In case you missed it, the blurred lip trend is back, and everyone is doing what they can to get the look. Yes, there is a technique to it (more on that below), but there are also some makeup products you can invest in that do half of the work for you. As it turns out, what might look incredibly difficult to replicate can actually be easy with the right formulas.

“The blurred lip is a softer, more effortless take on traditional lipstick,” says makeup artist and leading educator at Sephora Shanzey Al-Amin. “Instead of a perfectly defined lip line, the color is diffused around the edges to create a subtle, cloud-like effect.” She adds that this trend was heavily inspired by Korean beauty and became popular because of its fresh and modern look that gives lips a fuller appearance without looking overdone.

Still, with the market full of products promising the perfect blurred effect, I decided to dig deeper and chat more with Al-Amin, along with celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes, to find out which ones are actually worth your hard-earned money. Check out their top products below!

The Best Blurry Lip Products, at a Glance

• Best Overall: MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick
• Best Liner: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Lip Liner
• Best Splurge: Violette_FR Bisou Balm Sheer Matte Lipstick
• Best Balm: Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm
• Best Hybrid: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain 10hr Liquid Lipstick

The Best Blurry Lip Products in 2026

Best Overall: MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick

Best Liner: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Lip Liner

Best Splurge: Violette_FR Bisou Balm Sheer Matte Lipstick

Best Balm: Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm

Best Hybrid: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain 10hr Liquid Lipstick

Best Lip Stain: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Best Budget: Sheglam Marshmallow Puff Lip Blur Pen

What's the best way to achieve a blurry lip?

Once you have the product of your choice, there are a few simple steps needed to get a blurry lip. Here's the full breakdown.

1. Exfoliate and prep: Smooth lips are the best place to start for any lip look. Barnes recommends gently exfoliating with something like NCLA's Sugar, Sugar 100% Natural Lip Scrub followed by a tried-and-true formula like Aquaphor's Lip Repair.
2. Apply your product: Al-Amin suggests starting by applying lip color to the center of your lips rather than the entire area.
3. Tap the color in: From there, use your fingertip or a small lip brush to blend the product outward to keep the edges soft.
4. Build it up: After getting the technique down, feel free to build up the color to your preference.
5. Add-on (optional): While this is not required, Al-Amin notes that you can layer on a gloss or balm if you don't want a fully matte finish.

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best blurry lip products, we leaned heavily on makeup artist insights and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including shade range, product type, and customer reviews. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details.

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Since 2006, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

July has been quite the whirlwind in the fashion and beauty departments. It started off with a bang with the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding, and though we're still waiting with bated breath to see the bridal looks, notable guests like Dakota Johnson and Zoë Kravitz certainly gave us something to swoon over. Then came The Odyssey press tour, during which Zendaya dropped jaws every single time she appeared on the red carpet. (If you're curious how she achieved her Athena-esque glam at the London premiere in particular, we have the full breakdown.) Just last week, Charli XCX released her eighth album, Music, Fashion, Film, which has a grittier sound and rock influences that coincide with her maximalist beauty aesthetic. Throughout these spectacular pop culture moments, we Who What Wear editors were fed a bounty of beauty launches, from a body mist that makes you smell downright "lickable" to the exact lip oil Selena Gomez wore to the aforementioned wedding of the year.

It was nearly impossible to whittle down all the highly anticipated drops, but after much reflection and some debate, we'd say this list of 15 products reflects the absolute best. Below, shop all of our July standouts.

Alyssa Brascia, Associate Beauty Editor

Armani Beauty Dolci Blush

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stick​

Clarins Double Serum Eye

Marc Jacobs Beauty Flashes Lash-Defining Volume Mascara

Kaitlyn McLintock, Beauty Editor

Lemme Fiber & Probiotic Gummies

Bano Milk Thistle Repair SOS Ampoule Pads

Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patches

Sabrina Talbert, Assistant Beauty Editor

Loops x Dune: The Lifeguard Miracle Duo

Farmacy Green Clean Juicy Gel Cleanser

Jamie Chevron, Senior Beauty Editor

Youth to the People Superfood Retinol Plant Protein Balm

Sofie Pavitt Face Studio-Smooth Microdermabrasion Treatment Scrub

KS&Co Backcombing Texture Stick

Erin Jahns, Beauty Director

By Rosie Jane Mixtape Body + Hair Mist

Tatcha The Matcha Foam Cleanse

Sisley Paris Black Rose Concentrate Radiant Youth Serum

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Paige Lorenze has great taste. As the founder and creative director of Dairy Boy and a content creator with over two million combined followers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, she's built an impressive personal brand grounded in individuality, authenticity, and stylish fashion and beauty picks. Although her picturesque New England lifestyle doesn't hurt either.

If you've watched her YouTube vlogs for as long as I have, you'll know she's no stranger to a GRWM video. She often does her own makeup while chatting to the camera, whether it's ahead of an important brand meeting or before supporting her fiancé, professional tennis player Tommy Paul, courtside at a Grand Slam match. Because she has great taste, I'm always taking notes, ID'ing the specific products she uses and how she applies them.

If there's one makeup product Lorenze seems to use most often, it's Clinique's cult-classic Almost Lipstick ($25) in Black Honey. The shape-shifting raisin has been around since 1971 (yep, that's an impressive 55-year history), which is why it continues to transcend generational lines. A quick scroll through TikTok is all it takes to prove that it's just as beloved by baby boomers as it is by Gen Z. Lorenze has been a fan of it for years. In fact, she was introduced to it by her mom years ago.

Cut to 2026, and she's the face of Clinique's new Black Honey campaign, The Difference Is You. It celebrates the enduring popularity of Black Honey, as well as Lorenze's personal taste and organic love for the product. Ahead, I chat with Lorenze about all things beauty, including her formula for a quick five-minute face, how she stays confident in the public eye, and what we can expect from her highly anticipated wedding.

Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

You're a longtime, organic fan of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It's such an iconic product and collection. What do you love about it, and why do you keep coming back to it despite having tested so many beauty products over the years?

I love that you organically follow me because I'm sure you've seen me use it. It's definitely been a staple of mine forever, so this campaign is beyond my wildest dreams. Originally, I stole it from my mom. My mom is very much a "no-makeup makeup" girl, and I actually wear more makeup than her. When I stole it from her, I thought, "This is such a good product, whether you're not wearing makeup or you are wearing makeup." It was a fun entry into makeup because it's hydrating and balmy, but it has color and is buildable. Now, it's everywhere. I have one in my car, one in my purse, and one in my makeup bag.

Even if I'm not wearing makeup but want to look fresh and healthy, I'll put it on. But if I want that perfect dark-purply shade of lip—which is honestly my lip color but better—I can layer it on with a lip liner. It's very effortless but also very multifaceted. You can use it for so many different things.

I always say Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is one of the most versatile makeup products. Also, moms have the best beauty recommendations. They always have the simple, good things.

Yes, exactly, 100%.

Let's say you're short on time. You woke up late and have to be out of the house in five minutes or less. How are you using Almost Lipstick in Black Honey to create a quick makeup look?

I think doing your eyebrows, having a nice facial mist, and putting Almost Lipstick in Black Honey on your cheeks and lips is enough. If my eyebrows are brushed up, my skin is looking fresh, and I have Black Honey on, I feel like I'm good to go.

Do you have a favorite brow gel or face mist at the moment?

My favorite face mist… I feel like I use so many different ones. Honestly, I've been using Clinique's Moisture Surge ($33) for years. It's really, really good, and it's nice because they have it in so many airports around the world. They usually have a Clinique in TSA, so I've bought Moisture Surge a million times while traveling.

I've actually been using a brow oil that's meant for growth and fullness. I bought it at my local lash and brow place, and I've been using it to brush up my brows. I feel like it's been making them look really healthy. People also use things like Vaseline and castor oil.

Those are all good. Using a brow serum to brush up your brows is a good hack. It makes them look good while also giving them the growth benefits. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has a 55-year history, which is really impressive. What about it feels timeless to you?

I think the packaging feels really timeless. I think [Clinique's] graphic identity and the way [the brand] has stayed true to itself are very authentic. I also love that it's science based and backed. Everyone feels comfortable using Clinique products because they're universally known, loved, and have been around for so long.

Finally, I think it feels timeless to me because my mom used it and because you can find it in so many places—at the airport, at the mall, or wherever you shop for beauty products. It's accessible, which makes it feel classic and very American to me.

Speaking of timelessness, I feel like Dairy Boy captures a sense of timelessness in its design portfolio, and your home design and lifestyle content on YouTube does as well. How have your personal style and, especially, Dairy Boy's brand identity evolved throughout the years? Do you intentionally try to capture that sense of timelessness?

