Last updated: March 2026
What Is Gradient Lip?
Gradient lip (or ombre lip) is a lip look where two or more shades are blended together—often darker in the center and lighter at the edges, or vice versa—for a soft, dimensional effect.
Popular in K-beauty and Douyin makeup, the gradient lip creates a soft, just-bitten or blurred effect. It's usually achieved with a darker shade in the center (or inner lip) and blending out, or with a lip tint applied and blended. It's youthful and works with many looks.
Tips
- Apply darker shade to the center of the lip and blend outward with a finger or brush.
- Lip tints work well for a natural gradient.
- You can also use concealer on the edges and color in the center.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: