Forget the sharp, high maintenance lines of seasons past. This winter, beauty is all about embracing a softer and more poetic edge!
The burred lip look has officially moved from the runways into the frost bitten air of the everyday, trading rigid precision of a romantic, just-bitten flush. Inspired by East Asian gradient techniques and the effortless chic of the French girl style, the diffused lip look mimics the natural bloom of colour that comes from a cold winter walk. It is a low effort, high impact look that perfectly captures the cosy and lived-in aesthetic of the season.
Why ‘blurred’ is the silhouette of the season
The blurred lip look is largely being hailed as the latest winter makeup trend and the silhouette of the season since it mimics the soft and hazy textures of winter wardrobes. Think oversized mohair knits, faux fur collars, and the ethereal mist of a cold morning.
While the sharp, over lined lip creates a structurally armored look, the diffused lip look offers a soft focus finish that feels more organic and lived-in. It is the beauty equivalent of a cosy oversized sweater, chic, comfortable, and slightly undone, quickly becoming the winter makeup trend that is everyone obsessing over.
Why is the diffused lip trend the defining look of the season
A look that feels as warm and effortless as a cashmere wrap against the skin, here’s the appeal of the diffused lip look-
- The just-bitten aesthetic- It captures the natural flush of blood to the lips after a walk in the frost.
- Texture harmony- In a season that is dominated by heavy fabrics like velvet and wool, a sharp matte lip can look too harsh. The blurred edge creates a seamless transition between the skin and the lip colour.
- Effortless glamour- It moves away from the clean girl perfection of 2024 towards a more romantic, and poetic vibe which is often the characteristic of a French-girl chic or the Poetcore.
Key products you need to achieve the blurred lip look
To achieve the best of this winter makeup trend you need formulas that prioritise blendability and hydration. Unlike the crisp pigments of a traditional lipstick, these products are designed to melt into the skin for a soft-focus finish-
1. The cloud-like matte tint
The top picks include the Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Tint or the Peripera Ink Velvet. These whipped, mousse like formulas are the holy grail of the blurred lip look. These are products that offer high pigment which feels weightless, more like a velvet petal against your lips.
2. The hydrating lip stain
The hydrating lip stain is the secret to the inner glow look. You can pick from the Benefit Benetint or the Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain. Stains work as the foundation of the gradient look. They sink into the lips rather than sitting on the top, providing a long lasting flush that won't smudge under a winter scarf.
3. The treatment-first tinted balm
Winter air is the enemy of the blurred lip. Hybrid products like the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint or the Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Lip Serum helps combine the repair of a lip mask with a sheer wash of colour. They soften and dry lines, ensuring that your ‘blur’ looks romantic, and not chapped.
4. The ‘blurring’ lip liner
Forget the sharp, dark liners of the 90s. Take your pick from the Refy Blur Liner or Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil. Modern blurring liners come with a built-in buffing tool or a creamy texture that is designed to be smudged.
Your ultimate guide to art of the blur
Achieving the silhouette of the season is less about precision and more about the art of diffusion. Follow these simple steps to create a seamless, soft-focus pout.
1. Prep the canvas
The blurred look highlights the natural texture of your lips, so a smooth base is essential.
Gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub or a damp washcloth, and then apply a lightweight non-greasy lip balm. The trick is to let the balm sink in for two minutes, then blot away the excess with a tissue. This is necessary because what we want is hydrated lips, but a slippery surface will prevent the pigment from staying in place.
2. Neutralize the edges
To get that inner glow effect, you need to soften the natural border where your lips meet your skin. Take whatever is left on your foundation brush or concealer sponge and lightly dab it over the outer edges of your lip line. This helps to erase the harsh perimeter, allowing the colour to appear as if it's radiating from the center of your mouth.
3. Concentrate the colour
The gradient effect is the heart of this winter makeup trend.
Apply your chosen tint or matte lipstick only to the inner third of your lips, which is the waterline area. Press your lips together a few times to start the natural distribution of the pigment.
4. The ‘cloud’ diffusion
This is the step where the magic happens. Trade your makeup brush for your fingertips.
Using your ring finger, gently tab the colour outward toward the edges of your lips. The technique here is to not rub, but just tap and buff. The warmth of your finger melts the product into your skin, creating a hazy, watercolour finish that looks lived in and effortless.
The final touch
If you are looking for a more frosted winter look, dab a tiny bit of clear gloss or a shimmering balm only on the very center of your lips. This adds dimension without ruining the blurred silhouette of the edges.