I have an ungodly amount of shiny lip products in my possession. I have oils, glosses, and treatments in every corner of my home and work desk. And while glossy lips have been my go-to, I’ve been feeling a little inundated and bored with them.
We’ve been a glossy society for the past few years as beauty brands resolve to drop more lip products than anyone actually needs. In 2026, though, it seems we’ve reached peak gloss fatigue because matte lips are on the rise—with a needed upgrade. Blurred lips are the latest trend making its way into feeds. It isn’t drying or restrictive (the way some of 2016’s matte lip looks were). Instead, it’s a soft, diffused flush of color.
The popularity of blurred lips is, in part, thanks to Chanel makeup artist Nina Park, who works with stars including Zöe Kravtiz, Emma Stone, and Kaia Gerber. Park is known for her dreamily soft glam makeup, and one element of her artistry that people can’t get enough of is the feathery lip she creates. It has that slightly bitten, lightly flushed look that’s matte but not dry.
She’s not the only makeup artist leaning toward mattes this year. Says Joseph Carillo, a makeup artist in New York City: “A blurred lip feels more emotional and lived-in. It’s the difference between candlelight and a ring light. And right now we need candlelight.”
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While blurred lips are having a moment in the United States, it’s certainly not a new look—especially if you ask women in France and South Korea. Makeup artist and Violette founder, Violette Serrat, notes that blurred lips have long been a beauty staple for French women. She referred to the look as “bouche mordue” (which means bitten lips in French) in a TikTok video in 2024. In South Korea, you’ll find countless lip stains that, when wiped off, leave a subtle gradient of color.
The blurred lips that hit the red carpet recently aren’t as effortless as they might appear. Makeup artists rely on a few techniques and tried-and-true products to achieve sultry, blurred lips that last from the carpet to the after-party.
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