We’re all familiar with the smokey eye, but did you know the classic makeup look has inspired the smokey lip? The smokey lip features darker colours around the edges of the lips that blend to lighter shades in the centre. The result is a similar smouldering effect to the smokey eye and makes for a gorgeous and unique pout. From choosing complementary colours to seamless blending, here’s how to get the perfect smokey lip look in 11 steps.
What Is The Smokey Lip Look?
The smokey lip makeup trend is inspired by the classic smokey eye look. It involves creating a gradient effect on the lips, typically using darker colours at the outer edges and blending to lighter shades towards the centre. This technique gives the lips a more voluminous and dramatic appearance, similar to the sultry, smouldering effect of the smokey eye. This look can range from subtle and elegant to bold and dramatic, depending on the colours and blending techniques you use.
6 Budget-Friendly Smokey Lip Essentials
1. Ruby Kisses Lip Liner Pencil (in a dark shade)
2. Revlon Lustrous Lipstick (in a dark shade)
3. Maybelline Colour Sensation Lipstick (in a light shade)
4. Lip brush
5. NYX Contour Concealer
6. Revlon High Gloss Clear Lip Gloss
How to Get the Perfect Smokey Lip Look
1. Choose Your Lip Colours
Selecting shades that complement each other is crucial for the smokey lip look. For a classic take on the trend, opt for deep reds or berries blended with lighter pinks or nudes. For a more daring look, consider using purples, blacks, and even blues.
2. Prep Your Lips
It’s important to start with a smooth canvas by exfoliating your lips. You can use a lip scrub or a toothbrush to gently remove any dead skin. This step ensures that your lipstick goes on smoothly and lasts longer. Apply a hydrating lip balm and let it sink in for a few minutes to keep your lips moisturized and prevent the lip products from settling into fine lines. Before you go in with your chosen lip colours, apply a thin layer of concealer on your lips. This not only neutralizes your natural lip colour but also helps the lip colours pop and stay in place.
3. Outline Your Lips with Liner
Choose a dark lip liner that complements your chosen lipsticks. Outline your lips, starting from the cupid’s bow and work your way to the corners. Ensure the line is crisp and precise. Slightly fill in the outer corners of your lips with the same liner. This will add depth and dimension to the look.
4. Apply Your Darkest Lip Shade
Apply your dark lipstick to the outer edges of your lips. You can use a lip brush if you’re worried about going in too intensely with the lipstick itself. Focus on the corners of your lips and blend towards the centre, but avoid filling in the centre completely. This creates the gradient effect that is key to the smokey lip look.
5. Apply Your Lighter Lipstick Shade
In the centre of your lips, apply a lighter shade of lipstick. This can be a slightly lighter version of your dark shade or even a contrasting colour for a more dramatic effect. Use your lip brush to blend the lighter shade into the darker edges. The goal is to create a smooth transition between the colours.
6. A Note on Blending
Blending is the key to achieving a flawless smokey lip. Make sure you take your time to blend the lipstick shades seamlessly, using a lip brush for precision. Take your time to ensure there are no harsh lines between the dark and light areas.
7. Refine the Edges
To clean up any mistakes and define your lips, use a small brush with a bit of concealer around the edges of your lips. This will make the look sharper and more polished.
8. Optional Gloss
If you prefer a glossy finish, add a clear or matching lip gloss to the centre of your lips. This adds a touch of shine and can make your lips appear fuller.
9. New Smokey Lip Trend | KlaudiaSyd
@klaudiasyd new smokey lip trend💨 #lipgloss #makeuptrend #lipcombos #smokeymakeup #makeuptutorial ♬ Alejandro by lady Gaga – kskxzz
If you want to see the smokey lip in action, check out this TikTok video. This tutorial is a bit different (and easier to do!) as she only uses lip liner for this look. For her technique, she lines her lip with a black lip liner, smudges it out with her finger to create a smokey look, and then adds a gloss to finish.
10. Easy Smokey Lips Tutorial | boxycharm
@boxycharm How to do smoky lips with @abbyroberts Who loves this look? 😍 #makeuphacks #makeuptips #howto #boxycharm ♬ original sound – boxycharm
This tutorial features a twist on the smokey lip trend where she applies the darkest shade on the inside of her lips instead of the outside. She first uses a concealer to set and prep her lips, then a dark brown liquid lipstick and blends it out with a lip brush. She then applies a black shade and lip gloss over top.
11. Smoked Gold Lips | jamesmolloymakeupartist
@jamesmolloymakeupartist Smoked Gold Lips – layered pigment & gloss Products used // Liner – @wetnwildbeauty Black Eye Pencil Pigment – @karlacosmetics opal Multichromw Pigment “Candlelight” Gloss – @danessamyricksbeauty Clear Colorfix Model – @amycrawford_x #lips #macrolips #blacklipliner #makeupreels ♬ Ooh La La – Goldfrapp
For a super elegant and sophisticated take on smokey lips, these smoked gold lips are absolute perfection. The look begins with the use of a black lip pencil, followed by the Karla Cosmetics Opal Multichrome Pigment, and finishes with a clear gloss.
If you want to try out the new smokey lip makeup trend, use these tips and tutorials to perfect the look!
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