Blurred Lips Are the Next Frontier of the “No Makeup Makeup” Movement
Now I get to hold off on that filler appointment.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m well overdue for lip filler or if my mouth has been extra dry lately, but when I put lip balm on the other day, I caught a peek of my lip lines. Now, I turned 29 a few weeks ago, but I didn’t expect to start seeing real signs of aging until, well, far into the future. I panic-booked a filler and Botox appointment immediately, but in the meantime, I had to get a little creative. That's where lip blurring products come in. Thankfully, "blurred lips" is a trend that seems to be particularly buzzy right now.
“The blurred lip is a romantic, almost cinematic take on a lip stain,” makeup artist and Medicube Creative Director Sir John tells me. “It feels like the aftermath of something—like you’ve been sipping tea, eating berries, or kissing someone you shouldn’t. There’s a softness to it, a diffusion that removes harsh lines and replaces them with this intoxicating, lived-in flush. It’s sensual, a little undone, and very modern.”
Sensual and modern is exactly the makeup look I have been aiming for recently, especially as we approach the warmer spring and summer months. I’m already working on refreshing my stash of light coverage foundations, and my blush drawer is about to get heavier after the spring Sephora sale. Now, my eyes are honed in on my lip collection, and blurred formulas are about to be my newest go-tos. Keep reading to learn more about why the trend has become so popular, as well as recommendations for a few blurred lip products of your own.
One of my favorite blurring lip formulas of all time is this Bisou Balm from Violette_FR. There's no additional work needed to really blend it out, unless you want a more subtle color rather than something more pigmented. Still, I just swipe it on and go, and I get the blurred lip effect that I'm looking for in seconds.
If you're looking for more control and more payoff, this YSL formula is about to become your new go-to. "It gives you a more defined version of the trend," Makeup artist Christian Briceno tells me. "It still blurs, but you can control the intensity. It's perfect for when you want longevity without losing that diffused edge."
Another blurring formula is Merit's lip blush, which is fantastic for throwing on and going about your day. I'm a big fan of the color Vendôme, but there's a shade in this line for everyone.
For a more hydrating version of the trend, opt for something like this lip tint from Mineral Fusion. "It still feels very wearable and still aligns with that skin-first direction that this trend leans into," Briceno says.
Why Are Blurred Lips Trending?
As for why blurred lips are currently trending, well, there are a few reasons. “Lips are expressive—they communicate mood, desire, softness,” Sir John says. “Right now, we’re leaning away from perfection and into feeling.”
Briceno agrees, saying that this trend is a shift away from overly structured looks. “When it comes to complexion makeup, we’re seeing skin that appears more real and less perfected, and the lip is following suit,” he says. “A blurred lip feels lighter, more wearable, and more in sync with how people actually want to look day to day. It also translates beautifully on camera. You still get shape and presence, but without that heavy, outlined effect that can feel dated right now.”
The trend also appears a little more youthful, which anyone can appreciate. “It’s genderless and effortless,” Sir John says. “I’ve seen it everywhere, from Harlem to Hong Kong, and it carries this global, editorial energy while still being incredibly wearable.”
How Do I Get Blurred Lips?
Of course, I had to ask the experts how to get the look, and you may be surprised to find that it’s fairly easy.
“Start with your ring finger—it’s the weakest, so it deposits the least amount of product and gives you that soft diffusion,” Sir John says. “Tap your color right into the center of the lips and gently blend outward. Let your body heat do the work—emollient textures will melt beautifully into the skin.”
Briceno echoes the technique, simultaneously sharing one of his favorite hacks. “If I use liner, it’s very subtle and blended in, never sharp,” he says. “The key is controlling how the color fades, not just applying it. You can leave it matte for a more editorial feel, or tap a bit of balm in the center to bring in light and dimension.”
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Meet the Experts
Christian Briceno is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.
Sir John is a celebrity makeup artist and the creative director of Medicube.