Definitely. I think growing up in New England has given me so much source material to pull from and so many inspirational people to look to—whether that's public figures, family members, women I grew up around, or just the people who shaped my taste over the years.

I feel like I was surrounded by so many beautiful properties. I rode horses a lot, spent a lot of time in Vermont, went to boarding school there, grew up going to Nantucket, and was born in Boston. I grew up all along the East Coast, and I've always seen the beauty in loving where you're from and taking inspiration from those places.

I think the East Coast has a very classic, timeless sense of style that values things collected over time and things with history. Those are the things that inspire me a lot in my brand, my home, and everything that I do.

I love that. It's like that quote I always see: "You're a collection of your favorite things."

Yes, totally.

What's next for Dairy Boy? Can we expect it to expand into any new categories, whether that's home, lifestyle, or beauty?

We've been developing a perfume for about a year and a half, and I'm really excited about it and looking forward to launching it. I'm going to be wearing the scent on my wedding day, so that's a category we're really excited about.

That's so exciting. Speaking of your wedding, I wanted to say congratulations. How have you approached the beauty element of the wedding? It can be a lot of pressure for people when they're putting together their wedding look. Can you share any insight into the look you wanted to create or any inspiration you've drawn from?

That's such a good question. … Because I'm both a creator and a consumer of content, I tried at the beginning of the wedding-planning process—whether it was beauty or décor—to stay away from Pinterest. I think it's good to collect a Pinterest mood board over the years, even before you're engaged, of the things you love and then put it away when it's time to actually plan. I feel like I've seen enough. I've seen so many beautiful weddings and beautiful things, and I really wanted to put that mood board aside and create something that was completely ours.

It's so easy now, with how many beautiful weddings you can find on Pinterest, not to create something that feels individual. I think the most special weddings—regardless of the beauty, the money, the dresses, or the looks—should just feel like the bride and groom. If you spend too much time looking at other people's weddings, it won't actually end up being a true reflection of the couple. That was challenging because there were so many decisions where I thought, "I would love to see how this looks, and I'm sure there's a photo of it somewhere."

I really tried to push myself with my dress, makeup look, and hair to do things that felt flattering to me and aligned with the things I know and love. I wanted to keep things simple but also romantic and a little more whimsical. For the beauty side of things, from the skincare part of my wedding journey to my wedding makeup trial, I've just tried to keep things simple. I wanted to use the things I know and love and not try anything new.

That's why working with Clinique around my wedding is such a dream. It's also a sense of comfort on your wedding day to know that you're using products you've already been using, that you love, and that you trust.

Absolutely. Wedding planning can be so overwhelming, and I think there are so many different avenues you can go down with beauty. I love the idea of keeping it simple and relying on your tried-and-true products to feel like yourself. I love your Pinterest hot take about having your board but not relying too heavily on it. Do you have any other wedding-planning tips or tricks?

Yes. I would say if you're going to spend money on anything, spend money on your planner. You cannot buy peace of mind. There's no price on that. I would say cut back on other expensive things and invest in a good planner because if you can pass off your vision to someone who will execute it and you don't have to micromanage, it allows you to enjoy this season of your life so much more.

Being a bride isn't only about your wedding day. The entire year that you're engaged—or, for some people, multiple years—is such a beautiful season of life that you'll hopefully never experience again. It's so important to enjoy that process and not dread planning your wedding or feel like you have to micromanage every detail.

It's universally known that brides get incredibly stressed during the year of their wedding. For me, my wedding planners were Easton Events, and they were the best of all time. They are expensive, but it was so worth it. They're not just expensive because of the weddings they've done. They're expensive because they have incredible organizational processes, detailed systems, programs, and technology they've invested in to make the wedding-planning process easier for me and my entire family. That's made a huge difference. Especially as a business owner, I'm like, "Oh my gosh, I'm sad that I won't have meetings with them anymore because they're so sharp."

I can understand that. Peace of mind is the biggest thing. I want to know more about how you relate to Clinique's The Difference Is You campaign. It celebrates individuality at its core. What does individuality mean to you, and how do you keep it central to everything you do—whether that's content creation, Dairy Boy design, or your foundation? How do you celebrate your individuality?

I do that through my work. I love pouring myself into my work because, with owning a brand, especially a lifestyle brand, the more authentic and true to myself I've been and the more I've gone back to my roots and stripped away any layers that weren't me, the more I've been rewarded and the more I've found my community.

It's really nice that, in my work, being authentic pays off. That's been such a fun thing over the years. I love what I do for a living, and I feel like I'm able to be really self-expressive through that.

Totally. You're in the public eye a lot as a businesswoman, brand founder, and content creator. What makes you feel confident, and what do you do to build your confidence on days when you might not be feeling your best?

I think confidence does come from within, but feeling and looking good and refreshed never hurts. If I'm not feeling my best, I'll do an everything shower, get a facial, do my makeup and hair, and give myself a blowout. That usually helps a little bit.

I also spend time with my family, but … if I'm ever feeling off, it's usually a sign that I'm not doing the things I love or spending enough time outdoors. It's easy for me to recenter myself now that I live in Connecticut because I'm surrounded by so many of the things I love.

Speaking of Connecticut, since you moved back, has it influenced your beauty routine?

Yes, I would say everything is much simpler—my skincare routine, my beauty routine, everything in my life. I think that has contributed to my happiness.

Shop the Rest of the Clinique Black Honey Collection

If there’s one beauty product I’ve become obsessed with over the past few years, it’s lip liner. As someone with naturally thin lips, it's always been the product that makes the biggest difference to my makeup. A well-placed liner can subtly enhance the shape of my lips without looking obvious—I never wear lipstick without one (in fact, I often just wear lip liner), and if you peeked inside my makeup bag, you'd find far more lip liners than anyone reasonably needs.

One of my favourite things about makeup is experimentation, and when it comes to lip products in particular, there is so much room for creativity and customisation. Pair a cool-toned nude liner with a peachy lipstick, and you'll create something entirely different than if you teamed that same lipstick with a warm brown or rosy pink. The possibilities are almost endless, which is why I love experimenting with different combinations depending on my mood, the season, or the rest of my makeup look.

Summer, in particular, calls for a wardrobe of lip pairings. Think fresh pinks, sun-warmed peaches, glossy nudes and vibrant corals that feel effortless rather than overdone. So, after years of testing (and more than a little lip liner collecting), I've rounded up my favourite lipstick and lip liner combinations for the season. I've also enlisted some of my fellow Who What Wear UK beauty team members to share the pairings they reach for on repeat, from everyday neutrals to brighter holiday-ready shades. Whether you're looking for the perfect "your lips but better" duo or something with a little more impact, there's a combination here worth trying.

The Best Summer Lip Liner and Lipstick Combinations

1. Fara Homidi Lip Compact in Nude 1 + Fara Homidi Lip Pencil in Doux

"This duo has completely changed the way I think about nude lips. Rather than creating a flat beige finish, the combination adds subtle dimension while still looking incredibly natural. I use the Lip Pencil in Doux to lightly define and slightly overline my cupid's bow before blending the edges with my fingertip. Then I press Nude 1 from the Lip Compact over the centre of my lips with a lip brush for a soft, diffused effect. The compact's creamy texture almost melts into the lips, while the liner provides just enough structure to make everything look more defined. The result is an expensive-looking, softly sculpted nude lip that feels incredibly modern—and one I know I'll be wearing well beyond summer." — Grace Day, freelance beauty editor

2. Guerlain Contour G Lip Pencil in Le Beige Praline + Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in Mocha

"I know people tend to steer towards brighter shades in the summer months, but I happen to think that a deeper nude lip combo looks super chic, especially with a tan. This season, I've been gravitating towards Guerlain's Contour G Lip Pencil in the shade Le Beige Praline. I love this pencil as it feels nice and creamy to apply, yet it doesn't budge. Plus, it's very pigmented, so you can build it up depending on what finish you like. I'll be honest, I don't really like wearing lipstick, so instead, I apply the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in the shade Mocha over the top. Not only does the brown hue perfectly complement the liner, but the hydrating formula and sparkling finish are a match made in heaven." — Grace Lindsay, deputy beauty editor, Who What Wear UK

