Spotted on Emma Stone, Lily-Rose Depp, Zoe Kravitz and Mia Goth, this particular lip look is quickly taking the beauty world by storm. The increasingly popular technique of a blurred “Cupid's arch” is now called the Nina Park lip, after celebrity makeup artist Nina Park, the trend's main ambassador.
What is Nina Park lip?
A blurred “Cupid's arch” (the hollow above the upper lip) softens and slightly rounds the contour of the lips. It has become Nina Park's calling card and her signature technique for red carpets.
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Where did this trend come from?
Like many current beauty ideas, the Nina Park lip is another nod to the 1990s. Along with a contrasting Naomi Campbell-style lip liner (chocolate contour with transparent shine) and the most natural eyebrows. Interest in this look has increased dramatically after the 2025 Oscars. It was Nina Park who created Lily-Rose Depp's makeup for the ceremony and it was described at the time as “modern with a graphic accent”, where the key element was a blurred upper lip line.
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Since then, beauty enthusiasts have been actively recreating this method. Rhode founder Hailey Bieber launched a collection of lip pencils with peptides last year – for hydration and the effect of natural volume. She is also a fan of a blurred contour: first outlines the corners of the lips, then passes several times along the Cupid's arch. To soften, Bieber uses a silicone shaper, carefully blending the pencil.
@ninapark The perfect lip combo on Lily-Rose. Le Crayon Lèvres in Nude Brun, Brun Foncé Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue in Merry Rose Rouge Coco Baume Shine in Blushing Pink @chanel.beauty #welovecoco original sound – Nina Park
Content creator Sumi Mrkulic believes Nina Park's signature technique has made red carpet makeup much more accessible. “It focuses on a clean, sophisticated look, but also creates a sense of inner glow, which is what you should be aiming for in makeup,” she says. “Blurred lips are easy to replicate and comfortable to wear.” Plus, Park often lists the specific products she uses on her Instagram, so it's easy to recreate the look at home.
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How is Nina Park lip different from halo lips?
The halo lips trend will also remain relevant in 2026. Unlike the blurred Cupid's bow, the emphasis here is on the almost complete absence of a clear contour. The product is applied to the center of the lips and gradually blended outwards, creating a plump, “cushioned” effect.
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Why is lip liner worth adding to your makeup bag?
According to British makeup artist Celia Burton, knowing how to use lip liner is a surefire way to look put-together. “Even if your makeup has worn off a bit during the day, a refreshed lip contour instantly refreshes your look and adds a lifting effect,” she notes.
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For fans of minimalist makeup, celebrity makeup artist and founder of her own beauty brand Mary Phillips advises blurring the contour. “The result is a natural and relaxed look. It's as if there's almost no makeup, but the lips are accentuated,” she explains. “These days, lips are the main focus of makeup, and even when I'm no-makeup, I always have a lip liner with me.”
“The Cupid's bow actually sets the shape of your lips,” Burton adds. “The way you draw the V determines whether your lips will have a fuller or a more playful, perky look.” She recommends starting with the Cupid's bow and the center of your bottom lip. This makes it easier to carefully follow the contour.
How to replicate a blurry Cupid's arch
“I start by contouring my lips with a cream product,” shares Phillips. “Then I choose a pencil that is as close to my natural lip color as possible and blend it in with a small brush so there are no harsh lines. Sometimes I also go over the Cupid's bow and the corners of my lips with a cooler shade. Finally, I apply lipstick and lightly blend it in with my fingers.”
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For Burton, a gel-like texture is ideal, “because it lasts better.” “A good lip balm is also important. It shouldn't be too runny so it doesn't 'eat' the contour,” she says. Among her favorites are Glossier's lip liner and gloss: “It's so thick and sticky that it literally sets the makeup.”
Based on material from: Vogue.co.uk