So I was flipping through a magazine last weekend (I think it might’ve been Allure…) and saw a picture of two models wearing two-toned lips.
NEAT!
What are two-toned lips?
It’s where you wear different colors on your top and bottom lip, and if you pick colors that are closely related, it’s an easy way to do subdued, toned-down, but still edgy look.
Here are some examples with shades from the new MAC Colour Rocker Collection of limited edition MAC matte lipsticks that launched last week ($17 each), and there are also some swatches down below.
Two-Toned Lip Tip #1: Choose two shades that are slightly different in intensity and/or color
Here’s the thing: If you want easy, it helps to use two shades that are similar but aren’t exactly the same. If they’re too dissimilar, they go from low-key and edgy to full-on edgy, and then you have to work that into your entire look.
In the pic above I’m wearing MAC Colour Rocker Carmine Rouge (the red shade) with Breathing Fire (the pink), and I think they’re both similarly intense. I mean, if you saw me from across a room, you might not even be able to tell I was wearing two different colors on my lips, but bam! — up close? Whoomp, there it is.
Same thing with Darling Clementine (the darker orange on my top lip) and Forbidden Sunrise (the slightly lighter orange on the bottom). The colors are similar enough to make the whole effect subtle.
Two-Toned Lip Tip #2: Wear the lighter color on the bottom for a plump-looking pout
If you wear the lighter color on the bottom, I think it makes your lips look slightly fuller (don’t ask me why though).
And, obvs, but try to avoid rubbing your lips together if you want to keep the colors from mixing. A long-wearing lipstick formula like a matte or a liquid matte helps.
MAC Colour Rocker Collection pics
MAC Colour Rocker Collection swatches
There are 28 Colour Rocker shades with a TON of great two-toned possibilities.
Do you ever wear two-toned lips? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
These colors are awesome! I have Matte Royal and Deep With Envy already; want Ingigo-go (adore that color!), Jean Genie, and Evening Buzz for sure; and would love to try out Night Mint, Gritty Girl, and Secret #. Of course I love Breathing Fire and Feeling Fizzy, too, but I might already have similar colors…
I love this two-tone lips idea! I’ve already been planning to wear some of these by doing ombre lips, or by layering them with colors like Pick Me, Pick Me!, On And On, and Time To Shine. I like to use non-conventional lip colors in arty looks… then wear them grocery shopping 😉
LOL, that’s awesome! I think I’ll wear one of the greens next time I take Connor to Kindermusik class, haha!
I’ve been dying to do ombre lips ever since Tom Ford’s spring 2017 makeup campaign visual started haunting every waking moment of my day. Gosh, those lips… incredible.
What are you using to line with your colors? Rachel, who pops up here and there in the comments, gave me a great tip once: use an eyeliner with those funky blues and greens!
That definitely works! (Although some eyeliners might not be officially “lip safe” — I’d blot before eating, but you do that anyway!) When I tried on Deep With Envy at the MAC counter at my local Macys, I had trouble with the edge, so the SA handed me Undercurrent to use with it, and it looked awesome, so I purchased the eyeliner along with the lipstick.
Lots of times I don’t need a lip liner, though, especially at home, with access to a lip brush and a lip primer.
Yes, I’m dying to see those new Tom Ford spring lip colors, too… going to have to remember to save some $$ in the budget for those. I hate the prices, but love his lipsticks (and some of the fragrances… have to try the blush… )
I like Tom Ford blush, but I love Chanel’s blush even more. I dunno… Chanel just has the extra special sauce for me. You know what I wish TF would do more of? Cream shadows! They’re SO GOOD.
The 2 toned orange lips are perfection on you.
Thanks, Colleen! I like that combo because the orange shades aren’t too far off from each other, and so if I rub my lips (which will happen eventually!) and mix them together, it won’t look too cray.
How’s your week going? IS IT FRIDAY YET?!
If only it were Friday! But I can’t complain. I’m curled up with my 2 handsome tiger boys and that’s always makes life better. Have a great rest of the week!
It does. I was just chatting with someone today about how loving a cat is a life-changing event. I’ll always be thankful for the day Tabs strolled into my apartment. 🙂
Say hi to Chunk for me!
I’m loving the Rocker brown shades.
Those are cool. Very ’90s!
Love the duo toned lips; I think I’ll give that a try! And the colors…wooo! I’ve been craving a dark green lippie since I tried it with the metallic green eyeshadow for the challenge and I think I may have found it in the Deep With Envy. Great looks!
These look super gorgeous! Love your lip tips, and your look with Darling Clementine and Forbidden Sunrise is perfect to go with the ongoing summer here. 😀
xx Aditi
Heeeeeeeey, just look at how normal you make that two-toned lip look 😀
I like Darling Clementine and Matte Royal.
That’s a neat idea, especially for people looking to have a fuller pout. 🙂 I have to say that all but the first combo were so subtle that I might not have noticed if you hadn’t pointed out the different colors (and they weren’t in a two-toned lip post!). Pretty cool!
Cool idea but I know I would not use any of the colours outside mainstream due to workplace and not wanting to stand out when in the community. If I llived in a big city I would likely try it out, thansk for the inspiration you bring!!