5 Cool Ways to Layer Your Lip Color at Home
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Sunday night at the SAG Awards, Reese Witherspoon’s vivid, deep orchid-bordeaux lip color stood out in a sea of solid reds and glossy nudes — but we couldn’t put our finger on the exact shade she was wearing. So we had to ask.
Related: The Best Beauty Looks from the 2015 SAG Awards
As it turns out, it’s not a color you can buy in a single tube. Reese’s make-up artist Molly R. Stern used Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Cocoa as a base for the Wild star’s look, before popping the dark shade with Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour in Orchid Pink, applying one more coat of Paint Wash Liquid Lip in Vermillion Red to the center of the lips, and topping it all off with Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Black Cherry for added depth and shine.
The result? A one-of-a-kind lip color no one else was rocking on the red carpet. Layering lip colors can work for you, too. “It adds dimension and makes lips look less flat, giving you a 3-D effect,” says celebrity make-up artist Nick Barose. “The color is more rich, and the lips look more luscious.”
Pulling off the layered look is all about play. We tapped a couple make-up geniuses to share a few of their favorite color and texture combinations that you can try at home:
Red Lip Pencil + Sparkly Mauve Gloss
Barose says to try filling in the entire lip with a waterproof pencil in a darker shade, like Lancome’s Le Crayon in Garnet, and then topping the color with a shimmery pinky-mauve gloss, like L’Oreal Infallible 8-Hour Plumping Lip Gloss to soften. “It creates a really pretty berry shade,” he says.
Deep Orange Stain + Golden Nude Gloss
To brighten up your look, try a soft, easy stain in a deep orange before topping with an ultra-sparkly gloss. “Dab one tiny dot of Jouer Tint in Amaryllis on the center of the lips, and then add a sheer golden-nude like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Luster in Ibiza Nights on top,” Barose says. “This helps to give nude lips a little more depth and pop. A nude lip should be sexy, not washed out.”
Matte Plum Lipstick + Matte Fuchsia Lipstick
Celebrity make-up artist Lisa Houghton says that, for a night time option, try going deep and dramatic. “For an edgy look, do a plum on the outside of the lip, blending into the center, with a vivid fuchsia in the middle over top. You get this really cool two-tone,” she explains. “If you want it to be softer, just blend the colors together more.” Houghton also suggests keeping it matte for extra-long staying power. Opt for Chanel Rouge Allure in 116 plus NARS Audacious Lip Color in Claudia for this vibe.
Pink Lipstick + Lighter Pink Lipstick
For a natural pink look with greater definition, Houghton suggests layering similar shades together. “In terms of highlighting, you want a darker lip color on the edge, with a slightly lighter shade in the middle,” she says. “Try a pink for the outer, with a pinky-nude toward the center. It’s very subtle, but enough to really define your lips.” Houghton suggests MAC lip color pinks and pink-nudes — use Modesty at outer edges with Peach Blossom in the middle, then blend.
Creamy Red Lipstick + Red Stain
While matte red lips are hot right now (and cool for the red carpet), it’s better to lighten up for everyday, says Barose. He suggests using a creamy red lipstick all over, before dabbing a teensy bit of matte red stain in the middle of your pout. “Matte lips can look severe, so by having the matte stain just in the center, you get the same effect, but lips still look sensual instead of dry,” he says, suggesting Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Absolute Rouge as your base stick, followed by Armani Lip Maestro in 400 - the red to top.
