This winter, makeup is taking a softer, more relaxed turn, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rise of blurred lips.
Think diffused edges, plush texture, and color that looks worn-in rather than perfectly painted.
For Black women especially, the blurred lip trend offers a refreshing alternative to crisp liners and high-shine finishes, prioritizing dimension, comfort, and effortless cool.
At its core, the blurred lip look is about imperfection. Instead of sharply defining the lip line, makeup artists encourage letting pigment fade naturally toward the edges. “It should look like your lips, but better, and lived in,” explains celebrity makeup artists who’ve embraced the trend on and off the red carpet. The goal is softness, not precision.
Preparation is key, particularly during colder months when lips are prone to dryness. Start with gentle exfoliation to remove flakes, followed by a nourishing balm. Let the balm sink in fully before applying color, hydrated lips are what give blurred looks their plush, velvety finish rather than a cracked one.
When it comes to products, texture matters more than formula type. Matte lipsticks, lip stains, and creamy bullets all work, as long as they can be sheered out. Makeup pros recommend dabbing color onto the center of the lips and blending outward with a fingertip or fluffy lip brush. This technique allows the natural lip line to remain visible without looking harsh.
For deeper skin tones, shade selection is essential. Warm browns, brick reds, berry plums, and muted rose tones complement melanin-rich complexions beautifully while still delivering contrast. Rather than reaching for a nude that disappears, opt for colors one or two shades deeper than your natural lip tone for that effortless “your lips but enhanced” effect.
Lip liner isn’t off-limits, but it should be used sparingly. Choose a liner close to your lip color, lightly sketch the outer corners, then blend inward. This adds subtle structure without disrupting the softness of the look. A touch of balm or gloss pressed at the center can also add dimension without making lips look overly glossy.
Ultimately, blurred lips are about ease. They’re forgiving, adaptable, and perfect for winter days when low-maintenance beauty reigns supreme. No sharp lines, no rigid rules, just soft color, hydrated lips, and vibes that feel as good as they look.
