How To Do Ombre Lips- A Step By Step Guide

December 7, 2021

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Some of you might remember that ombré lips were a big makeup trend in the ’90s. And like most fashion and beauty trends, they eventually make a comeback. If you’re unfamiliar with this look, it’s created by a dark visible outline of the lips and contrasting lighter center color. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to master and a good technique to have in your beauty arsenal. And this makeup look has the added benefit of making your lips look pouty and full.

Here is an easy step-by-step guide to creating ombre lips for yourself.

How To Do Ombre Lips

To create an ombre lip, you’ll need at least two shades of lipstick and a lip liner. When deciding what colors to use, pick one darker shade, and another shade lighter than your base color. Just be sure they are similar in hue so that they can smoothly blend together.

For a fun daytime makeup look, you can use berry-colored lipstick as your darker shade, and a light pink shade for your center. Or for a very bold nighttime look, go for a dark red lipstick in the center and pair it with a very dark brown liner shade.

Prep Your Lips

This step is optional, although I think of it as essential. Before applying any makeup I recommend first exfoliating your lips. Starting off with a smooth canvas is allows your lipstick to go on evenly. You can use a lip scrub or damp washcloth to gently buff away any dry skin. My favorite scrub is The Sugar Lip Polish from Fresh. It gently smooths dry flaky lips while maintaining moisture. Then dab on a small amount of lip balm. Your lip liner and lipstick will glide on easier if lips are moisturized Just be careful not to apply too much, otherwise, lip liner and lipstick will slide around.

Line Your Lips

To start, line your lips with a lip pencil that closely matches your darker shade of lipstick. Carefully trace the outline of your lips. You can create the illusion of fuller lips by keeping the outline in the center of your lip thin and gradually thickening towards the edges.

Blend The Lip Liner

Subtly blend the edges of the lip liner towards the center of your lips using a small lip brush.

Fill In Lips

Next, fill in the outer parts of the lips with the darker shade of lipstick. Keep the color close to the lip liner and avoid the center as much as possible. If necessary you can blot away any lipstick with a tissue.

Apply A Lighter Shade Of Lipstick

Apply the lighter shade of lipstick to the center of your lips. Carefully blend the edges of the two colors together with your finger of lip brush so there’s a gradient effect from the lip liner to the center of your lips.