Ombré Lips

This daring new mix of dark and light lipstick shades makes a definite statement

Ombré is everywhere! We first saw this trend of a dark hue gradually melting into a lighter shade on hair. Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel and Sarah Jessica Parker were just a few of the celebrities to sport brunette roots and blond ends. Then ombré moved on to eyes and nails. The latest ombré outing: lips!

OK, two-toned lips may sound a little outrageous, and on the runway those crimson and pink pouts are meant to be over the top. But it's also a wearable trend in real life. Bonus: Ombré contouring will make your lips look fuller and sexier

Here are three ways to pull off a two-toned kisser.

Blended Ombré
This is the most understated way to do ombré. Choose two lip shades in the same family, one darker and more matte than the other. Think red and deep pink, wine and berry, burgundy and red, mauve and peach. Apply the darker shade all over your lips, straight from the tube. Then, using a lip brush, apply the lighter and more sheer hue in the center of both lips. Press your lips together lightly to blend.

Try this combo: NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red and Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Pink Parfait.

The Inside-Out Ombré
Slightly more dramatic, this version also takes a bit more practice to master. Choose two compatible lip colors, one dark and one light in the same family, and

a lip liner that matches the darker hue. Line your lips, then fill them in with the darker shade.

Working with a lipstick brush, apply the light-hued lipstick on the inside of your lips with quick brushstrokes, blending toward the center. The goal is to have lips that are dark on the edges and fade gradually to a lighter color in the middle. For a nighttime look, opt for a metallic or shimmer finish on the lighter color.

Try this combo: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner Pencil in Wine, L'Oréal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in Mesmerizing Merlot and Studio Gear Lipstick in Glazed Plum.

The Up-and-Down Ombré
Easy to apply, it takes verve to pull off this split-level ombré. Simply apply a bold shade to your upper lip, a brighter and lighter shade on your lower. You can ease your way into this by applying a lip gloss over both lips, then topping just the upper lip with a layer of intense color.

Try this combo: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Vivid Violet and CK One Pure Color Lipstick in Wanted.

Final tip: Ombré calls a lot of attention to your lips, so make sure they're in tiptop shape. A treatment product like Tarte Maracuja Lip Exfoliant will slough off flaky skin and leave your pout smooth and soft.