Imagine the ideal way to enhance your lips—a subtle touch of glossy shimmer paired with delicately blurred lines. This contemporary way of defining your pout has become the latest beauty obsession, and platforms like TikTok are your go-to guides to achieving this flawless look. From beloved celebrities such as Lily-Rose Depp, Zoë Kravitz, Emily Ratajkowski, and Hailey Bieber, we’ve seen the beauty trend of the blurred cupid’s bow take center stage. Instead of sharply defined lips that hark back to the 1920s geometry, the blurred cupid’s bow creates a tender silhouette that whispers elegance and softness.
So, what exactly is this blurred cupid’s bow? Unlike the rigid and angular shapes that have dominated past decades, this trendy technique focuses on softening the outer lip lines, presenting a more rounded and voluptuous appearance. The latest iteration of this style appears to be part of the nostalgic ’90s beauty revival, ringed with iconic elements like Naomi Campbell’s contrasting lip liner, a warm chocolate brown, smoothly blended into a glossy finish. This trend was propelled into mainstream attention after the 2025 Oscars when Lily-Rose Depp’s innovative lip look went viral, deftly crafted by LA-based makeup artist Nina Park, who dubbed it “modern with a graphic twist.”
In the aftermath of that Oscar buzz, a wave of fans began to try their hand at the blurred lip look, sharing their attempts and tricks on social media. The energy from fans wishing to replicate Depp’s stunning aesthetic has turned widely popular, with countless individuals posting their interpretations online. They experiment using different products and share valuable tips on perfecting the technique. Hailey Bieber, who shares a passion for this blurred lip trend, recently introduced chunky lip liners loaded with peptides to boost hydration and give the illusion of naturally fuller lips, making it easier than ever for fans to perfect the look. Her application method involves tracing the outer corners of her lips first, gradually working up to the cupid’s bow, then using a silicone shaper tool for seamless blending.
Adding a lip liner into your daily beauty routine can truly elevate your makeup game. As makeup artist Celia Burton puts it, finding that perfect lip combo is akin to selecting a timeless handbag—it can pull an entire look together. Even a slight touch-up using your lip liner can provide a much-needed lift to your overall appearance, especially if the rest of your makeup has seen better days. Success lies in refreshing those lines for a polished yet effortless look that doesn’t appear overly done.
This blurring technique aligns perfectly with the current trend of achieving minimalistic beauty looks, favored by many makeup artists like Mary Phillips. The result it creates is a relaxed yet sophisticated appearance, subtly enhancing the natural beauty of your lips. Blurring out the sharp edges of a liner not only obscures the makeup but also allows the lips to take charge, making them the focal point of any beauty routine. As Phillips notes, lips have become significant in makeup artistry today, and even on days when one opts for a no-makeup look, a touch of lip liner can provide the definition your lips crave.
In essence, the blurred cupid’s bow has reshaped our views on lip makeup, inviting a softer approach that celebrates natural beauty while still referencing retro styles. With a few strategic moves, a handful of the right products, and a little creative experimentation, you too can master this understated yet alluring lip trend. Whether you lean towards a glossy finish or prefer a more subtle matte look, the blurred cupid’s bow is versatile enough to adapt to any preference, and that’s what makes it a beauty favorite for many. As this trend continues to flourish on social media, it encourages you to play with your lip looks, unlocking endless possibilities for every occasion.