Celebrity Lip Looks That Broke the Internet in 2025

The Year the Lips Took Over: A 2025 Retrospective

As we look back at the fashion and beauty landscape of 2025 from our vantage point in 2026, one thing is undeniably clear: it was the year of the "Statement Lip." While the early 2020s were largely dominated by "clean girl" minimalism, soap brows, and eye-focused makeup (a byproduct of the mask-wearing era), 2025 saw celebrities embracing the power of the mouth once again. We moved from "no-makeup makeup" into an era of bold, intentional, and often experimental lip looks.

From viral award show appearances that were screenshotted millions of times to paparazzi shots that launched a thousand "get the look" TikTok tutorials, these moments defined the trends we are still wearing today. At POUT, our Trending Shades data went through the roof every time one of these stars stepped out. Whether it was a return to 90s nostalgia or a leap into futuristic finishes, the "internet-breaking" lip became the ultimate celebrity accessory.

In this retrospective, we’ll dive into the three specific celebrity lip looks that shifted the culture in 2025 and show you how to adapt them for your own life in 2026.

1. The 'Invisible Liner' at the Met Gala: Soft Focus Glamour

The biggest shock of the 2025 Met Gala wasn't a three-story train or a motorized dress; for beauty enthusiasts, it was the radical lack of visible lip liner on some of the world's most famous faces. Moving away from the heavily "contoured" and overlined lip that had reigned supreme since 2016, stars like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner opted for a soft-focus, almost "erased" lip edge.

This look was achieved by using a lip-toned concealer or foundation to blur the outer perimeter of the mouth, then filling the center with a sheer, nude balm or a weightless "lip blur." It looked ethereal, modern, and slightly alien. It was the antithesis of the "perfection" we’ve come to expect from the red carpet.

This single event launched the "Blurred Lip" movement that is currently the #1 trend in 2026. To recreate this at home, you don't need a professional glam squad. You just need a light-coverage concealer and a sheer, matte lipstick like Glossier Generation G or MAC Powder Kiss. By tapping the pigment into the center and blurring it out, you can achieve that same "invisible" elegance that dominated the Met steps.

2. The 'Deep Espresso' Comeback: Zendaya's Power Move

When Zendaya appeared at a premiere in late 2025 wearing a dark, high-shine espresso lip, the internet practically came to a standstill. It was a masterclass in how to do 90s nostalgia without it looking like a costume. Unlike the flat, chalky mattes of the past, Zendaya's espresso lip was rich, dimensional, and incredibly glossy.

Within 24 hours of her appearance, "dark brown glossy lipstick" became the most searched term on our site. It proved that deep colors aren't just for "moody" aesthetics—they can be incredibly luxurious and sophisticated. Recreating this look involves a cool-toned brown liner (like MAC Chestnut) and a tinted lip oil or a high-shine lipstick in a chocolate shade.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get the Zendaya look, our Dupe Finder has a curated list of the best "espresso" oils from brands like NYX and Milani that deliver that same high-end finish for under $10. The key is the shine—without it, the color can look flat; with it, it looks like liquid gold.

3. The 'Neon Cherry' Revival: Rihanna's Vibrant Return

Music and fashion icon Rihanna has always been the queen of the red lip, but her appearance at a 2025 launch event took things to a new level. She debuted a "Neon Cherry" red—a shade so bright and blue-toned that it almost looked fluorescent under the camera flashes. It was a bold departure from the "classic Hollywood red" and felt fresh, youthful, and unapologetic.

This look was all about matte texture and maximum pigment. It reminded the beauty community that makeup is supposed to be fun, loud, and a form of self-expression. It sparked a massive resurgence in bright reds that has evolved into the "Cherry Red" obsession of 2026.

To pull off a neon cherry, you need a formula that won't budge. Liquid lipsticks like Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in 'Uncensored' or Haus Labs Atomic Shake Longwear Lip Color are the go-to for this level of vibrancy. It’s a look that says you’re here to be seen.

How to Wear Celebrity Trends in 2026

The secret to pulling off a "viral" celebrity lip look is customization. A shade that looks amazing on a star under professional lighting and a team of retouchers might need a slight adjustment for your everyday life. The goal isn't to look exactly like them; it's to take the vibe of the trend and make it work for your unique features.

Maybe you love the color of the espresso lip but prefer a sheerer finish for work. Or maybe you love the Met Gala blur but need a bit more color to avoid looking washed out in your office's fluorescent lighting. By using tools like our Shade Matcher, you can take a screenshot of your favorite celebrity look and find the exact products (and their more wearable alternatives) in seconds.

Ready to find your perfect shade? Skip the guesswork — try POUT's free Shade Matcher and discover your match in seconds.