3. Summer Fridays Softline Lip Liner in Toffee + Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Pique

"It's taken me a long time to find a good lip combo, and after finding that so many liners and lipsticks pull too pink or orangey on my skin, I've learnt that neutral or cool-toned-leaning shades work best for my complexion. Summer Fridays Softline Lip Liner in the shade Toffee is my favourite neutral liner with a cool-toned, pinky-brown hue that glides on and softly sculpts without looking harsh. Then, I like to gently pat on Westman Atelier's Lip Suede Lipstick in shade Pique to the centre of my lips, which results in a soft-focus, blurred lip with a taupey undertone. It's a matte lipstick, but it's so creamy and hydrating that it feels like a lip balm on my lips." — Eleanor Vousden, beauty editor Who What Wear UK

4. Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer in 03 + Hourglass Phantom Blur Balm in Whisper

"If you asked me to choose one lip combination to wear every day, this would probably be it. Victoria Beckham Beauty's Lip Definer in 03 is the perfect cool brown-pink—it adds just enough definition to subtly enhance my naturally thin lips without looking like I'm obviously wearing liner. The formula is creamy enough to glide on effortlessly but sets down so it stays put for hours. I then swipe on Hourglass's Phantom Blur Balm in Whisper, which has the most beautiful soft rosy-nude tone. It smooths over the liner, blurs everything together, and gives my lips that plush, softly diffused finish that looks incredibly polished. It's understated, effortless, and somehow works with every makeup look I wear, whether it's barely-there skin or a full evening face." — Grace Day, freelance beauty editor

5. Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Spin + Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil in Warm Beige

To me, nothing beats a brown lip combo, and I haven’t seen shades that go quite as deep as Rhode’s lip shape in a very long time. Available in 14 flattering nude shades, it's a creamy contouring liner that makes my lips look huge without having to overline them too much. The shade Spin is a rich plum brown that doesn’t pull too red, and it blends in beautifully with any lip gloss, balm or oil. My favourite product to pair it with at the moment? Summer Friday’s Dream lip oil in warm beige, of course. A makeup-skincare hybrid that’s packed with a blend of skin-loving ingredients, this product nourishes the lips for long-lasting softness, whilst also providing the overly-glossy, glass-like shine I love. — Brittany Davy, junior writer.

6. Merit Signature Lip Liner in Coupé + Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil in Pointelle

"When I'm in the mood for something glossier, this is the lip combination I reach for every time. Merit’s Signature Lip Liner in Coupé is a beautiful neutral pink-brown that gives my lips just enough definition without ever looking harsh, and I like to softly blend the edges inwards so it almost melts into my natural lip line. I then layer Merit’s Shade Slick Lip Oil in Pointelle over the top, which adds the prettiest sheer wash of cool-toned pink and an incredibly juicy shine without feeling sticky. Together, they create that effortless, healthy-looking lip that feels fresh and clean rather than overdone." — Grace Day, freelance beauty editor

7. Westman Atelier Lip Shape Lip Liner in Je Reve + Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Je Reve

"I'm a huge fan of monochromatic lip combinations, and these two products were clearly designed to be worn together. The Je Rêve liner has a beautiful rosy-brown undertone that softly sculpts the lips without looking too sharp, while the matching Lip Suede Matte Lipstick creates the most sophisticated blurred finish. Although it's matte, it never feels dry or flat—instead, it has that velvety texture that makes lips look naturally fuller. I love that the colour sits somewhere between a nude and a muted rose, making it wearable every day while still feeling polished. It's the kind of lip combination I reach for when I want to look put together without having to think too hard about the rest of my makeup." — Grace Day, freelance beauty editor

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

It's no secret that Hourglass is one of my all-time favourite makeup brands of all time. Despite having a full beauty cupboard full of makeup products at my disposal, when you look at the products that have made it into my everyday makeup at home, Hourglass is the MVP of my makeup bag. The Phantom Glossy Balms? A modern icon. The Vanish Airbrush Concealer? No other concealer compares. You get the idea: anything Hourglass launches, I just know it's going to be good.

So, when I heard that Hourglass was launching the Phantom Blur Balms (£36), a blurring, matte version of the original Phantom Glossy Balms, I could barely contain my excitement.

Hourglass Phantom Blur Balms

The Formula

If you've been trying to recreate that blurred lip look popularised by celebrity makeup artist Nina Park, then you can put your lip liners down. This blurring balm delivers a blurred, soft-focus lip in one swipe. What's genius about it is that it has the soft-matte finish that mimics the natural texture of your lips, yet it feels exactly like a hydrating lip balm on the lips. It's hydrating and comfortable to wear, with a flexible slip when you smack your lips—unlike many matte lipsticks that cling and feel drying to wear.

The beauty of them is that they can be applied lightly for a wash of colour, layered up for more intensity or paired with your lip liner if you want a more defined look.

The Shades

I have two shades of the Phantom Blur Balms (there are currently five very wearable, natural-looking shades in the edit), and they've both taken up permanent residencies in my makeup bag and my handbag. Echo, a soft, neutral pink, has been my everyday go-to, whereas Whisper has a pinky mauve tone that I've been leaning towards more so for summer. I'll definitely be picking up some of the deeper shades for next season. Honestly? I can't imagine my makeup bag without these since trying them.

Echo

Whisper

Shop the Shades:

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

La Beauté Louis Vuitton made quite the splash when it launched in the fall of 2025. It had all the makings for a buzzy beauty launch: It's the house's first-ever makeup collection, features legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath at the helm, and showcases jaw-dropping formulas tagged at equally jaw-dropping prices ($160 for a lipstick was sure to make headlines!). The current lineup includes 55 lipsticks, 10 lip balms, and eight eye shadow palettes—and, starting today, 10 creamy lip pencils.

Introducing the LV Crayon, a buttery, richly pigmented liner inspired by McGrath's own tried-and-true techniques for the Louis Vuitton runways (and secretly worn by Emma Stone and Hoyeon Jung at the Louis Vuitton 2027 cruise show!). At $58, it's probably the most expensive lip liner I've ever worn, but it's also—hands down—the dreamiest. Scroll ahead for everything you need to know about the newest LV launch, including my honest thoughts after testing it for over a month.

About the LV Crayon Lip Pencils

At first glance, I could already tell that the LV Lip Crayon would be the chicest lip product I own. The wooden pencil is shaped exactly like the iconic LV monogram flower, which not only aesthetically looks divine but also lends a better grip for a precise, controlled application. You might be surprised that Louis Vuitton opted for a wooden pencil over a gel formula or one with a retractable, mechanical base, but wooden options tend to be way more soft and blendable, which is top notch for that coveted lip-blur effect (aka, exactly what I crave with my liner looks).

As for the pigment itself, the peptide-infused formula is super creamy and hydrating upon application, and it diffuses effortlessly with the press of a fingertip (or a swipe of the ultra-chic blending brush). This isn't a formula you need to work with at breakneck speed before it dries down and doesn't budge; it remains blendable no matter when you apply. As McGrath shares in a release, "The texture of the LV Crayon is something everyone needs to feel for themselves. It melts into the lips like a second skin—creamy, silky smooth, so unbelievably comfortable." Yet it somehow doesn't move—unless you want it to.

The Lip Crayon launches with 10 layerable shades, which I've outlined below, from soft nudes to electric pinks to a deep, timeless red.

• 190 Beige Atlas: A beige-brown
• 191 Nude Rêverie: A soft rose
• 192 Nude Quest: A warm nude with terracotta undertones
• 193 Sépia Panorama: A deep, warm brown with mahogany undertones
• 290 Rose Whisper: A cool-toned rose
• 390 Pink Aurora: A vibrant magenta-pink
• 490 Plum Comet: A rich plum
• 690 Burnt Sienna: A deep red-leaning orange
• 854 Rouge Louis: A vivid crimson
• 896 Monogram Rouge: A deep bordeaux

My Testing Experience and Honest Thoughts

After attending a masterclass led by McGrath herself and learning the best application techniques (start with a dry base free of any balms, outline with your color du jour, then add a slightly darker shade in the outer corners and a stripe on the belly of the lower lip!), I took home three shades: Nude Rêverie, Nude Quest, and Sépia Panorama. I've been using Nude Rêverie the most for my everyday lip looks (I'm a sucker for a soft rosewood hue), but when I really want to punch up the impact, all three pencils come in clutch for a blurred, soft-focus look.

I start by outlining my entire lip shape with Nude Rêverie, slightly overlining my Cupid's bow to create more of a rounded effect. I'll usually fill in my entire lip with that same rosy shade, as it matches my natural lip color quite well. Next, I outline the border again with Nude Quest to slightly deepen the shadow, then follow up with Sépia Panorama just above the Cupid's bow and on the outer corners of my lips for some extra contour. Even without any blending, the pencils create a nice, fluffy lip edge. Read: You can't tell where the liner ends and my natural lip border begins, which is the key to a pouty, blurred look. Still, I use the Blending Brush to further buff, then top it off with a swipe of my favorite LV Baume, Monogram Touch.

