How to Do an Ombré Lip

What began as a must-have hair trend has quickly evolved into a lip look loved by fashion designers, models, celebrities, and everyday gals. Known for its gradation of color that fades from dark to light the closer you get to the center of your pout, ombré lips have become a makeup staple. And, why not? When you have a million lipstick colors to choose from and have trouble picking just one, this look offers the perfect solution. Sure, it may seem like just another makeup trend that’s not-so-easy to achieve, you’d be surprised to learn just how simple this faded lip really is. Master this makeup trend by following our advice!

What to Keep in Mind When Creating an Ombré Lip

Before you get to work on this standout makeup look, there are a few tips you should commit to memory.

1. Lip liner is a must. Never been much of a lip liner girl? That’s about to change! Lip liner is your secret weapon when it comes to priming your lips and creating an ultra-defined pout. You can use lip liner to line your lips to help prevent color from bleeding. You can also use it to fill in your full pout before putting any lipstick on.

2. You will need a handful of lip products to create this look. Grab your favorite lip balm, lip liner, two similar-shaded lipsticks, and a lip brush. Paired together, these five lip products, with the addition of a smidge of highlighter and matte bronzer, will be able to give you the pillowy, ombré pout of your social media-inspired beauty dreams.

3. You can make an ombré lip look natural. We know, we know. When you hear the word ombré you don’t necessarily think natural, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be. By mimicking the way that light would naturally hit your lip, you will be able to create a contrasting lip that doesn’t look too harsh. Nice!

The 4-Step Ombré Lip Tutorial

Have all your products ready? It’s time to get to it! Here’s how to do an ombré lip from start to finish.

Step 1: Break out the lip liner. Using your lip liner of choice—it should be slightly darker than your natural lip color—outline your lips and shade in the corners to add dimension. If you want to give the illusion of slightly fuller lips, feel free to over-line—just don’t go too far outside the lines.

Step 2: Add lipstick. Using a flat lip brush, blend the lighter of your two similar lipsticks outwards in. Be sure to not be as heavy-handed in the center of your lips because that’s where you want your lip to look the lightest.

Step 3: Amp up the ombré. Since this look is all about gradation, take your darkest lipstick and apply it to the corners of your lips where you initially shaded with lip pencil. Use your lip brush to blend everything together without making your lips all one color. This might take some practice, but you’ll be a pro in no time!

Step 4: Highlight and contour. Using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealing and Contour Kit, apply a little bit of highlighter above your lip to accent your cupid’s bow, followed by a touch of bronzer just below your bottom lip to create the illusion of a fuller, luscious pout.

Our Favorite Color Combos

Looking for color-matching lipstick inspo? Try one of our recommendations for the picture-perfect pout.

Look #1: Nude Ombré

Pair shades #6 & #7 from the L’Oréal Paris La Palette/Lip in Nude for a minimal, sculpted natural lip—perfect for day or night.

Look #2: Pretty in Pink Ombré

Pair shades #1 and #2 from the L’Oréal Paris La Palette/Lip in Pink to achieve an eye-popping pink pout.

Look #3: Bold Purple Ombré

Pair shades #7 & #8 from the L’Oréal Paris La Palette/Lip in Plum for a look that’s simply out of this world.