How to Apply a Lip Tint, According to Pro Makeup Artists
But how do you choose a shade that will flatter your complexion? “When choosing a lip shade, start with your lip color. Your lips are not neutral. They are usually pink, mauve, brown, or peach, sometimes with a cool or warm cast,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. “If your lips are naturally pink or mauve, most pink and berry tones will blend. If your lips are brown or gray, go for a spicy rose, cocoa rose, brick, or warm berry so they don’t turn ashy. If they’re very pale, I’d skip the nudes and choose a peach rose, soft berry, or hot pink so they don’t fade.”
Don’t know where you’re landing? Briceno says the dental test is a simple way to determine if a shade will be flattering. Hold the shade or shade indicator near your teeth; this should make them whiter and brighter. If it makes them appear more yellow, that’s a clue that the shade you’ve chosen is too warm.
How to Prepare Your Lips for a Lip Tint
No matter how good your product or technique is, any lip tint will perform worse if you don’t prep your lips properly. “Exfoliating and moisturizing lips well before application will improve the overall performance and longevity of a lip tint,” says Brenda Orduno, professional makeup artist and senior product developer at Beauty Creations Cosmetics.
Briceno recommends cleaning your lips with a gentle, non-drying cleanser (her favorite product is Purdori Natural Cleanser) to start. Next, he suggests, apply a moisturizing balm and leave it on for two to five minutes. Finally, “blot with a tissue to remove the excess. You want it to be soft, not slippery,” he says.
How to Apply Your Lip Tint, Based on Your Desired Look
Soft, Blurred Lip Stain
Use your lipstick as a base for cloudy lips, the blurred lip trend that celebrities can’t get enough of right now, which Briceno calls flattering and modern. Here’s how he says you can achieve this look using a one-step tint.
Step 1: Apply a dot of your shade to the center of the upper and lower lip.
Step 2: Pat the product outwards with your fingertip or a small, dense lip brush. When you reach the natural edge of your lips, keep the edges diffuse and not sharp.
Step 3: Blot your lips once. Add a thin second layer of product only if necessary.
Fully highlighted lip stain
We’ve all got 2016 makeup trends on our minds: here’s how to put your Kylie Lip Kit skills to good use in 2026. If you’re looking for a bolder look (or want to make your lips look fuller), follow Briceno’s tips below.