I personally adore these LV Crayons and have used them every single day since adding them to my collection. No exaggeration. That said, I am someone who loves a soft, hazy lip moment over crisp, bold color. You could totally use the liners for more structured, high-definition looks (just make sure to sharpen your pencil to a precise point), but if you're on the hunt for something completely waterproof, a gel or stain formula might be better suited for that purpose. Just something to note, since dropping $58 per pencil is nothing to scoff at!

However, if you're frequently gunning for a blotted, French-girl lip like me, I'd say they're 100% worth the investment. I usually require no less than six lip products to achieve that "effortless" just-kissed finish, but this pencil somehow hits the mark with a single swipe, no extra blending necessary. Someone even recently popped into my Instagram DMs to say that my "lips look so good," which is how you know you've succeeded at lip-contouring sorcery. When you think about it, $58 doesn't seem so steep compared to, say, a syringe of filler.

Shop the New LV Crayons

I'm a qualified makeup artist and beauty editor, and even I find myself standing in Boots for hours on end, trying out all the blushers and lipsticks, not really knowing which shade suits me the best. I know I'm not alone in this, as my friends are always telling me they have the same problem. Although I could do some research and find out which shades I should choose, I think I've found an easier solution. Say hello to pH makeup.

Lately, more and more brands have been launching pH makeup formulas that react with your skin to create a customised finish. I've been busy testing some of the best pH makeup products on the market, and I also spoke to an expert makeup artist to learn more about why you might want to add pH makeup to your everyday routine. Keep on scrolling to find out more...

Deputy beauty editor Grace Lindsay is wearing the Wonderskin pHlush Stick and the HAUS Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil.

What Is pH Makeup, and How Does It Work?

"The way [that pH makeup] works is that the formula reacts when it comes into contact with moisture on your skin or lips, creating a beautiful rosy flush or lip stain that adapts slightly to the person wearing it," explains Naima Bremer, global artistry ambassador for Fenty Beauty. "This gives a fresh, natural-looking result that feels personal."

"One of the things I love most about pH makeup is how easy and approachable it makes beauty. Not everyone wants to spend hours figuring out undertones or standing in front of a display trying to choose between ten different shades. PH products are great because they take away the guesswork and create that healthy, natural-looking flush that works beautifully for everyday wear."

The Best pH Makeup Products, Tried & Tested

1. Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Stick

If you are looking for a natural, everyday blush, you cannot go wrong with this cream stick from Dior. Since getting my hands on it, I have actually worn it every single day, as it looks amazing and is so easy to apply. There are 13 shades available, but each formula reacts to the skin's pH, taking on either a cool pink or warm coral undertone. I wear the shade Rosewood, which comes up as a slightly flushed, pink hue on my cheeks, perfect for that "no makeup" makeup look. Oh, and the dewy finish is to die for.

2. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Colour Adaptive Cheek & Lip Stick

If you want a more statement makeup look, Fenty Beauty is where it's at. I love using this stick to add a real pop of colour to my cheeks or lips. It has a really cooling, almost jelly-like texture that adds a gorgeous sheen to the skin, and it features colour shift technology to create a customised rosy glow. I think I'll be reaching for this the entire summer.

3. Wonderskin pHlush Stick

Another multi-use stick I can't get enough of is the Wonderskin pHlush Stick. Less jelly-like and more creamy than the option above, this stick can be used on the lips and cheeks, although, because of the larger applicator, I personally find it easier to use as a blush. It features pH-adjusting pigment technology to deliver a custom flush to the cheeks that looks naturally beautiful every single time. What I love about this formula is that it also contains jojoba, castor, and sunflower seed oils, shea butter and niacinamide, so it makes your cheeks look so plump and juicy.

4. HAUS Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil

If you're after a specific lip product, let me introduce you to the HAUS Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil. I'm a big fan of lip oils, and this has quickly become a new favourite. The texture is perfect. Not greasy, but super hydrating with a subtle sheen. Plus, the tinted formula transforms into a custom colour when applied, creating that "your lips but better" finish that can be so hard to achieve. I have literally *no notes*.

5. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

You've probably seen this product all over your TikTok feed, and for good reason. The viral "jelly" blush delivers such an impressive wash of colour to the cheeks; I always get asked what blush I'm wearing whenever I use it. I tend to reach for this in summer as the cooling jelly formula is so refreshing to apply. It is a stain, so I would recommend blending it in rather quickly, but the good thing is it lasts all day. The shades look different on everyone thanks to the pH technology, but what's consistent is the stunning, watercolour-like finish that it gives.

6. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Blush Balm Lip Tint

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Victoria Magrath is a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence and founder of byfrow Beauty, a premium brand rooted in multi-use products designed to "enhance your everyday". One of the UK’s most established luxury creators, she is known for her expertise across beauty, fashion, travel and refined living, with over 12 years of experience working with leading global brands.

If my own excitement for summer in Europe is anything to go by, the European tourist board must be rubbing its hands together in delight. Whilst Americans are headed over to the Med for their summer trips and screaming "Euro summer!" from their yachts, we in the UK are packing away our rain macs and piling 10 bikinis into our suitcases, ready to head to Portofino or somewhere equally as heavenly.

I’m sure that many of you have a holiday group chat with your friends to plan your trip, or you've at least Googled places to visit in Europe for the most sunshine at the best price. Either way, I get it: European holidays are the very best, in my opinion. They’re within a few hours' flying time from the UK, they almost guarantee sunshine and the list of places to visit only seems to grow every year. For me, it's usually Greece or Italy, but anywhere with sunshine, a view and some quiet is high on my list.

Also on my list is what to pack for said "Euro summer". Bikinis, co-ords, sandals and sunglasses are ready to go, but what about beauty products? Here are the six items I’m not leaving the country without this year.

Victoria Magrath's 6 Summer Beauty Essentials

1. Clé de Peau Beauté Exclusive UV Protective Cream SPF 50

2. Larry King Haircare Ride or Die Texture Spray

3. byfrow Pigment Pencils and Sharpener

4. Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint

5. Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne

6. Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Bronze Body Oil

I'll always have a special place in my heart for Chanel's Rouge Coco Gloss. My mom never left the house without at least three in her purse (her favorite shade was Melted Honey!), and growing up, I couldn't wait to get my hands on my own shimmery tube at the mall makeup counter. Fast forward a couple decades, and the gloss remains a beauty-bag staple, though most of the swoon-worthy shades have been sold out for a while—and today, we know exactly why.

Introducing Chanel's new Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss collection, featuring high-shine lip glosses composed of 85% hydrating ingredients, including camellia ceramides to fortify the delicate skin barrier and a hydra-peptide complex to smooth and plump. Given the ultra-hydrating ingredient lineup, the consistency is silky and comfortable with zero sticky residue (unlike the original hero, which wasn't too tacky but did have more of a traditional gloss texture), and it boasts the prettiest, megawatt shine.

The collection debuts with 18 stunning shades divided into four categories: frosted finishes, juicy berries and pinks, sun-kissed shimmers, and bold metallics. As someone who collected the Rouge Coco Glosses like tiny treasures, I honestly can't wait to get my hands on them all, though if I had to crown a select few, Febuleuse (a limited-edition glowing citrine), Charms (a sheer pink), Bijou (a shimmery rosy-brown), and Solaire (a punchy coral) are particularly calling my name. The pearlescent shades—Infiniment, a grayish purple, and Ornement, a vibrant fuchsia—also make the perfect, high-shine toppers for your existing lip color.

Clearly, I can't choose just one, so I'm personally going to snag a few favorites before they undoubtedly sell out. Chanel lip products have a tendency of flying off the shelves (Bisous, come back!), so I'd recommend you do the same while they're hot off the press. You can always share them with a friend—or, in my case, a Chanel makeup-obsessed mom.

Shop the New Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss

My mum and I have very different approaches to our beauty routines, especially when it comes to makeup. Whilst I could sit for hours trying out different products and application techniques, my mum won't spend more than five minutes tops applying tinted moisturiser, mascara and lipstick. Every time we go on holiday together, we laugh at how my makeup bag is about five times the size of hers, and it's a running joke in our family about how much longer I take to get ready.

That being said, there's one thing we do agree on when it comes to makeup, and that's how hard it is to find a hydrating lipstick that doesn't leave our lips feeling dry and chapped. I can't count how many lip balms, lip oils and lipstick formulas we've both been through, desperate to find one that actually delivers on the formula and the finish. At least that was the case until we discovered the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Melt-On Glosstick.

