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While I’m sure you haven’t thought about what is new in lipstick trends recently, I promise that after learning about and understanding the two tone lip, you are going to wonder where this trend has actually been all your life.
The two tone lip is lipstick’s answer to eyeshadow. Yes, eyeshadow. You see, eyeshadow is there to enhance your eyes, but rarely if ever, do you just put one solid color on your lid up to your brow bone. You mix the colors, in order to get the right shading and highlighting to make your inner eyes glow, your lash line look thicker, or your lids recede.
The two tone lip is essentially the same thing, but just using 2 – or 3 – (trust me you’ll love it) shades of lip color and gloss in order to highlight the pout of the lip and makes the lips appear fuller. Call it the backlash to too much lip injectables use these days, but everyone is trying to get fuller lips without the danger and the price tag.
Luckily, I’ve got the how to for 5 different two tone lip color combinations that will look amazing on any skin tone and make you aghast you ever put on just one shade of lipstick.
All of the 5 two tone lip color combinations are made using Estee Lauder Color Envy lip colors although this post is #notsponsored. I just really love the color envy line because of the range of finishes (matte, high lustre etc.) and intense pigments. You need heavily pigmented product in order to create a successful two tone lip, so their colors were perfect.
Tips to the Two Tone Lip
- I recommend buying a simple liner brush like this one to use instead of lip liner. That way you can outline your lips with precision, and not have to buy matching lip liner each time you try a new shade. Also, painting lip color on instead of using the tube guarantees it seeps into your lips and stays put longer
- Apply the first color to the outermost ring of the lip, leaving the center area color free for the second lip color
- A general rule of thumb is a lighter or glossier color for the inside pout color. This way the pout looks naturally fuller and appears to catch more light, which is of course, sleight of hand… and color
- After applying both colors, rub your lips together so the colors blend naturally, then wear with a smile, because you look amaze!
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s play with some lip color, shall we?
Two Tone Everyday
This one starts with a muted brownish pink, and layers a bright pink into the pout. It’s complementary for almost any outfit and the subdued base hue makes it great for every day.
Lip Potion Not So Innocent // Lip Potion Wicked Sweet
Two Tone Red Berry
I call this one the Red Berry because it starts with a blue hued bold red, then layers in a neon pink for a brighter and more complex red. The outside red still makes it feel classic, while the pink is modern. I actually wore this combo last weekend to a black tie wedding!
Matte Decisive Poppy // Matte Neon Azalea
Two Tone Deep Crimson
A dark lip can go very goth, but layered with a lighter gloss on top makes the look a whole lot sexier. Keep the eye makeup to a minimum and rock that plump pout!
Two Tone Fuchsia
I love this one for its bright hue but depth of color. Instead of one lighter color and one darker, we have two complementary fuchsia tones, one more purple, and one more pink.
Matte Stronger // Lip Potion Fragile Ego (ironic right?)
Two Three Tone Golden Pink
This combo is also perfect for everyday, but does require an additional gloss layer for added golden shine. I was playing with colors and stumbled upon this combo, and am so happy I did, because wearing gold is very difficult for pale skin like mine. Incorporating the pink as an outer layer and layering the nude and gold gloss on top makes is work with my skin color and still have so much depth.
Matte Unattainable // Hi Lustre Tiger Eye // Gloss Shell Game
Shop all the lipsticks and glosses I used to get these two tone lip looks below!
