After several seasons dominated by nude gloss, softly contoured lips, and barely-there colour, lipstick is becoming expressive again. From vivid poppy red and deep burgundy to raspberry pink, the bold lip has returned as one of beauty’s most effective statements.
Selena Gomez
Its latest incarnation, however, feels less rigid than the immaculately outlined red lips of the past. Colour is frequently pressed into the lips, gently blurred around the edges or finished with a layer of gloss. The effect is polished but not overly precise, allowing strong pigment to feel modern and wearable.
Jessie Buckley
The 2026 Oscars offered some of the clearest examples. Jessie Buckley complemented the red and pink tones of her Chanel gown with a diffused cherry lip created by make-up artist Nina Park. Meanwhile, Rose Byrne embraced a richer brick red. The lipstick became her principal accessory, accompanied only by a silver cuff and understated beauty.
Rose Byrne
The trend has continued beyond awards season. Cara Delevingne brought a sharp red lip to the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, using the colour to offset the gothic glamour of her black Tom Ford gown. At the Met Gala, Gwendoline Christie selected a deeper blood red, while Sarah Paulson wore burgundy with a matte finish. Together, the looks demonstrate the range of the modern statement lip: classic, diffused, glossy or darkly dramatic.
Cara Delevingne
The simplest way to wear the look is to let the lip remain the focus. Fresh skin, subtle blush and restrained eye make-up provide balance. For a contemporary blurred finish, soften the liner with a brush before pressing lipstick onto the mouth with a fingertip. Those who prefer precision can choose a liquid formula, while satin and glossy textures bring a lighter quality to intense colour.