Housed in a chic gold vessel, this glossy lip balm feels like everything we've been waiting for. When samples landed on my desk a few months ago, I sent a few shades to my mum to try, and we both texted each other a few days later raving about the launch. Since then, every time we're together, at least one of us has pulled this product out of our handbag, and my mum even told me she hasn't used anything else since getting her hands on it.

What makes it so great, I hear you ask? It's all in the formula. As the name suggests, this velvety lipstick starts as a solid gloss that heats up on contact with the lips, practically melting in like butter. It's incredibly hydrating, formulated with 41% conditioning oils. However, unlike other hydrating balms we've tried, this also gives a gloss-like finish. I mean, it's so shiny that it's practically reflective.

The hydration! The shine! The plumping effect! Everything about it is perfection. Plus, thanks to the buttery formula and easy-to-use applicator, it's so easy to throw in your handbag and apply on the go. Not that you need to top it up that much, as for once, this hydration actually lasts.

There are currently 8 shades available, and honestly, we're both having a hard time choosing a favourite (yes, I am texting my mum whilst I am writing this), but I have linked some of our top choices below that you can wear alone or with your favourite lip liner. If, like us, you always have dry lips and are yet to find a product that delivers on both the formula and finish, I suggest adding the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Melt-On Glosstick to your basket ASAP...

Shop the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Melt-On Glosstick

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Welcome to Beauty's Night Out, a series dedicated to the need-to-know beauty conversations dominating the nightlife scene. Expect a first look at the latest trends, behind-the-scenes tutorials, and loads of going-out inspiration as you get all dolled up—all you need is your favorite playlist. This time around, we're getting a glimpse into a night out with supermodel Ashley Graham, who serves as a global brand ambassador for Revlon.

Meeting Ashley Graham at NYC's Keys & Heels feels like the ultimate paradox. The speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, hidden behind a locksmith shop, is mysterious, almost labyrinthine, before you slink behind its doors and are greeted by sumptuous velvet couches and a backlit bar. Graham, on the other hand, is disarmingly warm as she beckons me to a corner booth and announces I must try a glass of Lucci, her dry sparkling Italian Lambrusco. "I never forget a face," she declares after immediately recalling our last conversation two years ago, when I interviewed her at an Ulta meet and greet. Her walls are glass. With Graham, what you see is what you get: a grounded, confident, easygoing individual you definitely want to have drinks with.

We're currently clinking glasses to Revlon ColorSilk's After Care Collection and discussing her night-out beauty staples (quite fitting on an actual night out, no?), and it only takes a few minutes for her to divulge the hilarious going-out flashback forever burned into her brain—one that other A-listers of her caliber might keep close to their chests. "One of the first dates my husband [Justin Ervin] took me on was karaoke with a bunch of friends. I was really getting into it because I'm a karaoke fiend, and it was Beyoncé," she reveals. "I was getting down to my knees, and my pants ripped from the back seam to the front seam. I was mortified. Everybody was laughing—I was laughing too—to the point where my husband actually took a photo. We still have the photo 17 years later." I have to imagine she keeps it in an album next to glamorous red carpet looks, such as her recent Met Gala ensemble, which featured a custom Di Petsa dress, Zales jewelry, and a chrome "dipped" manicure. I call that range!

Today, selecting the right playlist remains integral to her getting-ready routine ("Everything is about the music," she notes) with hopefully fewer wardrobe malfunctions involved, along with a collection of hair, skin, and makeup items that always come in clutch. Discover all her forthright tips and recommendations below.

Graham's going-out prep always starts with hair, and when I ask about her go-to 'do, she's quick to respond, "Definitely a bouncy blowout." It's exactly what she's sporting during our chat—a loose, airy style with long, face-framing layers. While her hair can hold onto a blowout pretty well ("I can always go to day two or day three, depending on how hard my workout was," she notes), she adds that freshly washed strands make all the difference. Ask any hairstylist, and they'll agree: A stellar hair day starts in the shower. The Revlon ColorSilk After Color Shampoo and Conditioner have been her washday staples since they launched this past January, as both formulas preserve vibrant color and repair breakage—and healthier, stronger hair appears way shinier, as you likely know. "I have been begging them to make the conditioner for years now since I started using the hair dye," she adds. "It only came with a tiny, little packet. I was like, 'This needs to be in a jar, you guys.' And then, finally, they made it. So, you're welcome!" To reap its shine-boosting benefits on the go, she'll apply (and reapply) the brand's After Color Serum, which also seals split ends upon application and smooths frizz.

While her hair sets and cools, she'll move on to makeup then hop in the shower. Yes, I also did a double take. "I know that sounds weird, but I think the steam makes it glowy and dewy," Graham explains. "It's kind of the same notion as spraying rose water on your face before or after makeup. It just sets it so beautifully and makes it less cakey." My beauty-editor brain is, for lack of a better word, boggled. I ask her if it's some sort of gatekept makeup-artist technique that somehow hasn't hit the mainstream, but nope. She's sworn by the routine since middle school. "I realized, 'Oh, I forgot to wash my body.' And then I was like, 'Oh, look how good my makeup looks.' It was self-discovery," she adds.

Still, Graham does love a rose water mist for on-the-go touch-ups and will often toss one into her going-out bag. "I went to Korea and found like a million different rose water sprays," she shares before crowning D'Alba's White Truffle First Spray her current favorite. Also nestled in the bag are two lip products—namely, Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Bare It All and PhotoReady Instant Plump Serum in Magically Inflated. "I actually wore it at the Met," she says regarding the latter. "It's so gorgeous." That night, she tucked it into her bronze YSL Satin Evening Clutch, which has a sleek, sculptural silhouette that, surprisingly, "holds everything," she notes. "A girl in the bathroom [at the Met] had the exact same bag as me. I was like, 'That's how you know.'"

As a self-described "perfume girly," Graham also never leaves the house without a travel-size fragrance on her person. "I like everything between vanilla and spice," she declares before baring her neck and commanding me to take a whiff of her potion du jour—a warm, skin-like blend of musk and amber. "I got it on TikTok Shop," she confesses with a conspiratorial smile. I repeat: Graham is not afraid to lay all her cards on the table.

I can practically picture her humming along to Beyoncé's Lemonade album as she applies her final spritz, skin fresh and dewy from her post-glam steam. Although, when she's working with a professional hair-and-makeup team, like before tonight's event, she skips the subsequent rinse. Who needs a middle school hack when you have the industry's leading experts at your beck and call? "Tonight's trick was taking a 30-minute nap," she jokes, "then I got my hair blown out." A candid queen, through and through.

Shop Ashley Graham's Night-Out Staples

Beachy, sun-kissed skin and soft watercolor finishes tend to dominate summer makeup trends, but this year, we're in for something richer—at least if Chappell Roan has anything to say about it. The Grammy-winning singer has just been announced as the new face of MAC's Viva Glam, the brand's charitable campaign that's raised over $545 million since its launch in 1994, with a collection of three, limited-edition products: a deep red lipstick dubbed UnNatural Red Head, inspired by Roan's signature hue; a plum lipstick-balm hybrid named Roan of Arc; and a sheer red-plum shimmery gloss called Damnsel. Along with the charitable collection comes a $300,000 donation to Roan's own nonprofit, the Midwest Princess Project, and its LGBTQ+ partner organizations, as well as a stunning campaign inspired by the French Revolution, starring Roan as the warrior.

"Chappell has used makeup to tell stories in such a brave way from the beginning," Andrew Dahling, Roan's longtime makeup artist, exclusively tells Who What Wear. "Her bold and colorful makeup has inspired so many people to be a little more brave and go deeper within themselves to find their own voice. It’s a form of liberation, really, and that’s why this campaign is so special." It's also quite the milestone for Dahling himself, who previously told us that his first job was at the MAC counter. "MAC and Viva Glam campaigns were a beacon of hope for me when I was growing up. It was like a looking glass, a glimpse into a world of glamour and fantasy that beamed me up and gave me the hope and inspiration I needed to follow my dreams," he shares. "To be able to pass that spirit on is the greatest gift I could ever receive."

The new lip collection was integral for creating Roan's two beauty references: the French Revolution warrior and the 1940s romantic empress. Now, you might be surprised to see such a rich lip color in a summer makeup launch (plum tones typically scream fall/winter), but Roan is no stranger to bold beauty choices. Plus, according to Dahling, a plum pigment on the lips makes an even chicer impact during the warmer months.

