Chappell Roan’s Two‑Toned Lip and the M.A.C. x Sephora Moment: How to Recreate the Campaign’s Bold ’90s Lips

Key Highlights:
Introduction
Why the M.A.C. x Sephora Partnership Matters
Chappell Roan’s Two‑Toned Lip: Anatomy of the Look
Recreating Roan’s Lip Step‑by‑Step
Why the Two‑Tone Lip Works: Color, Shape, and Perception
The ’90s M.A.C. Aesthetic: A Short Cultural Context
Gabbriette and Quenlin Blackwell: The Campaign’s Supporting Lip Combos
Color Pairing and Personalization: How to Make These Looks Yours
Tools, Products, and Alternatives
Longevity and Maintenance: Making a Two‑Tone Lip Last
When Two Tones Work—and When They Don’t
The Campaign as Statement: Representation, Craft, and Retail
Real‑World Examples: How Celebrities and Creators Have Used Two‑Tone Techniques
Safety, Comfort, and Lip Health
Practical Alternatives and Budget Versions
Campaign Takeaways for Makeup Professionals
FAQ

Key Highlights:

Chappell Roan’s new M.A.C. x Sephora campaign centers on a deliberately two‑toned, ’90s‑inspired lip—two liners and two lipsticks combine to produce a dark brick upper lip and a taupe lower lip.
Makeup artist Andrew Dahling frames the look as an homage to the iconic ’90s M.A.C. aesthetic; the campaign also highlights three distinct lip combos (Roan, Gabbriette, Quenlin Blackwell) and launches M.A.C. at Sephora on March 2.
The two‑tone technique is accessible with basic tools and a few practical rules: prep, strategic lining, selective filling, clean edges, and products chosen for contrast and wear.

Introduction

A lip that looks like it belongs on a polished, editorial face often starts with a combination of products rather than a single swipe. That idea sits at the center of M.A.C.’s new campaign with Sephora, which casts singer Chappell Roan as the campaign face and places the spotlight on layered, deliberate lip work. The resulting imagery—part glossy ’90s glamour, part modern theatricality—does more than sell lipstick; it repositions the lip as a site for creative expression and technical skill. For anyone who pays attention to how lipstick, liner, and gloss interact, the campaign doubles as a tutorial: two liners, two lipsticks, and precision make for a look that reads bold from a distance and exact up close.

Makeup artist Andrew Dahling, who created Roan’s lip, describes the result as “a nod to the iconic ’90s M.A.C. mug,” pointing to the brand’s long history of cult shades and memorable campaigns. Sephora’s decision to bring M.A.C. to its shelves on March 2 gives this visual language a wider retail platform, and the campaign’s trio of looks—Roan’s two‑tone brick-and-taupe lip, Gabbriette’s skin‑toned nude, and Quenlin Blackwell’s glossy brown liner—offers practical blueprints. The following piece breaks the campaign down: the products, the technique, the history behind the choices, and how to make these looks work for a range of skin tones and real‑world moments.

Why the M.A.C. x Sephora Partnership Matters

M.A.C. is a brand with a distinct retail and cultural history. It built its reputation on pro-grade makeup, bold color releases, and an artist‑centric image; the brand’s shades—from neutral staples to vivid, once‑controversial hues—have become industry reference points. Placing M.A.C. inside Sephora expands access to a generation that shops Sephora for curatorially selected brands and in‑store education, while giving long‑time M.A.C. customers a new retail touchpoint.

From a marketing perspective, the partnership amplifies two stories simultaneously. First: M.A.C.’s legacy and archives, which contain the shades and finishes that defined past decades. Second: Sephora’s role as a mass hub for beauty trends and discovery. The campaign’s timing—arriving at Sephora with a set of looks that explicitly nod to a past era—turns nostalgia into a sales mechanic. It also demonstrates how classic color combinations can be refreshed through modern techniques: layering lip products to create dimension, contrast, and longevity.

