Like so many other beauty trends (latte makeup, vanilla girl aesthetic, boyfriend blush – to name just a few), ‘cherry cola lips’ originated on TikTok. First appearing on the platform in 2023, the trend has continued to gain momentum with the hashtag #CherryColaLips reeling in 3.6 million views and counting.
Popular among makeup artists and A-listers too – Khloé Kardashian is the latest celebrity to tap into the trend with her take (or rather, her makeup artist Diane Buzzetta’s take) blowing up on Instagram. “The cherry cola lip is is fast becoming the lip of the moment,” muses Zoë Taylor, celebrity makeup artist, “it's so versatile - and while it’s fun, it’s also incredibly sophisticated.”
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A welcome departure from the matte lip that's dominated for some time (where everything about the natural lip is blanked out under a matte finish), “the cherry cola lip has a sheer, high-gloss finish, and the natural lip undertones contribute to the final colour,” says Taylor.
As for that final colour, the trend draws inspiration from the deep hues of the popular cherry coca cola soft drink. “Expect to see a brown-toned lip liner paired with a juicy red or pink lip gloss on top.” The final result? Lips that look seriously healthy and plumped.
Kendall Jenner's go-to makeup artist, Mary Phillips shares her interpretation of the cherry cola lip look below. She overdraws her lip line slightly, using the Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Define in #5 before smudging this in with her fingertips. Next, she presses Kylie Cosmetics' Tinted Butter Balm in Moving On on top and dabs this in.
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How to recreate Khloe Kardashian’s cherry cola lips
First things first, prep is key. “I would start by lightly buffing the lips with Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Scrub, before applying a nourishing lip balm,” advises Taylor. Choose a lip liner in either a nude or, if you prefer, a burgundy. “Personally, on me I like to use a nude – Vieve Modern Lip Definer in Bark or Makeup Forever Artist Colour Pencil in Endless Cacao.”
Taylor speculates that Khloé’s makeup artist likely used a burgundy shade. “The edges are so crisp – the Lisa Eldridge Enhance and Define Lip Pencil in Sorcery would be a good match.” Once your lips are lined, it’s time to choose a topcoat. “The most important part of choosing your lip colour is that it needs to be sheer to get that super juicy finish,” says Taylor.
A gloss is ideal or opt for one of Taylor’s recommendations. “The Hourglass Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm is a great hybrid between a balm, a lip colour and a gloss – Impulse is a gorgeous shade. Or give Merit Shade Slick in Sangria a whirl – it lends lips a subtle glaze of colour.”
On Khloé, Taylor predicts she’s wearing a sheer lipstick rather than a gloss – “something like Jones Road The Lip Tint in Pink Rose.”
How to adapt the cherry cola lip look for different skin tones
“I think the cherry cola lip trend is gorgeous on all lips and all complexions,” says Taylor. No matter your skin tone, “it’s important to keep the liner nude or brown, and the gloss a pink or red. These colours will really pop on your lips.”
As a general guide, choose a neutral liner that’s slightly darker than your natural lip colour – then experiment with a red or pink balm or gloss and go for whichever one suits you best. To ensure your lips do all the talking, keep the rest of your look pared-back. “I love it with a fresh eye and clean skin,” says Taylor.
Looking for a change? Look no further.