"Like a nod to a grunge Courtney Love, [wear a] silky slip dress with messy smoky eyes and a dark lip. Love that for a '4 a.m. at a Waffle House' summer night," he shares. "Or for an evening look, [wear] a beautiful pastel shade on the eyes, or just a subtle shimmer and some mascara, and a beautiful, airy, goddess gown paired with a bold lip. Kind of chic, no?" I have to agree. To hell with seasonal color stories! The coolest beauty looks, IMHO, often subvert expectations. "Summer is a time to play with color, so although plum is rather dark and rich, using pastels and brighter shades in your hair, makeup, and outfit can give a deeper red lip a new life," Dahling adds. Consider this your sign to pair summery lace trim skirts and linen sets with a gothic-romantic lip.

The collection officially drops on June 11, and you really can't go wrong with any of the Chappell-approved items—especially because 100% of the sticker price goes toward charities advancing sexual, gender, racial, and environmental equality. That said, Dahling does recommend pairing the Lustreglass Sheer Shine Lipstick with MAC's Night Moth or Plumlip liner and a bit of gloss on top, or he loves dabbing the MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in the center of the lips and blending it out for some "sexy, sultry, vampiric romance." "The gloss is also so beautiful on its own paired with a Stone or Chestnut Lip Liner. A subtly tinted, juicy ombré lip would be fab!" he adds. Feel free to add all the essentials you need—plus Roan's full campaign lineup—to your cart just ahead.

Shop the Chappell Roan x MAC Viva Glam Collection

Shop Chappell Roan's Look

Haven't you heard? Marc Jacobs Beauty has made its triumphant return with a full collection of whimsical, maximalist makeup that goes hand in hand with the designer's gleeful runway collections. While brand loyalists who hoarded the original line (which shuttered back in 2021) may have expected a similarly sleek, monochrome aesthetic, the updated range is anything but. As Marc Jacobs himself expressed during an exclusive, editors-only preview, this new direction aims to stand out among the sea of "quiet luxury" competitors and better aligns with his brand and personal style choices. (Have you noticed his perpetually decorated nails?) You see, a Marc Jacobs doll, clomping through the city in cartoonish pumps, deserves a vanity filled with equally toyish beauty products.

Today, the entire line is finally available to shop at Sephora—though not for long, if I may sound the alarm bells. Considering how buzzy the highly anticipated relaunch has become (the brand's Instagram account has amassed 3.6 million followers since dropping breadcrumbs these last several weeks), I don't expect the debut products to stick around. If you're curious which items to snag first, scroll ahead for my editor-tested breakdown, along with the formulas I suspect will be gone in a flash.

Eye Products

Each product category comes with its own charm, and for the eyes, a chubby five-pointed star is the through line (perhaps giving new meaning to the term "starry-eyed?"). To start, I must call out the Drawn This Way Eyeliner, which is arguably the most buzzed-about product in the entire line. If you were an avid fan of the Marc Jacobs Highliner before it became a coveted eBay relic, you'll be thrilled to know that the updated version has the same incredible glide and long wear. Not to mention, the 21 shades ranging from matte, metallic, and magical (aka glitter and duochrome) have the best color payoff I've ever seen from an eyeliner. Even the glittery formulas (which often read quite sheer) make a dramatic impact with just one swipe. And once it dries down? The waterproof formula doesn't dare budge. True story: The first time I swatched it on my hand, it took multiple micellar-soaked cotton rounds to clear the pigment.

The Flashes Mascara is just as vibrant, enveloping each lash with inky, chocolate, or cobalt pigment. Marc Jacobs's previous mascara was beloved for mimicking the look of falsies ("I actually cried when it was discontinued," Who What Wear assistant shopping editor Josephine Hadjiloucas messaged me after hearing whispers of a brand revival), and this new formula similarly focuses on volume while infusing the tiny wisps with peptides and clover flower extract.

Rounding out the eye category is the Born Star Eyeshadow, which features sumptuous cream-to-powder formulas housed in a shiny, star-shaped compact akin to a Mylar balloon. As you can probably guess, the pigment here is also quite intense. Just one swipe with my fingertip is all I need for both lids. Though, it sheers out effortlessly with a bit of extra blending, so it's A+ for smoky, soft-grunge eye looks. The playful packaging, though, is what ultimately sells me. It may not be the most practical option to stack on your vanity, but it will arguably bring you the most joy. Since receiving my samples, I can't stop sliding the compact open and closed, marveling at how the duochrome pigment catches the light.

Shop My Favorite Eye Products

Lip Products

To be honest, I've always found the term "lipstick balm" a tad confusing. While I realize it's meant to be a hybrid product—the richness of a lipstick with the comfort of a balm—most options either read way too sheer for my liking or don't really deliver on the hydration front. Marc Jacobs's Heart On Lipstick—topped with a metallic heart charm—fully made me a believer. Sure, I can see that the formula features cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, but do you actually feel those MVPs work their magic with every glide? Take it from me: Yes, you absolutely can. The 15 shades are unbelievably juicy yet deposit enough pigment to last multiple hours, even after eating and drinking. I've been alternating between the two shades below nonstop since adding them to my routine.

Shop My Favorite Lip Products

Complexion Products

All the complexion products come equipped with the iconic daisy motif, meant to evoke petal-soft skin and fresh blooms of color. I can think of no better product that represents the dreamy image better than the Joystick Blush Stick, which melts into the skin and dries down to a soft-powder finish. Of all the many blush sticks on the market, this creamy number is one of the most versatile, with 10 shades ranging from rosy pinks to punchy oranges, reds, and purples. It's one of the pricier options in the range at $35, but a little goes a long way; like the rest of the collection, it's highly pigmented, so just a dab on each cheek is all you need for a stunning pinch of color.

Another item that'll last you a while is the Legally Bronze Bronzer, which (surprise, surprise) has a stunning payoff with a smooth, seamless blend, meaning you can pack the pigment on a contour brush to carve out your cheekbones or lightly dust it across your features with a powder brush for a warm, allover glow. Both routes will leave you looking beautifully bronzed.

Finally, we have the Money Shot Highlighter Gel, which is essentially the summer makeup product of my dreams. Use it on your cheeks! Your lids! Your collarbones! You'll wind up with a megawatt glow that looks out of this world—or, as the Marc Jacobs team calls it, "stroboscopic." I already know this cooling, water-based jelly will become my secret weapon for "wet" eye looks (my go-to trick to disguise summer sweat), as its light-reflecting pearls have the prettiest holographic sheen. You can catch me wearing this—and only this—all season.

Shop My Favorite Complexion Products

Is Marc Jacobs Beauty Worth the Buy?

I'm likely stating the obvious here for Marc Jacobs Beauty devotees, but the relaunch isn't exactly a one-to-one swap for the original 2013 line. While the products are just as richly pigmented and long-lasting in my opinion, the packaging and formulas are completely unique from their predecessors. They're basically apples and oranges. Still, I do believe the 2026 collection stands on its own, especially in an overcrowded market where designer items tend to cost three times the price.

As for the formulas I recommend snagging first? Well, I'd say all the eye products are a huge sellout risk, especially those Drawn This Way Eyeliners, considering how many beauty fans went bananas over those OG pencils. The Born Star Eyeshadows also deserve a spot in your routine for their packaging alone—but the incredible pigment payoff certainly doesn't hurt. I'd cap off my top three with the Money Shot Highlighter Gel, namely because it's the prettiest multitasking product I've seen in a minute and has a different feel from other balm or liquid highlighters on the market. Granted, I think the entire line will sell out in a snap, but if I were a betting beauty editor, I'd wager those three would be the first to go. Godspeed!

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

We may only be closing out April, but our beauty-editor brains have been clinging onto summer for weeks. I likely don't need to tell you how brutally dreary this winter has been. Spring has faked us out like three times now, and now that higher temps are finally here to stay, glowy skin, shiny hair, and dewy makeup products are taking the main stage. It only makes sense that the buzzy launches we gravitated toward this month are the epitome of warmth, from a scented body oil that makes your limbs shimmer to a self-tanning milk that blends like a dream to a designer perfume that smells like an Amalfi Coast holiday.

My fellow beauty editors and I are constantly sorting through new arrivals to determine what formulas are actually worth your hard-earned dollar, so I asked everyone on the team to share three (no more, no less) they now consider staples. You can imagine the dizzying number of products on our desks, so when we add a new item to our own already-crowded routines, you better believe it's a smash hit. Below, I present our 15 April winners.

