The Creator of ‘Gym Lips’ Says This Makeup Trend Will be Everywhere This Summer

“Gym lips,” the simple yet internet-breaking trend that took over the summer of 2022, involved two products: a nude lip liner and a clear gloss or balm. Together, they created the perfect model-off-duty makeup look you could wear anywhere—to the gym, obviously, or for an occasion. Now, though the trend is still part of many of our routines, Kelli Anne Sewell, the trend’s creator, says there’s another trend brewing for this summer: ombre mascara.

What Is Ombre Mascara?

Everyone loves the look of a flirty, fluttery lash, but Sewell says we’re not relying on falsies the way we once were. “I think we’re moving away from using lashes, so creating the faux lash effect with just a change of a color is a super easy way to recreate the look.” Like the “gym lips” trend, this one requires only two products: two complementing shades of mascara, such as brown and black. “This is something a lot of people can attain because typically we have a brown and a black mascara,” says Sewell.

How to Create Ombre Mascara

To create the look, apply the lighter of the two shades on the inner section of your lashes, above your iris, and save the black or deeper shade for the outer corner to create that elongated, wispy effect. Apply multiple layers for a bolder look or stick to one for a natural look.

Best Colors for Ombre Mascara

While the brown and black combination is ideal for an everyday look, don’t be afraid to play with color. Burgundy mascaras are trending, as are bright pops of electric blue, a shade Sewell says is so underrated right now. The key to making it work: Go subtle with the rest of your look.

“I think if you can balance color with fresh skin, you can pull off anything,” says Sewell. “If I was to play around with burgundy or with blue mascara, I would pair it with a nice, fresh skin look and a nude lip to complement it. That way, you’re not going to feel like you’re wearing a lot of makeup. It’s just going to make a statement.”

To create the look yourself, shop the editor-approved products below.

Ombre Mascara Staples

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Tower28 Make Waves Mascara ($20)

This vegan, safe-for-sensitive-eyes mascara is a favorite for its lengthening, never-clumping formula. Choose from black or a rich espresso brown (or both) to get the look.

• BUY ON TOWER28 – $20
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $20

Shades

Two: Jet (black), Drift (brown)

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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara ($13)

Ideal for creating your longest-looking lashes, this formula comes in five shades (ranging from deep black to bright blue), glides right on, and won’t smudge or transfer throughout the day.

 

• BUY NOW – $13

Shades

Five: Blackest Black, Cosmic Black, Blue Mist, True Brown, Very Black

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Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($26)

Beloved for its tubing technology which lengthens and defines lashes instantly, this viral mascara comes in six shades ranging from deep blacks and browns to bright purple and green (our favorite for blue eyes).

• BUY NOW – $26

Shades

Six: ShantaQuilette (pink), Donna (green), Nola (deep blue), Margo (purple), Crystal (brown black), and Brynn (rich black)