Is the Barely-There Lip Era Officially Over?

Why Is Bold Lipstick Trending?

No matter what hot lip combo is trending, lipstick never really leaves the trend cycle entirely. (Just look to celebs like Taylor Swift and RAYE, who have made a red lip their signature.) Still, it feels like we’ve finally reached the peak of barely-there tints and are turning to something more striking. We’re already “eyemaxxing” with glossy finishes and metallic shades, and 2016’s defined eyebrows (and yes, even matte lips) made a comeback earlier this year. 

If you need further proof, Pinterest’s 2026 Beauty Trend Report lists maximalist makeup as one of this year’s biggest trends, with searches for “bold lip combo” in particular up 121%. For what it’s worth, we also predicted loud lipstick as a top trend for 2026. Now we’re seeing these statement shades play out, and we’re loving the results. Ahead, our favorite dramatic lipstick looks of the moment.

10 Celebrity-Inspired Bold Lipstick Looks to Try

1. Alexa Demie’s Contoured Mauve Moment

Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Embracing a bold lipstick doesn’t mean ditching gloss entirely. We love Alexa Demie’s major mauve lip combo, which is easier to get than you might think. Start with a dark brown—or if you’re more daring, black—lip liner, using a lip brush or your finger to blend the color a bit. Then, go in with a satin mauve lipstick like the NARS COSMETICS Explicit Lipstick in shade No Strings. A quick (and careful) swipe of lip gloss will give you that red carpet-ready sheen. 

2. Chase Infiniti’s Dark and Moody Lip

Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

If you’re looking for drama, there’s no better combo than a dark lipstick with a bare face. The contrast really makes the look pop (and it takes only a few minutes to do). To get Chase Infiniti’s simple yet striking glam, grab a deep purple lipstick and a matching lip liner. (MAC’s Sleek Satin Lipstick in shade Cyber is a cult favorite, but any creamy dark lipstick will do.) Lining your lips first is key, as that will keep your lipstick within the bounds. 

3. Dakota Johnson’s Scarlet Smile

Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images

It seems Dakota Johnson may have taken some beauty pointers from pal Taylor Swift—and we don’t blame her. This scarlet shade is absolutely captivating, making it perfect for date night or dinner with friends. For a similar velvety look, try out the LAURA MERCIER Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick in shade Scarlet Velvet.

4. Anok Yai’s Fabulous Fig Pout

Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage

Model Anok Yai makes anything look good, but this fig-inspired lip combo speaks for itself. After swiping on a lipstick shade somewhere between brown and plum, add a bit of gloss on top for a lip look that’s just as juicy as a bit of fruit. Try using THE OUTSET Lip Oasis™ Glossy Treatment in shade Mirage to amp up the color and shine of your pout. 

5. Greta Lee’s Blurred Mahogany Lip

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Oscars/Getty Images for Academy Museum Foundation

While we’re on the topic of makeup trends, one big one this year was “blurred” lips—a slightly undone lip look with diffused edges. It’s ideal if you’re new to statement lipstick shades or aren’t a fan of lip liner. To get Greta Lee’s softened look, you can start with a more neutral lip liner or skip it entirely. Then, go in with your lipstick and concentrate its pigment in the center of your lips. Use your fingers to “blur” the product, tapping it into your lips instead of rubbing or sliding. 

6. Florence Pugh’s Retro Red Lips

Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Maybe it’s the shade or maybe it’s her defined Cupid’s bow, but Florence Pugh’s deep red lip reminds us of old Hollywood starlets and black-and-white movies. (Even though—fun fact—back then, actresses actually wore green lipstick instead of red to add greater contrast to their movie makeup.) We love how Pugh lets her lipstick do the talking here, pairing the look with a simple cat-eye and brushed brows. 

7. Rihanna’s Statement Outline

Photo by Aitor Rosas Sune/WWD via Getty Images

One thing about Rihanna? She’s always going to take what’s trending and put her own spin on it. Instead of relying on just lipstick to dramatize her look, she went in with a bold brown lip liner. It’s a great way to tread into maximalist makeup if you lean toward neutral lips—plus, you probably already own a peachy pink lipstick and a dark brown lip liner.  

8. Olivia Colman’s Romantic Red Pout

Photo by Brianna Bryson/FilmMagic

First we put Olivia Colman’s curls on our moodboard, and now we’re pinning her lip combos too. The actress’s press tour for her movie Wicker is the (beauty) gift that keeps on giving—and we haven’t even seen the movie yet! All we know is we’re loving all the romantic looks inspired by its fantastical love story. We’re bookmarking this soft red lipstick for later. 

9. Gabriette’s Patent Pout

Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images for Saint Laurent

We love Gabriette’s flapper-inspired glam, but we’ll also admit that we probably won’t be rocking the whole look anytime soon. Since we’ve already mastered the art of the smoky eye, we’ll focus on her glossy deep red lip combo instead. Here, it looks like she’s wearing a burgundy lip liner, like the KOSAS Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liner in the aptly named shade Extra. The darker color of the liner pairs nicely with the slightly lighter red lipstick, and added lip gloss on top really makes the contour pop. 

10. Jenna Ortega’s Classic Red Contour

Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images

Sometimes strategic lip liner placement is better than your average application. In Jenna Ortega’s case, she put a twist on the classic red lip and used a darker lip liner on her top lip, creating a more pronounced Cupid's bow. It’s an easy beauty hack to save for later—dramatic lip shade or not.