Alyssa Brascia, Associate Beauty Editor

Bulgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Eau de Toilette

MAC Glow Play Cushiony Blush

YSL Beauty Kiss Shaper Sculpting Lip Liner

Erin Jahns, Beauty Director

Sakara Fiber Bite

Phlur Beach Skin Shimmering Body Oil

Cyklar Self-Tanning Milky Essence

Kaitlyn McLintock, Beauty Editor

Verb Density Peptide Hair Serum

D.S. & Durga Cowgirl Grass Eau de Parfum

Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Tint

Sabrina Talbert, Assistant Beauty Editor

Pattern Repair360 Leave-In Foam

Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush

Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen 2-in-1 SPF 30 Moisturizer

Jamie Schneider, Senior Beauty Editor

OleHenriksen Pout Preserve Chillers Peptide Lip Treatment

Anastasia Beverly Hills ArchiBrow Pencil

Nécessaire The Detox Shampoo

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Teyana Taylor may have won the Golden Globe this year for Best Supporting Female Actor, but in my humble opinion, she clinched the title for Best Glam all award season. Each red-carpet moment was somehow more breathtaking than the next, to the point where I would furiously refresh Getty images to discover what she and makeup artist Yeika Glow would drum up next. As you can probably guess, I was left slack-jawed every single time.

I’ve since been collecting all the products used for her iconic looks (including Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and MAC's Connect In Colour Eyeshadow Palette), and today, I can confirm the equally iconic lip product Taylor uses on the regular: Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick. The brand just announced Taylor as the face of the collection and latest star to join its “Revlon Be Unforgettable” campaign, which highlights bold color as self-expression. No one understands that more than Taylor, who effortlessly commands the carpet one stunning beat at a time.

If you’re familiar with Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick (or the stunning Glass Shine Balm) then you likely already know why it’s reached cult status. The formula boasts 80% conditioning ingredients for an easy, comfortable glide, and the 72 shades feature microfine pigments with a luxuriously rich finish. "Super Lustrous is all about that finishing touch," Taylor says in a news release. "The kind of beauty that elevates your whole vibe without taking away from who you are."

Practically speaking, the shade Rum Raisin does just that, providing a "my lip, but better" effect with an unparalleled '90s brown hue. No lie, I’ve yet to find another cool-toned mauve as perfect as this $12 lipstick. The TikTok crowd would agree, as the shade went absolutely viral once Gen Z got their hands on the nostalgic shade (drugstores literally could not keep it in stock).

From the campaign images (and exclusive BTS shot above!), it looks like Taylor is swiping on a bold red (Wild Saffron maybe?), but as she’s a fan of the entire range, I have to assume she has the buzzy Rum Raisin in her proverbial back pocket. Glow, I’m tossing it out there: Can we expect a nostalgic, '90s-coded glam moment for her next red-carpet appearance?

Shop My Favorite Super Lustrous Shades

Spring makeup trends always feel like a breath of fresh air, but this year, it's the lips that are setting beauty fans' hearts aflutter. Don't get me wrong. I'm loving the soft-purple eye shadow on everyone's lids this season (this red carpet trend has legs!), but I've always been one to experiment with a statement lip over doll-like eye looks. This season, inspiration abounds for the pout.

Like clockwork, the moody plum and rich berry of winter make way for petal-soft rose and punchy red. That said, lip trends go far beyond a seasonal color story. According to makeup artists, different finishes, like dewy or matte, cycle in and out of the spotlight—as do liner techniques and elements of nostalgia. Ballet-slipper lips, anyone? I've spent several weeks creating my own spring lip mood board based on these expert takes, and below, I'm sharing my findings. Keep scrolling for the ultimate spring lip lineup.

Velvety Blurs

Long live the Nina Park lip! The iconic makeup artist is known for bestowing her celebrity clients with a soft, halo-like look that appears full yet never overly lined. It's a difficult balance to strike, but according to celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, it all boils down to the right lip liner. "Use a neutral shade [of] liner that reflects the color of your lips to offer a blurred effect," she notes, adding that it will "make every user still look perfectly polished versus overdone." Celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest, cofounder of Ciele Cosmetics, agrees. "Instead of a sharply defined outline, I'm seeing a lot more diffused liner, where the color is blended slightly into the lip," she says.

You'll want to make sure that neutral shade is cool toned as well, something Justine Wu, VP of product development and innovation at Versed, took into account when creating the brand's Lip Frame Defining Lip Liner. "With cooler tones, your lips still look like your lips—just a little fuller and more defined," she says. The liner itself has a thick, rounded tip as opposed to a precise pencil tip, which is A+ for achieving a perfectly blurred perimeter. "Our Cashmere Color Lip Blush is one of our best-selling makeup products, so we knew consumers wanted a softly blurred lip," she adds. "As we were developing Lip Frame, we were just starting to see consumers inch toward a more diffused look, so we knew we were going in the right direction." Indeed, the creamy, soft-matte formula creates a soft, natural-looking shadow.

Mauve Moments

In terms of colors, "rosy, nude, mauve shades are a trend I keep on seeing," shares Greenberg. "It adds a neutral, sultry look that is perfect for day or night, especially as we enter into spring." You might associate mauve lipsticks with a dated '90s look (hi, Rum Raisin), but the cool, brown-toned hue looks quite chic and actually very spring coded with fresh and dewy skin, matching blush, and a fluffy brow. Bonus points if you add a smattering of faux freckles across your nose to elevate the sunny vibe.

Frosty Finishes

Speaking of '90s nostalgia, we can expect frosty lips to hold sway this spring. Thanks to one specific TikTok-viral frosty shade (ahem, L'Oréal's Ballerina Shoes), a slew of Gen Z ers have been swapping their warm-toned lippies for a swipe of icy pink. Of course, frosted lipstick is nothing new, especially if you're a millennial who swore by it in the early aughts, but we can't ignore how strongly it's taken over the current pop-star scene. See Zara Larsson's tour looks. To update the look for 2026, makeup artists suggest pairing Y2K pastels with slightly edgier contemporary elements, such as a flick of liner or sculpted contour.

Monochromatic Bronze

"I love an allover bronzed look for the spring. Think golden and brown tones on eyes, lips, and cheeks," celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously told WWW about spring makeup trends. I certainly cosign this trend, especially on mornings when I can't be bothered to unzip my makeup bag while getting ready. Snag yourself a multitasking product (I adore Embryolisse's new Color Balm 3-in-1 Stick); dab it on your lips, lids, and cheeks; and call it a day. You'd be surprised by how much impact one bronzy-brown product can make.

Strawberry Glaze

For those craving a spring statement, might I suggest a coat of raspberry glaze? "One thing that feels a little underrated right now is sheer berry. It gives just enough depth to wake up the face while still feeling modern and easy, especially when paired with glowing skin and minimal eye makeup," shares DeRoest. Look no further than Iris Apatow for inspiration, who attended a 2026 Oscars after-party with a glassy ruby lip courtesy of Tatcha's Reddo Melting Lip Balm.

Dewier than your average satin finish yet not quite vinyl-like, her pout reflects the move toward a healthy, "just right" dollop of shine, a texture trend DeRoest predicts will only continue to grow. "In the past, trends tended to swing between extremes, either very matte and sculpted or ultra-glossy. Now, we're seeing a middle ground where lips still have dimension and shine but feel softer and more skin-like," she says. "It's a more modern approach to lip color that focuses on comfort and wearability."

Just when I thought my bank account and I were getting to a good place after ransacking Sephora's Savings Event, Nordstrom went ahead and dropped a sneaky, limited-time sale. From today through April 20, beauty fans can score 25% off skin, hair, makeup, and fragrance items from cult-favorite brands like Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Vacation, and more—and who am I to turn down those coveted discounts? (My birthday is also coming up, so I'm using that as a timely excuse to treat myself.)

Trust me, I tried resisting my shopping urge, but after spending all morning scrolling through the 36 pages of markdowns (you know, for research), I starred a handful of items I knew I'd regret not buying. So I went ahead and gave myself a strict budget of $375 to restock my absolute must-haves, which, by the way, is pretty difficult considering many luxury products I love cost more than that price alone. It's called compromise! Below, feel free to shop everything in my cart.

10 Products to Buy From Nordstrom's Beauty Savings Event

If you're in the market for a designer lipstick, you really can't go wrong with Celine Beauté's Rouge Triomphe. The iconic French-girl red launched back in 2024, marking the brand's first foray into makeup, followed by 14 more satin-finish shades from petal pink to coral to deep plum. Sure, the $78 price tag is definitely a splurge, but compared to other high-end options on the market (some tagged upwards of $150), it seems like a pretty fair deal. Not to mention it's truly one of the chicest options you can buy. Whenever I see someone uncap the gold embossed medal case, I automatically know they have impeccable taste. Celine just has that effect on people.