Retail moves inevitably shape trends. When an authoritative retailer expands access to a legacy brand, that brand’s historical looks re-enter consumer rotation. The two‑tone lip, long associated with ’90s celebrity and runway moments, becomes visible again in tutorials, reels, and checkout aisles.

Chappell Roan’s Two‑Toned Lip: Anatomy of the Look

The campaign’s most arresting image is Roan’s two‑toned lip: a dark, brick‑red upper lip paired with a neutral taupe lower lip. This isn’t a gradient or ombré; it’s a deliberate top‑bottom contrast that creates visual tension and a sculptural silhouette. The artistic decision to separate upper and lower lips by color emphasizes mouth shape and forces the eye to consider contrast as an aesthetic device—not just something to match.

Products called out by the campaign point to specific tools for achieving the look:

Lip liners in deeper brown/red and lighter nude/taupe tones (examples used in the campaign include MAC Lip Pencil shades such as Oak/Auburn and Stripdown).
Matte lipstick in a warm brick‑red (M.A.C. shades similar to Marrakesh or Whirl depending on desired warmth).
Matte or satin taupe lipstick for the lower lip (campaign images feature Taupe finishes).
Optional clear or subtle gloss for finish, though Roan’s image leans more matte to emphasize contrast.

Andrew Dahling’s quote—“Timeless and impactful, this look highlights Chappell’s encapsulating eyes and showcases some of M.A.C.’s most iconic lip shades. It’s an homage to an era of glamour that has lived on forever”—frames the look as both a stylistic throwback and a technical study. The choice to use four products (two liners, two lipsticks) rather than a simple liner and matching lipstick is the technical point to replicate: layering different textures and tones creates separation and depth.

Recreating Roan’s Lip Step‑by‑Step

Recreating the two‑tone lip requires intention. Precision matters, but the method is straightforward. Follow these steps to approximate the campaign look at home.

Prep and base

Clean and exfoliate the lips. Use a gentle sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove flakes. Smooth skin will allow lines and colors to sit without patchiness.
Apply a thin layer of lip balm and let it sink in for a few minutes. Blot excess—slick surfaces can make liner slide and pigment move.
Optional: apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer over the lips to act as a neutral base. This makes colors pop and keeps them true to tone.

Define the shape with liners 4. Upper lip (brick tone): Choose a deep brown‑red or brick liner—think warm red with brown undertones. Carefully trace the natural lip line, then slightly overline only if you want a fuller look. Focus the product on the edges and taper inwards. Using a pencil allows for crisp control. 5. Lower lip (taupe tone): Select a cool taupe or greige liner for the bottom lip. Line the outer edge of the lower lip and, as with the upper lip, keep the line crisp. Avoid connecting the two liners at the corners; leave a faint seam of contrast.

Fill and blend selectively 6. Upper lip fill: Apply a matte brick lipstick—either straight from the bullet or via a lip brush for more control—filling the center of the upper lip and blending slightly into the liner. Keep the finish mostly matte to maintain the contrast against the lower lip. 7. Lower lip fill: Apply a taupe or greige matte lipstick to the bottom lip. Fill from the center and blend to meet the liner but stop short of fully merging with the upper lip’s tone.

Perfect the separation 8. Clean up edges: Use a small concealer brush and a touch of concealer to sharpen the lip line. This is where the look gains its editorial precision. Concealer also prevents feathering. 9. Set if desired: For longer wear, blot each lip onto a tissue and buff a translucent setting powder over the tissue (this “powder‑through‑tissue” method thins the product but locks it in). 10. Final finish: Optionally apply a clear gloss or a very small amount of Lipglass to the center of the lower lip if a hint of sheen is wanted. The campaign favors contrast, so keep the shine restrained.

Technique notes

Use two liners rather than one heavy liner and one lipstick. This maintains the integrity of each tone.
Pressing liners into the base of the lipstick with a lip brush enhances longevity.
If you prefer a less stark contrast, choose a slightly warmer taupe or a softer brick red to reduce the optical gap.

