How to Achieve the Bitten Lip Makeup Look

The bitten lip look is a makeup technique that creates the illusion of naturally flushed lips, as if they've been gently bitten. Originating in Korea, this trend captured the world’s attention with its ability to enhance natural beauty without looking overly done. It involves applying a combination of lip products to create a gradient lip effect, with a darker shade at the center of the lips that blends into a softer, nude shade towards the edges. This technique adds depth, dimension, and a touch of alluring sensuality to your pout.

To achieve the bitten lip look, you'll need the following makeup products:

 

• Nude lipstick or lip liner: In a shade that closely matches your natural lip color.
• Bold or bright lipstick or lip tint: In a contrasting shade to create the center color.

 

Optional:

 

• Lip exfoliator or scrub: To prepare your lips for a smooth and even application.
• Lip balm or hydrating lip oil: To moisturize and nourish your lips.
• Blending brush or cotton swab: To help blend and smudge the lip colors seamlessly. (You can also use your fingers.)

Start by exfoliating your lips with a gentle lip scrub or a soft toothbrush. This will remove any dead skin cells and leave your lips smooth and ready for makeup application. Follow up with a nourishing lip balm to keep them moisturized and prevent dryness. Now you have a smooth canvas for your bitten lip look.

Using your nude lipstick or lip liner, outline your entire lips. This will create a base color. Fill in your lips with the nude shade, ensuring even coverage. If your lips are naturally pale, you can skip this step. Otherwise, choose a shade that matches your natural lip color to create an even contrast with the central color you’ll be applying in step three.

Now, it's time to add the pop of color that will create the gradient lip bitten effect. Choose a bold or bright lipstick or lip tint in a shade that contrasts your nude base. We recommend using a blurred lip tint like Super Stay Teddy Tint™, since it is designed to provide a blurred flush that lends itself well to a bitten lip look. Apply the bold color to the center of your bottom lip, focusing on the Cupid's bow area. You can also apply it to the center of your upper lip, focusing on the area beneath the Cupid's bow, but be sure to keep it subtle for a more natural look.

This is the key step to achieving a seamless bitten lip look. Using your blending brush or a cotton swab, gently blend the edges of the bold color into the nude base. Start by smudging the color outwards from the center, then blend upwards and downwards to create a soft gradient effect. Be patient and take your time with this step to achieve a natural-looking blend.

Tips for Smudging and Feathering

• For a more diffused effect, use your finger to smudge the edges of the bold color instead of a brush or cotton swab.
• If you want a more precise look, use a small, pointed brush to blend the colors.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different blending techniques until you find the one that works best for you.

Once you're happy with the blend, clean up your edges with a cotton swab and you’re ready to go with a natural-looking bitten lip. If you prefer a glossy finish, you can add a touch of lip gloss over your matte lip tint. This will also help keep your lips hydrated throughout the day. Or if you want an even more matte look, you can also blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product.