Colour is back for 2026 – and, with it, lips boasting a more intense colour payoff. But if crisp lines don't appeal, look no further than the ‘cloud lips’ makeup trend that is blowing up on social media just in time for Valentine's Day.
So what exactly are cloud lips? Think smudged-out, ‘morning-after’ lipstick with a hazy finish that hits the sweet spot between being gloriously blurry and still managing to avoid looking messy. “A cloud lip is a just-kissed, blurred lip effect with no harsh edges,” says Jennifer Lyons, makeup artist and national education manager for Nars. Instead, it's characterised by "soft lip lines with a slightly bolder centre.”
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How to create ‘cloud lips’
Creating ‘cloud lips’ is a simple two-part process. First, apply a matte lipstick or lip pencil to the centre of your lips. Once this is done, you can go in with your finger to buff out the formula from the middle of your lips to soften the edges, says Jennifer.
Then it's up to you to choose your texture preference. Some people prefer to keep the finish matte – a little like the foundations designed for cloud skin on the face. Jennifer prefers to add a very subtle shine. “To make sure the colour is well blended, I like to use a lip balm on top to add hydration,” she says.
“You can also create a soft, diffused, overdrawn lip,” says makeup artist Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury. “Go in, starting at the centre," she advises. "I like to overdraw the Cupid's Bow for the most natural heart-shaped effect.”
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The products you need to create cloud lips?
In terms of products, Jennifer says she loves to use “a soft pink shade as it’s the truest natural lip colour”, name checking Nars' Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita paired with the Triple X Afterglow Lip Balm as her go-tos. Other creamy lip liner options are Summer Fridays' new SoftLine Lip Line and the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape, which simultaneously enhance the natural shape of your lips.
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Violette_FR's Bisou Balm and Refy's Lip Blush deliver a straight-from-the-bullet, soft-focus finish. But if you prefer a liquid option, Dior's Rouge Dior Forever Liquid is ultra matte but with a bare lip feel. Chanel's Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour marries intense colour payoff with cushiony softness, while Sofia favours using the Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Lip Blur in Ruby Blur for an air-whipped spin on a statement red lip.
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“The cloud lip really fits into an effortless makeup look,” says Jennifer. “Paired with a soft smoky eye or an over-blushed cheek, it’s the perfect pout to head into spring with.” The cloud lip also adds dimension, making lips look lush, plump and pillowy – perfect for puckering up this Valentine's Day!
More cloud lips inspo
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For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
