How to Perfect the Ombré Lip

November 14, 2012
by Karie Frost

1 Comment(s) |

Backstage at Jason Wu's spring 2013 ready-to-wear show, makeup artist Diane Kendal assembled a look that gave new definition to the perfect pout. Rather than applying allover color, she dabbed on a range of hues for a three-dimensional effect that is being called the ombré lip. Here she breaks down the steps to mastering this look on your own.

Step 1: Carefully outline your lips using a true red lip pencil (she likes MAC Lip Pencil in Cherry). Then fill in the shape with the pencil.

Step 2: Choose a deep berry lip liner, like Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Liner in Wine, and retrace the outline of your mouth only.

Step 3: Using your fingers, dab neon pink lipstick to the middle of your lips. Kendal used a mix of two hues—MAC Mineralize Rich Lipsticks in Lady at Play and Lush Life (available this spring)—as her pop of pink. Another good option is YSL Rouge Pur Couture Pure Color Lipstick SPF 15 in Soft Fuchsia.

Step 4: Apply magenta lip gloss, like L’Oréal Colour Riche Le Gloss in Plum Rush, over the entire lip, gently blending the hues together into a soft wash.

Step 5: Set your lip design with a light application of loose orange pigment (Kendal uses MAC Pro Pigment in Neo-Orange) for a mega-dimensional design. “It’s a gradation, and the loose pigment doesn’t really make it matte; it actually looks very moisturized,” Kendal says.

Photo: Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images

Previous 'Lips' articleKiss + Makeup: 5 Lip Tricks You Need to Know

Next 'Lips' article4 Ways to Wear the Mulberry Lip

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  1. Ankan

    March 30, 2013

    Try laying out weeenvhr you are at home relaxing and don’t need your glasses. Or buy some tan stuff and put a very small amount on the bridge of your nose to attempt to cover it up. I would think it wouldn’t take too long for it to go away.

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