Sure, a bold lip could be as simple as a swipe of neon red lipstick, but what’s the fun in simplicity? We asked makeup artist Andriani Vasiliou to create a custom ombre lip for Frida Aasen using new lip lacquers from NARS. And to make it glossy. And a little glittery. And just all-around completely fascinating.
Vasiliou was up to the task! The final contoured lip requires about less than 10 products, but looks like a piece of artwork. By using multiple lip liners and high-pigment lip glazes, she created a contoured red lip with the kind of high-wattage shine you can see from across a dark room. Preferably a chic party with plenty of glittering lights and, please, some metal straws so we can keep this look on for as long as humanly possible. It’s made to be seen.
Vasiliou was up to the task! The final contoured lip requires about less than 10 products, but looks like a piece of artwork. By using multiple lip liners and high-pigment lip glazes, she created a contoured red lip with the kind of high-wattage shine you can see from across a dark room. Preferably a chic party with plenty of glittering lights and, please, some metal straws so we can keep this look on for as long as humanly possible. It’s made to be seen.
PRIME WITH FOUNDATION
When you’re using bold colors on your lips, a clean slate is the best way to start. Use a Beautyblender to dab your face foundation across your lips. If they’re dry, prep them with a balm and blot first.
CHANEL VITALUMIÈRE MOISTURE-RICH RADIANCE SUNSCREEN FLUID MAKEUP BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15
While it makes your entire complexion look perfect, of course, this cult-favorite formula is hydrating with medium coverage, but dries down to a light finish, making it ideal as a lip primer.
SHOW NOW
When you’re using bold colors on your lips, a clean slate is the best way to start. Use a Beautyblender to dab your face foundation across your lips. If they’re dry, prep them with a balm and blot first.
CHANEL VITALUMIÈRE MOISTURE-RICH RADIANCE SUNSCREEN FLUID MAKEUP BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15
While it makes your entire complexion look perfect, of course, this cult-favorite formula is hydrating with medium coverage, but dries down to a light finish, making it ideal as a lip primer.
SHOW NOW
COLOR IN WITH TWO LINERS
You’ll use two shades to create a “contoured” lip—dark on the edges, bright in the center. With a dark lip pencil, trace and fill in the outer half of the lips—just in the corners. Then fill in and trace the center of the lips with a cherry-red lip pencil, connecting the shades.
MAC COSMETICS LIP PENCIL IN NIGHTMOTH AND CHERRY
These classic lip pencils are standard industry favorites you will find in most artists’ kits. Vasiliou likes this vampy purple and pure bright red.
SHOP NOW
You’ll use two shades to create a “contoured” lip—dark on the edges, bright in the center. With a dark lip pencil, trace and fill in the outer half of the lips—just in the corners. Then fill in and trace the center of the lips with a cherry-red lip pencil, connecting the shades.
MAC COSMETICS LIP PENCIL IN NIGHTMOTH AND CHERRY
These classic lip pencils are standard industry favorites you will find in most artists’ kits. Vasiliou likes this vampy purple and pure bright red.
SHOP NOW
TOP WITH THREE LACQUERS
Make ombre insanely mesmerizing with a trio of glossy lacquers. Start with a multi-colored iridescent gloss with warm tones right in the middle, paint a classic red around it toward the corners, and finish with a careful coat of aubergine out on the corners. In the end, you’re creating a dome effect.
NARS FULL VINYL LIP LACQUER IN ABRUZZO, RED DISTRICT, & BADEN BADEN
These lacquers feel creamy and soft, but have major payoff and don’t move. These particular lip tubes are limited-edition (so swipe them up now).
SHOP NOW
Make ombre insanely mesmerizing with a trio of glossy lacquers. Start with a multi-colored iridescent gloss with warm tones right in the middle, paint a classic red around it toward the corners, and finish with a careful coat of aubergine out on the corners. In the end, you’re creating a dome effect.
NARS FULL VINYL LIP LACQUER IN ABRUZZO, RED DISTRICT, & BADEN BADEN
These lacquers feel creamy and soft, but have major payoff and don’t move. These particular lip tubes are limited-edition (so swipe them up now).
SHOP NOW
BLEND WITH A BRUSH
Remember that dome effect we mentioned above? Use a lip brush to carefully brush the three shades together. This will make for a seamless ombre transition between the shades (rather than a color block kind of look). It looks so. freaking. cool.
GIORGIO ARMANI MAESTRO LIP BRUSH
A flat lip brush in a small to medium (but not pencil-tip precise) size is your best best. Giorgio Armani brushes are built to last.
SHOP NOW
Remember that dome effect we mentioned above? Use a lip brush to carefully brush the three shades together. This will make for a seamless ombre transition between the shades (rather than a color block kind of look). It looks so. freaking. cool.
GIORGIO ARMANI MAESTRO LIP BRUSH
A flat lip brush in a small to medium (but not pencil-tip precise) size is your best best. Giorgio Armani brushes are built to last.
SHOP NOW