Why the Two‑Tone Lip Works: Color, Shape, and Perception

A face reads differently when top and bottom lips are treated as separate canvases. The human eye interprets contrast as dimensionality. When the upper lip is darker, it visually recedes; when the lower lip is lighter it can catch light and appear fuller. This interplay offers three advantages:

Sculptural definition: A darker upper lip emphasizes the Cupid’s bow and the line under the nose, creating a sculpted appearance without heavy contouring.
Focus and framing: The mouth becomes a focal point. If the eyes are strongly made up, the two‑tone lip can unify the look by providing a bold anchor.
Play of finishes: A matte upper lip paired with a glossier lower lip—or vice versa—creates movement and prevents the face from appearing flat.

Color theory essentials

Warm brick reds pair well with taupes that contain warm undertones. A cool taupe will read more as greige and produce more contrast.
For deeper skin tones, increase depth in both shades to maintain visible contrast. A mid‑depth warm brick and a warmer taupe keep the look legible.
For fair skin, avoid overly light taupes that can wash the face—choose taupes with a touch of warmth or mauve.

The ’90s M.A.C. Aesthetic: A Short Cultural Context

The campaign cites the “iconic ’90s M.A.C. mug” and its aesthetic legacy. The 1990s saw widespread adoption of brown and nude lips, many times sharpened with a deeper liner. That era favored matte and satin finishes, with lips that were both sculpted and subdued. M.A.C. played a central role in that visual vocabulary by releasing shades and textures that became industry standards.

Two cultural dynamics converged in the ’90s to make these looks enduring:

The supermodel runway and celebrity red carpets elevated neutral and brown tones as the antithesis to the neon excess of the previous decades.
Makeup artistry became highly visible; M.A.C. positioned its products as tools used by professionals, building a bridge between pro makeup rooms and retail consumers.

Dahling’s comment—that the look honors a “brand by and for everyone”—points to M.A.C.’s identity: a brand that grew out of pro artistry and embraced racial and gender inclusivity across shades and campaigns. The new campaign leverages that legacy while updating the visuals for contemporary editorial language.

Gabbriette and Quenlin Blackwell: The Campaign’s Supporting Lip Combos

The campaign presents three distinct lip treatments beyond Roan’s two‑tone statement. Each one demonstrates a different way of translating a ’90s nod into a modern finish.

Gabbriette: skin‑toned nude

Products highlighted: a satin Fleshpot lipstick, a Greige lip pencil, and a soft lipglass like Accolade.
A satin finish keeps the skin‑toned look feeling alive rather than flat.
Technique: use the greige pencil to frame the lip and slightly blend inward. Apply the satin Fleshpot across the lip and finish with a thin layer of Lipglass in the center to create dimension without heavy shine.

Quenlin Blackwell: hyper‑glossy, brown liner

Products highlighted: Chestnut lip pencil, Whirl matte lipstick, and a clear Lipglass.
The heavy liner + glossy top treatment yields a modernized ’90s finish: structured edges with luminous surface.
Technique: overlay a clear gloss to amplify the brown liner underneath; the contrast between liner and glossy film creates that high-impact runway look.

These variations show that the same conceptual approach—liner plus lipstick, sometimes capped with gloss—can read differently depending on finish and tonal temperature.

Color Pairing and Personalization: How to Make These Looks Yours

The campaign provides templates; personalization makes them wearable. Use these guidelines to adapt for your features and wardrobe.

Skin tone adjustments

Fair skin: Opt for softer brick hues—less brown, more true warm red. Choose taupes with a pink or mauve undertone to prevent a washed appearance.
Medium/olive skin: Embrace warm taupes and richer brick reds. These skin tones can handle stronger contrast without appearing heavy.
Deep skin: Use deeper brick reds and richer taupes that read clearly against deeper melanin. Consider a neutral‑brown with warm undertones to retain the warmth of the brick.

Undertone considerations

Cool undertones: Lean toward taupes with mauve or gray bases and brick reds that contain a hint of berry or cool rust.
Warm undertones: Pick taupes with caramel or peach notes and warm brick reds with brown or orange undertones.

Occasion and styling

Daytime: Soften the contrast. Use lighter liners and a satin finish. A hint of gloss in the center preserves wearability.
Evening: Embrace the full contrast with matte finishes and clean edges. The two‑tone effect reads dramatic under lights.
Editorial or performance: Don’t be afraid of exaggerated overlining and saturated fills; the camera registers intensity differently than the human eye up close.

Layering and mixing rules

Start with liner along the edge and work inward, then fill with lipstick for full, even color.
When you intend a distinct two‑tone separation, stop short of blending the colors together at the seam.
If you want a joined look, use a small brush to slightly soften the meeting point so the colors transition into each other.

Tools, Products, and Alternatives

The campaign lists specific M.A.C. items, many of which are classic references. Practical tools make reproduction easier and neater.

Essential tools

Quality lip pencils in at least two shades (a darker warm shade and a lighter taupe/greige).
Lip brushes for precise application and blending.
Small concealer brush to sharpen edges.
Cotton swabs for spot correction.
Tissues and blotting papers.
Optional: translucent powder and a small puff for the powder-through-tissue method.

Product picks from the campaign (and equivalents)

Deep liner: MAC Lip Pencil in Chestnut or Oak/Auburn equivalents. Alternatives: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude (for warm brown) or NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner in London (budget option).
Brick matte lipstick: MAC Matte Lipstick shades similar to Marrakesh or Whirl. Alternatives: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in heatier shades, Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipsticks in warm reds.
Taupe lipstick: MAC Matte in Taupe or similar. Alternatives: Smashbox Always On Matte in warm beige tones, Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in shade combinations that lean greige.
Satin or glossy finish: MAC Satin Lipstick in Fleshpot or MAC Lipglass in Accolade. Alternatives: Fenty Gloss Bomb (neutral gloss), Dior Addict Lip Glow for cushiony sheen.

Selecting long‑wear options

For longevity, favor long‑wear matte lipsticks and creamy, wax‑based liners that lock pigment.
If gloss is applied, keep a small tube for touchups; clear glosses are easiest to manage without color shifts.

Sustainable and clean alternatives

Many independent brands now offer cruelty‑free, refillable packaging and pigment‑dense formulas. Explore indie lines prioritizing sustainability if that aligns with your values.

Longevity and Maintenance: Making a Two‑Tone Lip Last

A two‑tone lip can look impeccable for hours if you account for wear factors such as eating, drinking, and natural lip movement.

Practical longevity strategies

Build an anchor: After lining and filling, lightly press the lips together onto a tissue to remove excess. Then apply a second thin layer of color and blot again.
Powder lock: Place a tissue on top of the lips and dust translucent powder over it. This sets pigment without flattening tone.
Avoid heavy oil‑based glosses if you want long wear. Use clear, light glosses only at touchpoints and reapply as needed.
For a heavy eating scenario, commit to matte formulas that transfer less. Keep liners in a handbag for quick re‑definition.

Touchup workflow

If the upper lip fades first, re-line only the perimeter and lightly re-apply lipstick with a brush.
Clean corner smudges with a damp cotton swab and re-conceal.
Keep product in small decantable pots for reapplication without carrying full-size tubes.

When Two Tones Work—and When They Don’t

Two-toned lips are a bold choice. They excel under certain conditions and struggle under others.

Best contexts

Photoshoots, performances, editorial events, and evening looks. Under controlled lighting, the contrast reads crisp and intentional.
Fashion-forward street style and editorial social content. The look photographs well and stands out in short-form video.

Less ideal contexts

Some workplace environments or minimal‑makeup settings may find the effect too stylized. For those settings, temper contrast or use the technique as inspiration for a subtle contouring of the lips (slightly darker edge, lighter center).
Very hot, humid conditions when gloss will run; prefer matte formulations if heat is a factor.

