Beauty trends may evolve with every season, but a few movements define an entire year. As we step into 2026, the focus clearly shifts toward enhancing natural features rather than masking them. Heavy contouring
and sharply sculpted makeup looks are gradually making way for softer, skin-like finishes that celebrate individuality. The goal is no longer to redefine the face, but to subtly amplify what already exists—especially when it comes to lips.
For years, bold lip liners paired with glossy finishes dominated makeup trends. However, that era is slowly fading. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, known for working with stars like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber and Lily Allen, predicts a major change.
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According to her, sharply outlined lips will no longer be the go-to style. Speaking to British Vogue, the founder of KJH Brand explained that crisp, hard-edged lips are being replaced by soft, pillowy, and blurred finishes that feel effortless and modern.
What Are Halo Lips? The New Lip Trend Explained
Halo lips are the latest evolution in achieving fuller-looking lips without harsh definition. While Huda Kattan popularised lip cuffing, a technique using dark liners, lighter centres and gloss for contrast, halo lips take a more natural route. Instead of stark outlines, this method focuses on subtle shadowing and seamless blending.
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The technique involves using a cool-toned liner to softly contour the lips, creating a delicate shadow effect around the cupid’s bow and lower lip. Rather than drawing attention to the outline, the colours gently merge, giving the illusion of naturally plump and hydrated lips. The result is soft, diffused and effortlessly full lips with no visible harsh lines.
Halo Lips vs Lip Cuffing: Key Differences
Unlike traditional lip cuffing, halo lips avoid dramatic contrast between liner and lipstick. The emphasis is on harmony and blending rather than definition. While lip cuffing creates a bold gradient, halo lips focus on creating depth through shadow, making the lips appear fuller without obvious makeup lines.
How To Achieve Halo Lips: Step-by-Step Guide
Katie Jane Hughes shared her halo lip technique in a video posted on December 18, 2025, offering a detailed breakdown of the process.
She began by prepping and lightly powdering the lips to ensure longevity and prevent the colour from slipping throughout the day. This step helps lock in pigment and creates a smooth base.
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Next, she used a brown cream bronzer with a soft, fluffy brush to gently outline the lips. Instead of sharp strokes, she applied light, diffused movements to build a natural shadow that enhances volume without harsh edges.
To set the shape, a touch of powder was applied, followed by soft contouring along the lip edges. Rather than dragging the liner, she tapped and blended the product to maintain a seamless finish.
Once the shadow was perfected, a cool-toned lipstick was applied and lightly blotted to avoid excess product or uneven texture. Finally, the same contour or liner pencil was used to subtly redefine the edges, ensuring the shadow remained soft and natural.
