Easy Gradient Lips on Dark Skin with Barry M Super Slick Lip Paint in Marooned

Mental Healing by Kandor

Lately, I've been thinking dangerous thoughts; thoughts involving purchasing Laniege styled two-toned lipsticks. Yet, I ask thee - where's the minimalism in that? Nowhere. Thus, I decided to raid my little collection for a suitable and befitting option for a dark skin lady (and not a greedy gremlin) who has gradient lips on the brain.

What are Gradient Lips? Gradient lips - Korean style - involves concentrating depth and colour on the inside of the lips as opposed to the western outer gradient lips. This inverted method of a gradient is said to give a soft and cutesy appearance which reduces the appearance of a full pout. Whereas Western gradient lips are said to give a fuller plumper/larger lip and perhaps a more sultry appearance. 

... Honestly, the first time I saw the Korean "trend" it was not something I was interested in, as it looked to me like a person suffering from internal bleeding (the colour used was red) who was just about to start coughing up something serious. Yet, I guess like all things we get exposed to overtime I began to see the subtle beauty in an understated dewy gradient lip. Thus, the seed was sown in my mild but, ever-increasing interest in Korean skincare and cosmetics. Hopefully, this post will show you that you don't have to invest in fancy duo-lipsticks to partake in the trend but, just use what you already have.

The Lipstick

For an easy understated subtle Korean gradient lip on dark skin, I chose to use Barry M superslick lip paint in Marooned. Barry M Superslick lipsticks are formulated with Shea Butter and Vitamin E and are claimed to create a lustrously dewy look, with an intense colour pay off. Overall, I'd say that that claim is true. "Marooned" is a gorgeously deep berry pink which is incredibly moisturising and comfortable lipstick to wear. It works nicely on my skin tone and it's one of the few berry pinks lipsticks that I feel comfortable wearing straight out the tube. However, since it is so moisturising and emollient, I've found it to get very messy and I  fear that it may easily break because it is so soft. However, this very mushy nature makes ita great choice for a Korean gradient because it's softness make it easy to blend.

Marooned lipstick by Barry M - £4.99 each and has no particular scent. 

Easy Korean Gradient Lips

For this look, I used a glossy lip serum/balm and a dewy pigmented lipstick. You could do a lip gradient with just a lipstick plus concealer but, since Korean makeup trends seem to focus on skincare, I thought I'd reap the benefits of coupling a moisturising lip treatment with a gradient lip in true Korean fashion. 

Prep/Base

Staring with bare lips I applied the lip serum/balm, then I lightly lined the inner part of my upper lip with Marooned and gently pressed/smooshed my lips together.

Final Look

To further build up a gentle colour I then lined the lower part of my bottom inside lip with the edge/tip of the lipstick and pressed them together again. The result is a subtle dewy look with just a hint of colour. 

So there you have it, a quick, easy and subtle Koran Gradient lip!

3 Looks With Marooned

Pic 1: A full application of Marooned. Pic 2: Western Gradient lips (using La Colors lip liner in Deepest Purple, Marooned Lipstick by Barry M and Milani Glitz and Glam lip gloss in 03 at the centre). Pic 3: Dr Organics  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Lip serum and Marooned applied to the inner mother area. 

Which type of lip look do you like best?

Do you prefer wearing your lipstick alone at full strength or mixed to create a dramatic or more subtle effect?

Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated!