There's too much fluctuation in the colours on the lips.
Pick a light and a dark colour and work from there. Or pick two gradients if you're feeling like it.
Right now there's a very light colour on top, a darker one below there, the same colour as the darker one as a highlight on the lower lip AND a way darker one.
I'd fix it like this:
Change the darker colour on the top lip to the darkest colour of the bottom lips and the lighter colour on the top lip to the lighter colour of the bottom lip.
I kind of agree with you, though, Freelancer is a bit vague haha.
But then again, if he's more specific like I am now, we're kind of doing the work for you ;]
Might restrict your creativity but it seems like you want the help so here you go.