"When I use lip liner, I like to choose a color that amplifies the lips, but still looks natural and authentic," says Gucci of the “there but not there” philosophy behind the NEW Lip Shape Lip Liner collection. Now that the eight velvety shades are here— from fan-favorite Petal pink to easy Biscuit beige—how do you choose? Turns out, a few simple tips can help.
IF YOU LOVE A ROSY LIP…
As a general rule, Gucci recommends starting with a pencil that’s close to your natural lip color, but provides a hint of incremental contrast. "The best option brings subtle dimension to your lips, and defines the shape," says Gucci, whose everyday go-to is the blushy nude shade, Je Rêve.
With this approach, it’s less about matching liner to lipstick, says Gucci, and more about how the pitch-perfect nuances of the Lip Shape shades work with your unique lip color. The rest of the collection includes Petal (dusty rose), Sable (warm rich beige), Coucou (neutral pinky taupe), Minou (mulled peach), Biscuit (beige coffee), Lou Lou (deep wine), and Mink (deep espresso).
Lip Shape Lip Liner in Biscuit & Lip Suede Lipstick in Petal
IF YOU LOVE A NUDE LIP…
When wearing a full coverage nude or beige lipstick, you need to create a little more contrast with your lip pencil to act as a flattering frame. Otherwise, says Gucci, you may ‘erase’ your mouth. For Lip Suede Lipstick shades like Mimi, Piqué, or Reine, for instance, she uses a slightly more pronounced warm beige or brown liner like Sable, Biscuit, or Mink “I pat on liner first to softly shape the lips, then dab a bit of lipstick in the center for a full, pillowy effect.”
Lip Shape Lip Liner in Sable & Lip Suede Lipstick in Mimi
IF YOU LOVE A BOLD LIP…
For a bright red, bold fuchsia, or rich aubergine lipstick, Gucci still reaches for a pencil that complements her natural lip tone—not her lipstick shade— for more control over her canvas. “I create the shape that I want with a fleshy lip tone shade, then fill it in with a vibrant matte color like Pip, LFG, Le Rouge, or Ma Biche,” says Gucci, whose pro tip also makes for easier maintenance. “A bold lipstick may fade at the center of the lip while you’re talking or having a drink—this way, if you don’t have time for a touch-up, you won’t be left with a harsh red line around the perimeter of your mouth.”
That said, “I do like Lou Lou liner with Lou Lou lipstick,” Gucci admits of pairing the deep Barolo wine liner with its matching Lip Suede shade.. “So choosing your best shade isn’t always so prescriptive.” Ultimately, Lip Shape is about enhancing what’s already there—your natural lip tone and your personal preferences. As Gucci puts it, “Just play and trust your instincts.”
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Still need help finding your match? Our team of makeup artists is here for you! Send us a selfie in natural lighting or book a free virtual appointment with our Clean Beauty Concierge to find your perfect shade.