Aesthetic trade-offs

Two tones emphasize mouth shape; if you prefer your eyes or hair to be the focal point, keep lip tones closer in value to avoid visual competition.
If you are experimenting for the first time, test on occasions where you can reapply and adjust without pressure.

The Campaign as Statement: Representation, Craft, and Retail

Beyond technique, the campaign conveys several non‑technical signals. Casting Chappell Roan, Gabbriette, and Quenlin Blackwell across different lip translations suggests a deliberate message: core M.A.C. shades can serve many faces and styles. Dahling’s emphasis on the M.A.C. legacy nods to both craft and the brand’s history of diversity in shade offerings.

Retailly, placing M.A.C. into Sephora outlets signals an alignment of discovery practices: Sephora's audiences tend to be discovery‑oriented, while M.A.C. carries archival authority. The product pairings in the campaign act as primers. They invite everyday consumers to understand technique—two liners, two lipsticks—not as a professional secret but as a replicable approach.

From a broader lens, the campaign participates in the cyclical nature of beauty trends. The ’90s influence tapped into nostalgia, but its translation relies on contemporary sensibilities: cleaner edges, more precise finishes, and an awareness of inclusivity in shade selection.

Real‑World Examples: How Celebrities and Creators Have Used Two‑Tone Techniques

Two‑tone treatments have appeared historically and recently across runways and red carpets. They show up in three practical variations:

Intentional contrast for editorial effect: upper lip darker than the lower to appear sculpted and dramatic. Seen in runway shows where lighting and camera contrast benefit from tonal separation.
Shaded ombré where the outer lip is darker and the center lightens, creating the illusion of volume in photos. This technique found mainstream popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Two textures: matte edge with glossy center or vice versa—to catch light and create movement. Contemporary makeup artists use this in video work to maintain dimension under changing lights.

At home, creators have popularized these approaches on social platforms. Short clips with step-by-step voiceovers make the four‑product method approachable: liner, liner, lipstick, lipstick, then sharpen with concealer. The campaign’s visuals echo these tutorials and formalize them in a retail context.

Safety, Comfort, and Lip Health

Layering products increases the amount of pigment and potential for irritation. Prioritize lip health while experimenting:

Patch test new products if you have sensitive skin.
Use hydrating formulas and incorporate a nightly lip balm containing humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) and occlusives (shea butter, petrolatum) to repair any dryness from matte wear.
Remove pigment at the end of the day with an oil‑based cleanser or a gentle balm remover. This prevents prolonged drying caused by matte pigments left on overnight.

Practical Alternatives and Budget Versions

Not every kit needs high‑end price points. Substitute accessible items without changing technique:

Drugstore lip pencils: NYX, Maybelline, and e.l.f. provide decent color payoff and control.
Drugstore mattes: Maybelline SuperStay, Revlon ColorStay, and L’Oréal Rouge Signature are reliable.
DIY mixing: If you lack a taupe lipstick, lightly mix a neutral nude with a small dot of cool‑toned brown pigment on a palette and apply with a lip brush.

What matters is tonal relationship and finish, not brand prestige.

Campaign Takeaways for Makeup Professionals

For artists working on clients or on set, the campaign reinforces a few practical lessons:

Preplan contrast based on client features and the camera. Test shades under lights.
Consider texture variations when photographing moving faces; matte tends to read flat in video without touch of sheen.
Keep a selection of neutral bases and warm tones to quickly create two‑tone variations for different clients.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is a “two‑tone” lip? A: A two‑tone lip uses two distinct colors—often different in value or undertone—on the upper and lower lips, or as a divided treatment across the mouth. The campaign’s version uses a darker brick red for the upper lip and a taupe tone for the lower lip, with clear separation to emphasize contrast.

Q: Do I have to use four products (two liners, two lipsticks)? A: Four products are recommended for the crispest effect because each lip is both defined and filled in a specific tone. However, a similar visual can be achieved with fewer products by using dual‑ended pencils or pairing a single liner with a two‑tone lipstick application. For best results and longevity, use dedicated liners for definition.

