Remember the dark overdrawn lips of the ‘90s? Naomi, anyone? Well, ombré lips are the modernized 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. The present-day ombré lip is 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) colors 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 inspiration beyond your FYP? Take a peek at the recent runway shows. Our favorite: Models at Kim Shui’s fall 2023 shows 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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