Love a stained glass lip? Here's how to recreate it?

Glossy lips have made a major comeback this year, with lip oils and glosses becoming everyone's go-to for that juicy, high-shine pout. But the glossy lip trend is taking a colourful turn with stained-glass lips, a dreamy take on shine that combines sheer washes of colour, glossy layers and a touch of dimension.

Unlike a traditional glossy lip that relies on shine or defined outline, stained-glass lips are all about layering different shades to create a soft, multidimensional finish. The result? A luminous pout that catches the light like stained glass, with just the right amount of colour and shine. From soft rosy hues to deeper cherry tones, the trend is about experimenting with colour, building depth and letting your lips take centre stage.

Start with a smooth, hydrated base 

Prepare your lips a little before you go for your lip colours. To soften dry areas and give your colour a smooth surface, apply a moisturising lip balm. After a few minutes of absorption, carefully wipe away any excess.

A well-prepared foundation keeps your pout appearing soft under all those glossy layers and makes it easier for your lip products to apply evenly.

Pick sheer lip tint as your first layer 

What's the key to stained glass lips? Sheer, buildable colour that reveals your lip tone. Start with a mild lip stain or tint in a colour that goes well with your skin tone.

Experimenting with berry hues, rosy nudes, cherry reds, and soft pinks is a terrific idea. After applying a little coating to your lips, gradually increase the intensity until you get the desired shade.

The goal is to wash off colour, not a completely opaque finish. 

Layer two complementary shades 

Here's where you can get creative: try layering two complementary hues rather than settling for just one.

Add a hint of cool brown to the center of your lips after starting with a gentle pink foundation. Prefer warmer hues? Try brown with a hint of pink or coral with peach.

For a more dimensional finish, it's important to apply light coats that let each hue mix into the next.

Concentrate colour at the centre of your lips 

Here's where you can add a little more depth: apply a darker shade to the centre of your upper and lower lips, then gently blend it out for a soft, gradient effect. 

For example, a subtle gradient effect may be produced by applying a cherry colour over a rose base. To prevent any sharp lines, softly blend the edges with your fingertip.

This method keeps the overall appearance shiny and smooth while adding depth.

Add a layer of high-shine gloss 

Gloss is the final process that completes the appearance.

For a light-reflective finish, apply a clear or tinted lip gloss over your layered colour, paying particular attention to the middle of your lips. A glossy lip oil might be just as effective if you like a softer feel.

Select a formula that complements your foundation hues and feels cosy. After all, the glossy, glass-like sheen is the main feature of the stained-glass appearance.

Experiment with a tinted lip oil 

If you don't like thick, sticky glosses, a coloured lip oil is a simple substitute. It keeps the finish lightweight while adding a hint of colour and gloss.

Use a clear product to accentuate the colour you've already applied, or try applying a thin berry or rose lip oil over your foundation tint.

You may also use a tinted lip oil alone for a low-maintenance effect.

Use a gentle lip liner to define your pout 

Without detracting from the transparent look, a small amount of lip liner can provide definition. For a subtle contrast, pick a hue that is either slightly darker or near to your natural lip colour.

Before applying your colours and gloss, carefully outline your lips and blend the liner inward. If you like to maintain a smooth and diffused finish, stay away from a too-crisp outline.

Rather than creating a sharply sculpted lip, focus on soft definition that complements the layered colour. 

Whether you prefer a vibrant cherry-red pout or a soft pink wash, stained glass lips are all about experimenting with colour, layering shine and creating a finish that feels uniquely yours. Grab your favourite tints, add a little gloss and get ready to let your lips catch the light. 

Lead image: Getty Images 

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