I didn't think the offerings could get any more exquisite, until this past February, when I was lucky enough to get my hands on Celine Beauté's latest launch: a soft-matte lip balm. Cushiony, buildable, and perfectly blurred, it's been my on-the-go staple since I took it home—and now, it's officially available to shop. Keep scrolling for all the details on the effortless balm, including the shade I've been wearing for two months.

Similar to the lipstick, the refillable balm comes infused with a high percentage of natural ingredients—94% to be exact—including black rose oil extract and hyaluronic acid spheres for a smooth, comfortable glide. The payoff itself is quite sheer but buildable; just one swipe will supply a subtle kiss of color while three or more will procure a healthy, just-bitten finish. Yet unlike many sheer confections, this melts into a matte finish that mimics the natural, velvety texture of lips as it dries down—a true "your lips, but better" balm.

You'll find eight stunning shades in the lineup, including one clear number, but my favorite has to be Constance. The berry-brown gives my lips just a pinch of powdery color, which is exactly what I look for in a tinted balm. It's what I imagine an off-duty supermodel would wear in the '90s as she dashes across NYC. It helps that the sheer balm is super forgiving, practically made to apply in the back of cabs.

While the lip balm and lipstick shades are not 1:1 swaps, you could totally layer a balm underneath your lipstick of choice for an extra layer of hydration. (Constance and Rose Orphée make a fabulous pair, if I do say so myself.) Regardless, both treasures—one gold, one silver—are worthy of displaying on your vanity or keeping in your bag as an extension of your style. These are high-quality designer lip products, after all.

Shop Le Rouge Celine Matte Lip Balm

Paying attention to beauty trends on the red carpet is part and parcel of my job as a beauty editor, and it’s obvious that all of the chicest celebrity looks over awards season have had one thing in common: "blurred" lip liner. Yes, whilst you might think of lip liner as there only to sharply outline your pout and add crisp definition, this season, it’s all about taking a softer-focus approach to your makeup.

Slightly diffused and gently smudged, makeup artist Nina Park has undoubtedly been leading the charge with this blurred lip look. Known for painting the faces of everyone from Zoë Kravitz to Lily-Rose Depp, her approach to effortlessly cool "no makeup" makeup that never looks too try-hard is her trademark. And blurred lips are the epitome of walking that line of makeup that looks polished without being overly precise.

Even better, unlike with a lot of makeup trends, I feel like I actually have a shot at re-creating the look for myself at home. As someone who isn’t particularly skilled in the makeup department, the fact that blurred lips look actually wearable (and doable) and don’t require a steady hand means this is one trend I can see transitioning from the red carpet into real life with absolute ease. After all, it would look just as good with bare skin and a slick of mascara as it clearly does with a full face of glam.

Ahead, all the blurred lip-liner inspiration you need, along with tips from a makeup artist on how to do it yourself.

Blurred Lip-Liner Looks

I'll be rushing to re-create Mia Goth's juicy berry-bitten lip look for spring.

Emma Stone's softly blurred liner looks so chic and polished.

The combination of honey hues and a balm-finish top coat makes Zoë Kravitz's lip look the perfect everyday option.

Gracie Abrams' diffused nude lip feels oh-so '90s.

Sadie Sink's dewy rose lip suits this pretty makeup look perfectly.

What Is Blurred Lip Liner?

Characterised by a slightly fuzzy lip line, the blurred lip look is so popular right now because of how it creates the appearance of a full, volumised pout whilst still looking effortless. "It’s flattering because it works with how light naturally hits the face," explains makeup artist Emily Wood. "Instead of pushing colour inward, which can make lips look smaller, a blurred lip is all about adding depth around the lips and keeping the centre of the lips lighter, which means lips look fuller, rounder and more balanced." Wood points out that it’s not the same as overlining, either. "It’s more about following but slightly enhancing the lip line," she says.

How to Get the Look

Thankfully, the look is fairly easy to achieve, as the beauty of a blurred lip is that there's no need for total precision—in fact, we want the opposite. Wood suggests a lip liner that’s slightly deeper than your natural lip colour, a lipstick close to your lip shade and a gloss or balm if you like a sheenier finish.

"Start by lining the lips following your natural shape, and you can slightly enhance this past your natural lip line if you want more volume," Wood explains. "Then blur the liner inward using your finger or a brush so that there are no harsh lines at all." Finish by applying your chosen lip colour on the outer parts of your lips, leaving the centre quite light, then add a gloss or balm to finish. "The key to this look really is blending," says Wood.

The Best Blurred Lip Liners

Ahead, we’ve picked out the best blur-effect lip liners to help you re-create this trend. Wood suggests lighter skin tones will suit "pinky nudes, peaches and soft mauves" best, whilst deeper skin tones will look amazing in "rich browns, chocolates and caramels." Keep scrolling for our favourites.

If I'm being honest with you, I've never been much of a lipstick person. It doesn't matter if it's matte or satin finish, most of them just feel A) too fussy and "done" on my lips, and B) they're too high-maintenance to top-up throughout the day. Instead, I've always been more of a lip balm or lip gloss person. They just feel much more effortless and low-maintenance.

However, with the rise in the blurred lips trend, pioneered by makeup artists such as Nina Park, like many others, I've fallen back in love with lip products again. And alongside the makeup trend has come a new wave of sheer matte-tinted lip balms that deliver a soft-focus effect to the lips. One swipe delivers a sheer wash of colour (think just-bitten colour) with a matte finish that mimics the natural texture of your lips. Because of their blurred finish, you don't have to be precise about the application like you would with a standard lipstick. You can swipe them on without a mirror, and they gradually diffuse as they fade for a natural-looking tint throughout the day. Perfect for "no makeup" makeup.

Makeup artists have long created the effect by applying lipstick and blotting the excess off with a tissue. However, these sheer, matte-tinted lip balms create the blurred look in just one swipe. And they speak to my low-maintenance heart, bridging the gap between a traditional matte lipstick and a lip balm for a veil of colour that feels very French-coded and a way more modern way to wear lip colour. I've swatched and tested all the best sheer matte lip balms around, and I'm sharing my all-time favourites ahead.

Best Sheer Matte Lip Balms

• Best Overall: Merit Signature Lip Blush (£25)
• Best Luxury Balm: Violette_Fr Bisou Balm (£31)
• Best Hydrating Balm: Glossier Generation G Lipstick (£20)
• Best Affordable Balm: Max Factor 2000 Calories Mellow Blur (£10)
• Best Multi-Purpose Balm: Refy Lip Blush (£16)

1. Merit Beauty Signature Lip Blush

Merit Beauty's Signature Lip Blush is possibly the comfiest lipstick-balm hybrid I've tried. It feels just like a lip balm on the lips, but with a chic matte finish that drapes a sheer tint on your lips. Think of it as lip blush in a lipstick bullet. One swipe gives a soft-diffused tint, but you can easily layer it up for more intensity. My favourite shades are Bespoke (a neutral brown, which I'm wearing above) and Archival (a soft neutral pink), but there's also an array of brighter shades that are so much more wearable than their lipstick counterparts, thanks to their delightfully lightweight and sheer texture.

2. Violette_Fr Bisou Balm

You can trust a French beauty brand such as Violette_Fr to create one of the best sheer matte tinted lip balms. Founder and makeup artist Violette Serrat was inspired by the concept of "bouche mordue" for this balm, which translates as "just-bitten lips", and Bisou Balm was born. It's been a staple in my makeup bag ever since I first tried it for many reasons. Firstly, it feels just like a cushiony balm on application, and whether you apply it in one sheer swipe or layer it up, it still feels so effortless and never heavy like a lipstick would. Oh, and it also smells delightfully of French bonbons. Mon Cheri is one of my favourites for a chocolate-cherry tint, but I'm finding myself reaching for Bonbon Myrtille for a blurred raspberry lip come summer. It gives your lips a pretty flush of colour.

3. Glossier Generation G

Prefer something that's still matte but more on the hydrating side? Allow me to point you in the direction of Generation G. Balmy in texture, it glides onto the lips with the hydrating, sumptuous feeling of a lip balm and is enriched with skin-softening vitamin E. But it looks matte to the eye. The bullet delivers a translucent tint of colour, and it's also easy to build up from a sheer to a bolder intensity if you wish, all whilst having that enviable soft-focus blur. There are a lot of shades to choose from, from bright, jammy shades (such as Like, which I'm wearing above) to everyday neutrals that you'll want to reach for every day.

4. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mellow Blur