Makeup is undoubtedly a form of art and a medium where you can express yourself. You can create a simple eye look or go all out with Halloween makeup. One of our favorite ways to blend beauty and art is with lip art. These makeup looks put all the attention on your pout, painting them to look like objects, feature patterns, and complement costumes. The options really are endless, but we’ve rounded up 10 lip art ideas we love. Click through and pick your favorites to try.
If you aren’t blessed with steady hands and a knack for art, here’s an easy way to embrace the lip art trend: abstract art. Swipe on your favorite lipsticks in random spots, even blending them past your lip line. Then, use a white liquid lipstick to partially outline your pout. This look is all about being imperfect, so anyone can do it.
Galaxy makeup is impossibly cool, but everyone expects you to wear it on your eyes. Mix things up by carrying the fun down to your lips. Start with black lipstick, then layer a blue shade on top. Apply a little bit of gloss in the center of your lips and press cosmetic grade glitter on top to mimic a beautiful galaxy.
Unicorn and mermaid lips can be done the same way, just with different shades. No matter which option you choose, you’ll certainly look totally mythical.
For a unicorn lip look…apply a lavender lipstick, then press a shimmering periwinkle pigment on top.
For a mermaid lip look...swipe on a bold teal lip color, then layer with a gold makeup pigment.
We hate to play favorites, but we have to tell you...these heart lips have a special spot in our, well, hearts. To get the look, apply your favorite baby pink lipstick as per usual. For your heart, use the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in Unfiltered (a beautiful red) to carefully draw it on. First, do the outline, then fill it in. If things get messy, use a bit of micellar water to clean up, then touch up your pink lipstick underneath.
Editor’s tip: If you have a prominent cupid’s bow, drawing a heart on your lips is that much easier (because the top of your pout will nearly mimic a heart). You can also play up your cupid’s bow with lip liner to help things go smoothly. Here’s How to Accentuate Your Cupid’s Bow.
It doesn’t get any more foolproof than this. Swipe on any shade of lipstick, then use a lip-safe cosmetic glitter glue to press star-shaped glitter on top.
When done with subtle colors, ombré lips are one of the best lip art looks to wear for every day. Of course, you can also branch out and use a bunch of different shades to create rainbow lips. We love both looks! The key is to pick your shades, apply them where you want to, then blend between each color with a small lip brush. You can also top things off with gloss to further blend and perfect your look.
You can get creative and write almost anything on your lips—and no, we’re not talking about a lip tattoo. Use lipstick to carefully paint a short word or number onto your lips. The year can work fabulously for any New Year’s parties filling up your social calendar.
When you need a costume but are pressed for time, meaning not only are there not enough hours left to purchase a new outfit, but you also don’t have tons of time for makeup, you can concentrate your look on your lips. Try using just your pout to turn yourself into a skeleton.
Lip drips, especially when paired with rhinestones, are one of the most popular lip art ideas. To keep things from getting messy, instead of actually globbing on a lip gloss, use a brush to paint on drip shapes. They should look free flowing, so you don’t have to be a perfectionist.
Pop art or comic book makeup has become a Halloween staple in the last few years. And while doing your whole face may be a challenge, you can definitely manage to make your lips pop. Apply a bright pink lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Pink Flamingo, just as you normally would. Next, take a black lip liner (or an eyeliner that’s safe for your lips) and outline your pout with a thin line. Use the black in the very center of your lips to define some of the creases. Lastly, add white liner for your highlights, and you’re done.
