How To Perfect The Trendy Ombré Lip

Two-tone lip styles will always be an ode to '90s grunge. Darker liner paired with a lighter lip shade still summons visions of icons of the decade, from Naomi Campbell to the Spice Girls, but we're bringing the dual-color aesthetic right into the 2020s with an ombré update. The seamless transition from light to dark color has manifested in endless crazes across the wider beauty space, from the trippy double ombré nail trend to the buzzy eyebrow treatment known as ombré brows, and even ombré hair for beachy summer vibes. Now ombré lips are the latest movement to infiltrate the world of modern makeup. And though the final result seems complex, it's actually an easy look to pull off.

To truly be ombré, there needs to be a color gradient, but there's no limit on how many shades you can use. If you'd like to get more creative with your ombré lips, feel free to use three or more hues to add that depth you're looking for. But otherwise, you can achieve this trend with just two lipstick shades.

When it comes to the ombré lip, the star of the show is your lipstick. You will need two shades (once you've mastered the basic process, you can add more) that are within the same tonal family. This is a glossy look, so you'll also need a lip gloss, along with a lip liner in a darker color than both of your lipsticks. The lipstick won't come out smoothly if you haven't properly prepared your lips, so also reach for either a lip primer or a lip balm to prep your base. You could blend with your finger, but if you prefer to use tools, you'll need a small lip brush. Make sure you have a tissue handy for blotting and a highlighter to finish the look off.

Before you even touch your lips, you should put careful thought into the shades that will be going into this look. You could really use any color, though the most popular versions of this trend use natural pinks and browns. If you want to turn up the drama, you could opt for colors from the red family. The world is your oyster, but remember that the two hues need to come from the same palette, and one needs to be lighter. If you want a more subtle look, keep the difference only two or three shades apart. For a bolder finish, go for a bigger contrast between light and dark.

Though we're going to finish with lip gloss, it's best to select a matte lipstick formula rather than something slick. Matte shades are less likely to fuse together and ruin the color gradient you're trying to create, which is why we're leaving the lip gloss until after our color is set.

No matter what look you're trying to create, priming the lips first is essential, particularly when preparing the lips for matte lipstick. You can use a lip primer or a moisturizing lip balm, though the look may last longer with a primer. By applying this first coat, you'll be giving the lipstick a smooth surface to stick to, which will stop it from setting into lines or bleeding away from your lips. The hydration factor of lip priming is also important, as this step can help your lips avoid drying out and cracking the lipstick.

Start your lipstick on the top half of your bottom lip, going in with the lighter shade. This version of the trendy ombré look gets darker towards the edges of the lips, so this is the only time you'll use the light color. You can also apply some of the lighter lipstick to the bottom edge of your top lip, so the middle of your lips are both lighter in color.

Next, it's time to go in with the darker shade. Apply it to the bottom of your bottom lip, drawing close to the bottom edge, and the same with the top lip. You don't want to apply the dark lipstick right to either the top or bottom edge, as this is where your liner is going, but get as close as you can.

While this is a two-toned look, the goal is not to have a clear defining line between the light and dark areas, so blending is key. You can use a small lip brush to blend the colors together, but your finger will also get the job done. Speaking to Allure, makeup artist Ash K Holm advises using the ring finger, as you're less likely to put too much pressure when blending: "Use your ring finger to gently tap where the two shades meet to create a soft blend."

Once you're happy with your colors and the blended fusion between them, you can apply your lip liner. There's no need to overline your lips; simply trace the natural border. If you want more of an understated ombré lip with less definition, you can hold back on the liner as you come to the corners where your top and bottom lips meet.

To really nail the blended, ombré quality of this look, you're also going to blend your liner. Using either your finger or your small lip brush, gently tap the liner in a downward motion towards your lipstick (not in the direction of your bare skin!). You can also use your finger or the brush to draw the liner into the inner corners of your lips if you didn't take your liner all the way around.

As with all lip looks, you'll need to blot. Grab your tissue, put it between your lips, and press your lips together on either side of it. This will help your lipstick to last longer but will also enhance the blended look, further melding those colors together. It will also ensure that you don't get any lipstick on your teeth!

You could have an ombré lip without doing anything to the point above your top lip, but emphasizing your Cupid's bow helps the whole look to pop. Take a highlighter with a fine point and lightly trace against your Cupid's bow in an "M" shape. Otherwise, you can press your finger into highlighting powder and then dab it against your Cupid's bow if you don't mind more pronounced highlighting.

Matte ombré lips are certainly more true to the essence of grunge, but if you want to follow this trend in its contemporary form, finish with a swipe of lip gloss. And that's it! Your ombré lip can be the cherry on top of a dramatic glam look for a night out, or you can simply rock it with barely there makeup. Either way, you'll make a statement.