If you thought the “clean look” of 2024 and latte makeup reigned supreme, get ready for a fresh new obsession: Rom-Com Lips. This viral lip trend—sweeping TikTok, Instagram, and even runway shows—draws inspiration straight from the 1990s and 2000s romantic comedies starring Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, and Sandra Bullock. The goal? Lips that look as though they’ve been tinted by a surprise kiss or a flutter of emotion, perfectly in tune with that on-screen spontaneity.
The Romance Behind the Lips
Unlike the sharp, high-drama red lipstick or the barely-there nude shades of recent seasons, Rom-Com Lips aim for an unforced, lived-in blush. Picture the scene: your film heroine receives a bouquet, leans in for an accidental peck, and her lips glow with a natural flush. That fleeting, romantic instant is the blueprint for this makeup movement.
- It channels the effortless charm of 90s rom-com leading ladies.
- The finish is never overdrawn—edges soften into a gradual fade.
- Shades range from warm pinks to juicy peach and muted cherry tones.
This trend thrives on imperfection: a smudged lip liner here, a daub of color there, all captured in a quick selfie or candid video clip.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Rom-Com Lips
Surprisingly, you don’t need a Pro kit. Here’s how to master the look in five easy steps:
- Hydrate First: Apply a thick lip balm and allow it to sink in for a minute. A supple base ensures the color blends softly rather than stacking on dry lines.
- Outline with a Soft Lip Pencil: Choose a pencil just a shade deeper than your natural lip tone. Sketch a loose outline, focusing pigment on the outer edges.
- Smudge, Don’t Sharpen: Use a fingertip or a fluffy brush to gently blur the liner inward—no crisp borders allowed.
- Add Creamy Pigment: Dab a creamy lipstick or tinted balm onto the center of your lips in rose, peach, or light cherry. Pat with your finger to meld the hues together.
- Optional Blush Touch: For extra “just-kissed” effect, lightly tap a cream blush over your lips and onto the apples of your cheeks, syncing your complexion and lip color.
Finish with a sheer, glossy top coat for that marquee “wet lips” glow perfect for photos and short videos. And remember: the magic is in the soft overlaps, not the precision.
Why Rom-Com Lips Work for Everyone
Whether you’re new to makeup or a lipstick aficionado, this look adapts to all styles:
- Minimalist Mornings: A dab of tinted balm + smudged liner = instant freshness.
- Date-Night Glam: Layer a glossy finish and pair with subtle winged liner for a nod to vintage film chic.
- Office-Friendly: Keep the hue muted; the “kiss-flushed” look reads polished yet approachable.
This trend also pairs beautifully with the emerging “sunset blush” movement—warm apricot and coral cheek color echo the same romantic warmth, uniting your face in one cohesive palette.
Top Product Picks to Nail the Look
Every great trend needs stand-out products. Here are Daisy’s must-haves:
- Hydrating Lip Balm: opt for a rose-infused formula to add a hint of color and moisture.
- Neutral Lip Pencil: a warm nude liner that glides on creamy and smudge-friendly.
- Creamy Lipstick: look for buildable pigments in pink-peach or cherry-soft finishes.
- Multi-Use Cream Blush: a compact that doubles as a lip tint—budget-friendly and versatile.
- Clear Gloss: a lightweight, non-sticky option to seal in moisture and add that iconic sheen.
These basics ensure you’re camera-ready in seconds, no retouch needed.
Styling Your Rom-Com Make-Up for Any Occasion
Beyond just your lips, consider these styling tips:
- Soft Eye Shadows: dusty rose or champagne tones keep eyes gentle and romantic.
- Feathered Brows: a brushed-up brow adds to the natural, undone vibe.
- Effortless Hair: loose waves or a messy bun channel that on-screen heroine energy.
- Vintage Accessories: pearl studs or a thin velvet headband nod to a bygone era of romantic cinema.
Balance is key: let your lips do the “story-telling” while keeping the rest of your look harmonious and easy.
Embrace the Love Story of Your Own Lips
In 2025, beauty is all about narratives—your morning coffee, your first smile at someone special, the confidence you carry out the door. Rom-Com Lips invites you to script your own romance, one gentle kiss of color at a time. Try it for your next virtual date, girls’ brunch, or Instagram reel—and watch how a little smudge of color can ignite a whole new chapter of self-love and playful glamour.