A blurred lip has its strongest color at the center of the lips, fading softly to nothing at the edges, with no sharp outline. To create it with a lip tint, dab the tint onto the inner part of the lips, then pat and smudge it outward with a fingertip or a small brush until the edge is diffused. It looks soft and natural, hides an uneven lip line, and wears off gracefully.
What is a lip tint?
A lip tint is a lightweight lip color designed to leave a stain or a thin, long-wearing layer, instead of sitting on the lips like a conventional lipstick. Textures vary.
| Type | Texture | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Water tint | Thin and runny | A sheer stain. Sets fast |
| Velvet or mousse tint | Creamy, whipped | Soft matte, with easy blurring |
| Lip mud or clay | Thick and dense | Matte, strongly pigmented |
| Gloss or oil tint | Slippery | Shiny, with a lighter stain |
Velvet and mud textures are the easiest for a blurred lip, because they stay workable for a moment and dry to a soft matte.
What do you need?
- A lip tint
- Lip balm
- Concealer or foundation, optional
- A clean fingertip, a cotton bud, or a small fluffy brush
- A tissue
How to do a blurred lip, step by step
- Smooth your lips. Matte tints cling to dry patches. Buff gently with a damp cloth, apply balm, wait a couple of minutes and blot it off.
- Mute the lip line, optional. Tap a very thin layer of concealer or leftover foundation over the edges of your lips. This softens your natural outline and makes the fade more visible.
- Wipe the applicator so it carries only a small amount.
- Dab the tint on the inner half of the lips. Three dots on the bottom lip and two on the top, near where the lips meet, are enough.
- Press your lips together once or twice.
- Blur outward. With a fingertip, pat from the center toward the edges, using less and less pressure. Stop just short of the lip line.
- Soften the edge with a clean cotton bud or brush, in tiny circular motions.
- Add depth. Dab a little more tint at the very center and pat lightly to blend.
- Let it set. Leave your lips slightly apart for a few seconds.
A velvet tint in warm tones
The Uexim reddish-brown lip tint is a lip stain in a warm reddish-brown shade with a soft, velvety matte finish. The listing describes it as waterproof, long-lasting, lightweight and easy to apply. Net weight is 2 g, and it comes in six options, DB-24-1 to DB-24-6, shown in the product photos.
Why does a reddish-brown suit this look?
Warm brown-reds sit close to the natural tone of the inner lip, only deeper, so when they are blurred they look like a natural flush. They suit a wide range of skin tones, and they pair well with neutral eye makeup. On very fair skin, use a lighter layer. On deeper skin, build a second layer at the center.
Variations
- Gradient lip: keep the color strictly at the inner third and leave the outer lip nearly bare.
- Full blurred lip: take the color over the whole lip, then smudge only the outline.
- Glossy center: add a dot of clear gloss on the middle of the bottom lip.
- Matching blush: dab a tiny amount of the tint on the cheeks and blend at once, if the product is suitable for cheeks. Test first, since tints stain quickly.
How do you make it last?
- Apply to lips free of balm residue.
- Build in two thin layers, blotting lightly in between.
- Avoid oily foods and wiping your lips.
- To refresh, add one dab at the center and pat. The fading edge is part of the look.
How do you remove it?
Long-wearing and waterproof tints need an oil-based cleanser or a dual-phase lip and eye remover. Press a soaked pad on the lips for a few seconds, then wipe gently. Follow with balm. A faint stain may remain for a few hours, which is normal for tints.
Common mistakes
- Too much product. It dries in patches and will not blur.
- Waiting too long to blend. Tints set fast.
- Dry, flaky lips.
- A hard outline. The look depends on a soft edge, so skip lip liner.
- Stained fingertips. Wash your hands straight after blending.
Care and safety
- Do not share lip products.
- Do not apply to broken skin or cold sores.
- Stop using a product that stings or irritates.
- Close the cap firmly so the tint does not dry out.
Frequently asked questions
Is lip tint drying?
Matte tints can feel dry. Prepare with balm beforehand, and add a little balm or gloss at the center if needed.
Can I do a blurred lip with regular lipstick?
Yes. Dab it on with a fingertip. A tint or velvet formula blends more easily and lasts longer.
Does a blurred lip suit thin lips?
Yes. A soft edge avoids emphasizing the lip line, and color at the center gives an impression of fullness.
How long does lip tint last?
It depends on the formula and what you eat and drink. Tints generally outlast conventional lipstick.
The bottom line
Smooth lips, a little tint at the center, and patting outward until the edge disappears. Use less product than you expect, and blend before it sets.
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