PRETTY PRACTICAL

PRETTY PRACTICAL

OMBRÉ LIPS

The gradient-color trend has migrated to mouths for good reason: It creates the illusion of fuller lips. Here’s the easiestway to pull it off.

RUNWAY INSPIRATION

Models at the Creatures of the Wind fall 2016 show wore matte sangria lips with a dab of cherry gloss in the center.

1

P erep

For a smooth application, exfoliate your lips first with a pinch of sugar and water. Then, using a makeup sponge, like the Beautyblender($20, sephora.com), dab a thin veil of foundation over your lips. This creates a neutral canvas that will help the lip color pop— plus, it makes your color last longer.

JUST PRESS PLAY Watch a step-by-step tutorial at realsimple.com/ombrelips.

Written by Chelsea Traber Burns Photograph by Molly Cranna

2

Line and fill

Trace lips with a matte pencil one or two shades deeper than your natural lip color. Try Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Mulberry Nude ($8, target.com), taking it a little closer to the center of your lips than normal. Then, using a finger, pat on a lighter, brighter lipstick with a sheen inside the liner and blend out. Try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Volcanic ($9 at drugstores). Don’t stress. As long as the colors contrast, you’ll get the ombré effect.

Take the guesswork out of choosing a color combination with NYX Ombre Lip Duo ($12, nyxcosmetics. com). It has a liner on one end and a lipstick on the other in coordinating hues.