Photo credit: www.bustle.com
In the ever-evolving landscape of lip trends, you typically see two primary styles: a glossy sheen or a matte finish. However, gaining traction this season is a third style—the “bitten lip” look, which has a refreshing, playful feel.
Makeup aesthetics have embraced a more relaxed and carefree approach, moving away from the polished looks often associated with the #CleanGirl aesthetic. Instead, this trend showcases a more carefree charm reminiscent of lips that have just been kissed, contributing to the larger ‘undone beauty’ movement.
As summer approaches, beauty enthusiasts are not only leaning into a laid-back style but are also favoring natural lip colors. A flush that mimics the tint one gets from a romantic encounter adds a chic touch, especially when paired with a fuller, subtly bitten-looking lip. This effect resembles the fresh allure of romantic moments spent together.
Embracing the “Bitten Lips” Aesthetic
The trend of undone beauty celebrates small flaws and a lived-in look. Rather than presenting an immaculate facade suitable for a yoga class, this style conveys an image as if you’ve been out exploring all day or enjoying a late-night adventure. It injects individuality into your look, and when combined with romantic elements like bitten lips, it creates a sense of intrigue.
Celebrity makeup artist Kat Guevara describes the bitten lips trend as a soft and romantic summer vibe, capturing a natural hue reminiscent of a berry-stained pout or the look after lightly nibbling on your lips, all without any discomfort. This style provides a hint of color while retaining authenticity, making it a perfect seasonal transition look.
Typically, shades used in this trend include soft pinks, rosy reds, or berry tones, which enhance the natural lip’s allure. The desired effect is to resemble someone who has spent their day lost in thought or enjoying a glass of wine, with vibrant lips hinting at a recent kiss, echoing the moments depicted in classic romantic films.
“It fits seamlessly into the soft glam trend, drawing inspiration from K-beauty and coquette styles,” Guevara notes. “The essence is effortless, delicate, and dream-like.”
How to Achieve the Look
There are various interpretations of the bitten lip style, from a soft ombré effect with a darker inner lip to a more uniform application of deep colors. Its adaptability makes this trend appealing; achieving it requires only a gentle touch of color and a bit of smudging.
The look has become particularly popular, evident on runways like New York Fashion Week. This lip style may draw from the French aesthetic of “bouche mordue,” or just-bitten lips, while incorporating elements of the indie-inspired undone beauty vibe. The outcome is a beautiful, doll-like quality that retains a raw edge.
To recreate this look, Guevara recommends starting with a hydrating lip mask to ensure smoothness during application. Next, apply a creamy lipstick or balm atop a lip tint or blurred liner for a layered effect. For those preferring a glossier finish, adding a touch of gloss to the center of the lips and blending it out with a fingertip or brush can create the desired K-beauty gradient.
Source
www.bustle.com