Juicy and Blurred—2026’s Lip Trends Go All in on Texture and Finish

The most interesting thing I’ve found so far about the 2026 lip trends is that they’re more of a texture play than a color play. Think back to 2016, for example. Ten years ago, “cool” lip makeup was very matte, yes, but also very dark and vampy. Even if they’re not a rich plum or crimson, they’re probably a striking blue in Kylie fashion.

Today, professional makeup artist Kasey Spickard notes that people are increasingly favoring shades that closely resemble their natural lip color, rather than one dominant shade. “I’m seeing a huge rise in cool tones, and the blurred, soft lips that we saw on runways and on professional artists a few years ago are really taking off with consumers and clients. The results fall right into the realm of what you dream of, but better.”

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Image may contain: cosmetics and lipstick

Image may contain: cosmetics, lipstick, bottle and shaker

The colors fade into the background and the brand is playing with finishes. Think: the continued rise of blurred lips, high-shine lacquered lip glosses, the modern resurgence of lip gloss, and light washes of sheer color. Many of them pay homage to the ’90s, but there’s more than mass nostalgia running throughout. “Think high-impact, low-maintenance look,” adds Spickard. Overall, the formula is either skin-care oriented or intentionally diffused to create hydrated, comfortable, slightly saggy lips.

Key Takeaways: Whether it’s a glossy lip, a tinted lip, or a soft blend, this season’s hottest lip looks all have the same feel—effortless comfort. Below, we’re exploring four lip trends that are expected to take us through summer and beyond.

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blurred lips

If there’s one lip look that’s quietly taken over Hollywood’s red carpets, it’s the blur lip look—both in terms of product finish and application technique. A quick look at recent award shows shows this: Mia Goth, Charli XCX, Emma Stone and Jessie Buckley all stepped out with soft pouts that made the lips look softer but not meticulously over-lined. Of course, we can all thank celebrity makeup artist Nina Park for making this look so popular among her star-studded client list.

Recreating it at home isn’t about precision, it’s about technique. Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee recommends applying lip product first, then using a domed brush to diffuse the edges and buff from the center of the lips outward. A cool contour shade or a chubby lip liner helps softly define the shape, while a mild velvet lipstick completes the look with a plush, softly blurred texture.

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