Forget filler, there’s a new, TikTok-approved way to plump up your lips—no needles required. While Kylie Jenner originally helped to fuel the popularity of injectables, now her Gen-Z counterparts are making tactical use of make-up to make their lips perfectly pillowy in no time at all.
Dubbed “gym lips” by make-up artist Kerri Anne Sewell, the trend involves using a nude lip liner (in a shade that matches your own lips) to overline them, then finishing with a lip balm for a natural plumped look that can be worn anywhere. Spreading fast on the platform—the hashtag has had 7 million views to date—the technique makes lips appear juicier and fuller, without the need for any injectable intervention.
In fact, so popular is the trend that retailers are witnessing an uptick in sales of nude lip liners, as well as hydrating lip products. “Our lip treatment sales have increased by 49 per cent since last year,” says Georgia White, beauty buyer at John Lewis. “Dior’s Lip Glow Oil—a sheer, clear oil—is a true stand-out product to create the look, and sales have increased by 1,000 per cent in shade 000.”
Another popular lip hydrator at John Lewis is the Clarins Lip Oil. Meanwhile, Vieve’s Lip Dew is perfect for the look, but you can also make use of a simple, clear lip balm—anything that lends a subtle dewy sheen to lips.
Of course, the most essential part of the look is a great lip liner, and one in a shade that’s close to your natural lip tone. MAC has a great shade range (the brand’s classic Spice shade has been popular at John Lewis), Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk is cult for a reason, and Selena Gomez just dropped a new collection of Matte Lip Liners via her own make-up line, Rare Beauty.
Effortless and effective, gym lips are a great way to enhance your pout the natural way—a TikTok trend definitely worth trying.
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Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in 000 Universal Clear
$54, available at Dior Beauty Singapore
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Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk
$37, available at Sephora
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Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
$25, available at Sephora
This story originally appeared on British Vogue.
