How to Create the Blurred Lip Look

We have great news, achieving the blurred lip look is as simple and effortless as it looks! Catch yourself up to speed with the “Lip Mud” trend inspired by Korean Beauty influencers. What we now know to be a blurred lip look has gone through many phases — with beauty lovers using matte lipstick, lip balms, lip tints, and even lip glosses. The possibilities are endless but follow these steps for a fool-proof blurred pout.

1. Prep Your Lips

Just like we prep our skin and pump it full of hydration before we begin our makeup routine, your lips need a bit of TLC too. The last thing you want is dry or cracked lips peeking through a matte finish lipstick.

“As with any lip look, I like to prep the lips before I start any of my makeup to ensure they are hydrated for makeup application. I like to use a hydrating balm,” says Jamie. You can use anything moisturizing, even Aquaphor (a tried and true) is a perfect choice.

2. Skip the Lipliner

Yep, you heard that right! You won’t be needing liner for this blurred-effect beauty trend. “Go right in with your favorite lipstick shade. Start from the inside portion of your lips and work to the perimeter, focusing the color on the inner portions,” says Jamie.

We recommend using a lip product that’s buildable and glides onto your lips. We’re loving FREAK BEAUTY Makeout Club at the moment, but the drugstore aisle has tons of hidden gems. This will come in handy for the next step. Trying the blurred lipstick trend with a lip balm or lip tint is a great way to start and experiment. Working with a true lipstick that has more pigment can be a bit more challenging.

3. Dab and Smudge the Product

So far, you’ve taken steps to apply your lip product like you would normally. But this last step is how you achieve the blurred lip look makeup trend. “Take your finger (or smudge brush) to blend away the harsh lines on the perimeter of your lips. The goal for this is to look effortless, so if you get outside of the lines, you did it right,” says Jamie.

Using your fingers is probably easiest since you’ll have more control. Make sure you work your way from the center of your lips and move outward—this is how you create almost an ombre or gradient effect.

4. Avoid Precision and Longwear Products

“The look is supposed to be messy and imperfect, getting a bit outside of the lines is your best friend for this one,” adds Jamie.

She recommends two products for Ipsters to try: LIME CRIME Soft Touch Lipstick, a satin matte, with a smooth finish that’s easy to manipulate, and RITUAL DE FILLE’s Color Nectar Pigment Balm, which you can use your fingers to apply right from the start.

It’s best to avoid a long-lasting formula for this trend, as they tend not to be the right texture and have difficulty blending for the look of the blur. Instead, you’ll want something more sheer. If you must go for a matte liquid lipstick, be sure to find something that has a velvety finish and can handle being manipulated.

Want to learn more about the latest makeup trends and how to achieve them? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram @IPSY.

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