Lipstick Layering 101: How to Prep, Line, Mix, and Gloss

Just like you can layer clothes for new, innovative ways to wear your old favorites or create brand new looks from seasonal staples, you can layer your makeup to add more dimension to your face, custom color match, or create brand new lipstick shades.

young girl with bright make-up in a black hat

Layering and lining your lips offers endless combinations of shades, so you can create new and unique colors and finishes.

What Is Lipstick Layering?

Lipstick layering refers to the process of using a combination of liners, lipsticks, and glosses to create unique lip looks and shades.

You can turn your favorite matte lipstick shade into a glossy one using a translucent lip gloss. Or, you could create an ombre lip using lipstick layered over a darker liner.

Lipstick layering offers limitless possibilities and new ways to express your style and discover new favorites.

Layering and Mixing Lipsticks to Create New Shades

With lipstick layering, you can create brand new shades of lipstick you would otherwise have to buy separately.

Layer a peachy orange over a bold red lip, and you’ve got a gorgeous tangerine shade. A purple gloss over a bright pink lipstick creates a candy shop lilac that’s the perfect pop of color for neutral or bare skin makeup.

Lipstick layering is a great way to express yourself and find new shades you love without having to head to the store. Plus, you may just create a completely unique shade you couldn't have found anywhere else!

Professional Lipstick Layering Tips From Scott Barnes

Layering lipstick to create the perfect lip look is easy, you just need to follow the right steps, prep your lips, and enjoy your newfound creative freedom!

Prep Your Lips

The most important step for flawless lipstick application is prepping your lips. Use a gentle lip scrub, such as sugar and honey mixed together, or even a new toothbrush to exfoliate your lips and get rid of any dead skin cells.

Next, apply a light lip balm to moisturize and hydrate your lips. Once that’s done, you’re ready to dive into lining and layering!

Use Scott Barnes Lip Liner

The next step to gorgeous lips is using a great lip liner. Scott Barnes offers a collection of nude lip liners to suit every style choice and lip color experiment.

Usually, the ideal lip liner color will be a shade slightly darker than the lipstick color you’re aiming for or one that’s a little darker than your natural lip.

Use the lip liner to line and gently contour your lips. Smudge the lip liner inwards with a lipstick brush or your fingers to gently blend it into your lips. Don’t blend it all the way, though. You still want the lip liner to have an effect!

And if you’re looking for a super blendable lip pencil, look no further than the Scott Barnes lip liners, which feature wood extruded pencils so the wood on the pencil does the blending for you!

Apply Lip Fetish Matte Lipstick

Closeup shoot of beautiful lips of woman with pink lipstick and gloss.

Now it’s time for the fun part. Layer your favorite shades of Lip Fetish Matte Liquid Lipstick to create the lip color of your dreams. Don’t be afraid of trying bold combos like layering Keep It Coral over Daddy Issues. Relish the fact that you can make a unique lipstick that perfectly fits your look.

Finish With Flossy Glossy Lip Gloss

The next step is completely optional. If you're going for a beautiful, dewy lip look, coating a matte lipstick with a gorgeous lip gloss will give a shimmery, juicy effect.

Plus, if you’re not totally comfortable layering lipsticks just yet, you could always layer a gloss over a single lipstick shade.

For extra shimmery, luscious lips, use Scott Barnes Flossy Glossy Lip Gloss that comes in beautiful colors like Coral Cabana, Booty Call, and Blondie.

If you’re ready to take your lipstick game to the next level, browse the complete Scott Barnes lip collection today to find the perfect lip liners, lipsticks, and lip glosses for you.