The lipstick trends of 2026 demonstrate that, among cosmetics, the most frequently changed aspects are the colour, texture, and finish of lipsticks. It was the season for daring expressions during fall and winter. As we near the start of a new year, the trends are once again beginning to change. If you want to experiment with a new lipstick shade without drawing too much attention to yourself, try basing your entire makeup look on that shade. To avoid looking too matchy-matchy, stick to similar tones throughout, but don't use identical ones.
What this means is that the new year will bring a variety of trends, including but not limited to: high shine, sheer blurred lines, strong statement lips making a comeback, and wearable pinks. Find out what's trending in lip colour for 2026, how to achieve the look, and what products others are recommending.
Blurry lip liner trend
In contrast to 2025's obsession with thick lip liner, 2026's beauty trends lean toward softer, less defined contours. When applied smoothly, lip liner blends in with the natural lip line rather than sitting on top, creating the illusion of bite marks and subtle staining. This popular cosmetic style, which takes its cues from Korean beauty, is all about romanticism and effortlessness; it's a great alternative to harsh lip lines.
Reds are here to stay
Goodbye, boring reds. The year 2026 is venturing far into berry country. Day and nighttime styles are dominated by rich plums, wine tones, and deep burgundies. Plus, these colours look good on everyone. They look great on all skin tones and are versatile enough to be applied boldly or lightly dabbed for a more laid-back vibe.
Smoky rose lip trend
For a while now, nudes, deep saturated tones, and reds have been popular. The new year is seeing a surge in the popularity of pink hues. A good choice would be smokey rose or another low-saturation pink. For a natural, unforced look, try these pale pinks that aren't too saturated but still brighten the face. This 2026 lipstick trend shade is a little more subdued and subtle compared to the Barbie pink that dominated the market a few years ago, but it still offers more pigmentation than your average nude lip. It's a giant departure from the tired-girl makeup trends and strikes the perfect balance between natural and elegant.
Halo lip trend
Sharp lines and bright colours aren't always necessary. Now we have the trend of blurred lips. Hydration, softness, and slightly smudged edges are the key components of this style. Blurred lips exude an air of carefree youth. A lived-in look is achieved by concentrating the colour in the centre and fading it outward. To put it simply, it's ideal for brunches, doing errands, or any occasion where you want to seem put-together without going overboard. Here, maintaining healthy lips is paramount, so give your lip balm the credit it's due.
Black is back
There have been fads involving moody black lipstick, but none that truly captured the public's attention. For those daring runway or editorial moments, nothing beats a swipe of black lipstick for added depth, drama, and edge. Deeply pigmented, attention-grabbing black lipstick will be more popular for individuals who aren't frightened to spice things up as the trends return to the maximalist cosmetics era and the clean girl style fades.
Cloud lips trend
Cloud Lips are in keeping with the motif of Cloud Dancer, the "lofty white" that Pantone named the colour of the year for 2026. Translucent balms and diffused tints will continue to be in vogue in the coming year, much like the Halo lip trend. Cloud lips are ideal for daily wear since they add a subtle wash of colour and a matte texture. Blurring the lip liner into the lip gives the illusion of a natural, easy look that is popular in French and Korean beauty routines, rather than harshly defined lip liners. The hazy lip line is going to be huge next year. For a more organic, lived-in look, we're smoothing and diffusing the edges rather than drawing a precise outline.
Sculpted lips trend
Do not fret if delicate and understated is not your style. A powerful, defined lip is also very popular in 2026. Statement shapes, crisp lines, and sharp edges are all the rage right now. Particularly in the cupid's bow area, lip liner performs the bulk of the work here. The end product is striking, visual, and clearly deliberate. Allowing the lips to take center stage, it works well with understated eye makeup.
Vinyl lips trend
The lip colour world is perpetually divided between matte and high gloss lipsticks. Juicy, glossy lips appear to be the hottest trend this season. According to Zhang, bigger lips are the result of this trend's vinyl finish. To successfully pull off this lipstick style for 2026, you won't just need regular lipstick with a glossy sheen, but also lip oils, stains, and glosses. Even if glossy vinyl finishes are all the rage in 2019, it doesn't mean you have to ditch matte or satin altogether. Actually, with some imagination, they can all combine to create something entirely new. Strategic layering is a lifesaver when it comes to bringing a touch of depth.