Pic credit: Katie Jane Hughes
Looking for an easy, more natural way to achieve a fuller pout? Enter the HALO lip trend. Leading Australian makeup artist Nicola Johnson shares how to create soft, pillowy lips by using a gentle fade of colour with a lighter centre and slightly deeper outer edges, creating a soft, diffused “halo” effect. Accessible to us all and incredibly wearable, it’s a modern, flattering technique to enhance volume.
Follow her 5-step guide:
1: Prep Is Non-Negotiable
For drier or more lined lips, preparation is essential to bring this look to life. Start with a gentle scrub to create a smooth texture, followed by a nourishing lip balm to hydrate the lips. Lightly blot before applying colour so the lips remain hydrated without slipping.
2: Choose Soft Definition, Not Contrast
To avoid a stark contrast or an overly “ombre” finish, opt for a universally flattering nude lip liner. Choose a colour just slightly deeper than your natural lip line — enough to add depth without harshness.
Pro tip: Sharpen your pencil and use the edge rather than the tip for greater control and a softer, more diffused frame. Gently overline only at the cupid’s bow and the centre of the bottom lip. A subtle contrast is key. Use your finger to blur the liner edges.
3: Build the Halo with Blended Colour
Using a lip brush, apply a nude lipstick — slightly deeper than your natural lip colour — around the inner edges of the lips, leaving the centre clear. Nude tones work best for this technique. Soften and blend with your fingertip or a clean, flat eyeshadow brush. Next, apply a lighter shade to the centre of the lips and gently blend where the two colours meet.
4: Add Lift with Targeted Gloss
For fuller, more dimensional lips, apply a gloss only to the centre of the lips, selecting a shade that complements your lighter centre colour. This targeted shine enhances volume without migrating into fine lines.
Finally, refine the edges with a small flat brush and a touch of concealer to clean up around the lips. This step subtly lifts the mouth area and keeps the overall look polished and modern.
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