The Ombre Lip: How to With Pat McGrath & Max Factor

Lynnie showed us a rockin' look for hair earlier and I'm also really loving this ombre look makeup maven Pat McGrath worked at the Gucci AW11 show - two shades of red are graduated on the lip for a layered finish that's eye-catching, dramatic and not as hard to achieve as you might think. She dialled it up to 11 with a slick of clear gloss for a Joan Collins in Dynasty finish, but if you wanted to leave it matte, then hey, that'd look great too.

I've also seen this done for the new season gently graded into a fuchsia pink which is admittedly braver but which is super-hawt, and the trend works well with reds, corals, purples and lilacs too; plus it can be over-exaggerated with a very deep outer colour and a much brighter inner.

Interested in transitioning ombre from hair tips to lips? Here's what Pat McGrath used, and how she did it.

Up close and liptastically personal

1. Outline lips with Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in a deep red shade, €11.49
2. Apply Colour Elixir Lipstick in Mulberry, €6.99, over the lipliner and around the outside of the lips
3. Dab Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday, €6.99, on the inner part of the lips to form the brighter highlight. The Colour Elixir products are a new line for Max Factor, marrying colour with skincare benefits. Right now, your best bet for bagging 'em will be at Boots stores, I reckon
4. Lastly, finish with Max Factor Vibrant Curve Effect Lip Gloss in Understated, €10.79. Why, pray tell? "A slick of gloss to the lips to emphasise the 70s influence of high glamour, shine and texture," McGrath explains. Aha - Tom Ford would be proud.

So, I know I like it, but what do you think? Will you try a pretty, perfectly painted duo-toned pout for Autumn 2011?

Pic credit: Max Factor