes the ombré lip look easy to do and wearable!
First things first – liner. This step is so important because it creates the shape of your lips, puts down the darkest part of your ombré on the outer part of your lips, and keeps the rest of the colors from feathering. Without this step, your lips will most likely look like this:
Second is the application of your darkest lip color. Apply this just inside of the lines you created with your lip liner, leaving the center of your lips blank. This is the beginning of your ombré and creates the dimension of your lips – so go dark or go home. Concentrate this color in any place on your lips where there are natural shadows, like the outer corners. It may look silly now, but the blending later on is what brings it all together.
Next comes your lighter color. In the case of a red-pink lip, this might be a lighter fuchsia to contrast the dark red around your lips. Applying this to the center of your lips is similar to applying a highlighter to the highest parts of your cheekbones and face. It will virtually expand the area to where it is applied, creating the look of fuller lips.
And last but definitely not least is blending – your best friend when creating any look. Use a lip brush with your darker color to go back around the outer edges of your lips and make sure both colors are flawlessly blended. Going in with a brush makes it the most precise and makes sure to not overpower the lighter color on the inside of your lips. Don’t be too worried about being exact, but simply fill the dark in where it seems the most natural. Remember, this isn’t supposed to look like stripes of color on your lips, but rather a natural transition from one color to the next.
This two-in-one trend allows you to combine any of fall’s fabulous lip colors into one look. So have fun with it, and good luck!