In 2025 the world has gone crazy lip pencil.
Though we may be nearing the end of the reign ultra-crisp lip pencil In favor of much more natural and less precise contours, experts have just given their verdict: 2026 will be the year of experimentation with new options for using lip liner. That is, according to Katie Jane Hughes, makeup artist, founder of the eponymous KJH Brand and the person responsible for some of the most spectacular looks Dua Lipa, Lily AllenAnd Hailey Bieber.
Hughes' forecast for next year? “Sharp, defined lips will go out of style, and soft, plump and blended lips will become the trend.” But Hughes isn't the only one responsible for creating a natural, full look, says the makeup artist. Nina Park creates its own branded version blurry lips for almost her entire appearance. Based on the location of the contour, Hughes' technique was called “lip halo.” Here's everything you know about the appearance.
What is a “lip halo”?
The rule is simple: concentrate the color in the center of the lips and blend outward without highlighting the contours. The application is toned down to create the illusion of volume without looking overdone. It's an aesthetic inspired by the '90s, but reimagined with an undeniably modern twist.
To recreate a halo on your lips, you'll need a basic set of tools: a matte creamy bronzer, a small brush, and a lip liner. With their help you can get started. “Look up a little creamy bronzer with a brush, then apply and blend it around your lips to create a bronze halo,” advises Hughes. Target? To add volume, while the makeup will be barely noticeable.
