Slightly fuller-looking lips are desirable to many people, but with a move away from filler and very spicy plumping glosses, what else can be achieved?
Answering that question is part of what’s driving a new trend in lip colour application.
Soft, pillowy lips are replacing hard lines and sharp edges, with makeup products chosen to achieve a look that’s being referred to as the ‘halo lip.’
What are halo lips?
“Halo lips is a modern, flattering technique that uses a gentle fade of colour with a lighter centre and slightly deeper outer edges to create a soft, diffused “halo” effect,” says professional makeup artist Nicola Johnson.
While this trend can feel intimidating, she says it’s incredibly wearable when approached with the right preparation and placement.
We asked Nicola Johnson to share some application tips on how to embrace the halo lip with confidence.
Here’s her five-step guide:
1. Prep is non-negotiable
For drier or more lined lips, preparation is essential to bring this look to life. Start with a gentle lip scrub to smooth texture. I love the Pout Preserve Sugar Melt Lip Scrub from Ole Henriksen.
Follow with a hydrating lip balm like the SPF 15 balm from MAVALA to deeply nourish the lips. Lightly blot before applying colour so the lips remain hydrated without slipping.
2. Choose soft definition, not contrast
To avoid a stark contrast or an overly “ombre” finish, opt for a universally flattering nude lip liner. The Artist Pencil range from Make Up For Ever offers shades for every skin tone. The shade ‘Anywhere Caffeine’ works well for so many skin tones.
Choose a colour just slightly deeper than your natural lip line that is enough to add depth without looking harsh.
Pro tip: Sharpen your pencil and use the edge rather than the tip for greater control and a softer, more diffused frame. Gently overline only at the cupid’s bow and the centre of the bottom lip. A subtle contrast is key. Use your finger to blur the liner edges.
Nicola’s picks: MAVALA Lip Balm; Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Sugar Melt Lip Scrub; Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine; By Terry Baume De Rose Lip Oil Serum in Crystal Rose; Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Penelope Pink
3. Build the halo with blended colour
Using a lip brush, apply a nude lipstick slightly deeper than your natural lip colour around the inner edges of the lips, leaving the centre clear. Nude tones work best for this technique.
Soften and blend with your fingertip or a clean, flat eyeshadow brush.
Next, apply a lighter shade to the centre of the lips and gently blend where the two colours meet. The Kissing range by Charlotte Tilbury is ideal, offering flattering and super hydrating nude tones across a wide range of skin tones.
4. Add lift with gloss in the centre
For fuller, more dimensional lips, apply a gloss or lip oil serum only to the centre of the lips. I love the new shiny Baume de Rose lip products from By Terry.
Choose clear or a shade that complements your lighter centre colour. This targeted shine enhances volume without migrating into fine lines.
5. Finish with a touch of highlighter
For an extra pouty pop, lightly tap a cream highlighter onto the cupid’s bow using your finger. I love the Day Glow Highlighting Balm from Merit for a natural, lit-from-within finish.
Finally, refine the edges with a small flat brush and a touch of concealer to clean up around the lips. This step subtly lifts the mouth area and keeps the overall look polished and modern. The By Terry Hyaluronic Serum concealer is perfect for this.