Q: How do I choose the right taupe or brick shade for my skin tone? A: Match depth first. For deeper skin tones, go deeper in both brick and taupe. For fair skin, choose less contrast and slightly warmer or rosier taupes. Think about undertone (cool vs warm) and choose shades that harmonize with your natural coloring. When in doubt, test on the jawline or inside the wrist under natural light.

Q: Will the look make my lips appear smaller? A: A darker upper lip can visually recede; a lighter lower lip can appear fuller. If you want maximum fullness, you can slightly overline (especially on the lower lip) and apply a small amount of gloss to the center of the lower lip to catch light.

Q: Are these products suitable for sensitive lips? A: Many modern lip products are formulated for sensitive skin, but individual reactions vary. Patch test new items, select hydrating formulas, and avoid prolonged wear of drying mattes if your lips are prone to chapping.

Q: How should I maintain this look while eating and drinking? A: Matte formulations and blotting will help preserve pigment. Use touch‑up liners and a small lipstick tube for reapplication. If you need a low‑maintenance option, opt for a single color with subtle ombré instead of a stark two‑tone separation.

Q: Where can I buy the exact products shown in the campaign? A: The M.A.C. x Sephora partnership makes M.A.C.’s core products available at Sephora starting March 2. Many of the shades shown—lip pencils, matte lipsticks, and glosses—are staples within M.A.C.’s range and will be available via Sephora, M.A.C. counters, and selected retailers.

Q: Can I adapt the technique for a more subtle everyday look? A: Yes. Reduce contrast by choosing shades closer in value, use satin instead of matte finishes, and blend the meeting line between colors so the shift reads as a soft ombré rather than a hard separation.

Q: What if I want to highlight my lips without bright color? A: Use the same principles with neutral shades. A deeper chocolate liner with a mid‑tone nude center can create sculpt and dimension while remaining understated.

Q: Does this look work on all ages? A: Yes. The technique can be tailored to skin texture and preferences. For older skin or lips with fine lines, use moisturizing formulas and avoid heavy matte build‑up that can accentuate texture. A gentle gloss or satin finish will be more forgiving.

Q: Are there environmental or ethical considerations with these products? A: Many brands now offer cruelty‑free lines and more sustainable packaging. M.A.C. has historically sold across many retailers and continues to evolve its corporate policies. If sustainability and ethics are priorities, investigate brands’ ingredient sourcing and packaging programs or choose products that explicitly list certifications you value.

Q: I’m new to precision lip work—where do I start? A: Start with basic tools: one liner close to your natural lip tone, one additive lip color, a lip brush, and concealer. Practice shaping and cleaning edges with concealer. Short practice sessions—five to ten minutes—build skill quickly.

Q: How do I keep the look from bleeding into fine lines around the mouth? A: Use a fine lip liner as a barrier and a small amount of concealer along the outer edge. Powder sparingly to set, and avoid heavy application to prevent settling into lines.

Q: Can this technique be used with non‑matte finishes? A: Absolutely. Two‑tone effects with lacquer, satin, or glossy finishes read differently but can be equally striking. If you use gloss, expect more merging and less crisp separation unless you keep gloss strictly to select zones (for example, only the lower lip center).

Q: Where to look for inspiration beyond the campaign? A: Search makeup archives and runway imagery from late 1980s and 1990s runways, as well as contemporary social creators who experiment with divided lips and color blocking. Tutorials that break down multi‑product lip applications will illustrate the practical mechanics.

Adopting the layered, two‑toned approach showcased in the M.A.C. x Sephora campaign turns a simple routine into a deliberate artistic choice. The look’s strength lies in its clarity: careful lining and purposeful pairing produce a statement that is at once retro and modern. Whether the goal is editorial impact or a stylized evening out, the tools and techniques are accessible—and the results are unmistakable.