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.
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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.
When 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.