Trust, ‘Movie Lips’ Are the Makeup Trend to Get Behind This Fall

There are lots of TikTok aesthetics and trends that fascinate us. The latest is called “Movie Lips” and it’s one many beauty enthusiasts (including this beauty writer) have been longing for. Unlike some more daring makeup looks, movie lips are all about creating natural pink lips inspired by Keira Knightley. After all, whether on screen or on the red carpet, the actress has never failed to deliver the perfect pout. 

- Advertisement -

Perfectly plump and with just the right amount of color, Knightley’s lips are the epitome of movie magic. With that in mind, it’s no surprise the movie lip trend has taken TikTok by storm. Despite being deep into seasonal moody lips, this lightly flushed look is topping our mood boards. Ahead, two makeup artists break down the trend and share tips for recreating the look at home.

Featured experts

What are movie lips?

TikTok has given us some bold lip trends this season, such as burgundy lips. But this trend is more or less the opposite. Instead of highly pigmented, movie lips offer a natural and effortless look. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg explains that the trend focuses on creating a soft, defined lip that evokes a just-kissed appearance. “They don’t necessarily have defined liner and instead lean into a blurred, diffused finish,” she says. 

However, tone and color are just one part of the trend. The perfect pout also needs to be plumped and plush. “With movie lips, the idea is to give your lips a plump and luscious appearance that’s also unfussy,” adds makeup artist Tamara Boyd.

How to achieve movie lips

Achieving movie lips begins with a good lip-care routine. “Start by exfoliating your lips so they’re smooth,” says Boyd. This simple step can also help stimulate blood flow and subtly plump the lips. After exfoliating, apply a moisturizing balm to hydrate and protect them before beginning your makeup routine. The key to recreating this look is keeping things simple. If you’re going the lip liner route, Boyd recommends using a lip liner that matches your natural lip color to enhance the shape rather than contour. “After lining, fill in your lips with a creamy lipstick to deepen the natural color,” she says.

For those opting for a more natural look, Greenberg says it’s ok to skip the liner and simply go in with your lipstick or a lip tint. “For the most natural appearance, you can blot the product in with your fingers to ensure it looks organic and lightly blushed,” she says.

Products for achieving movie lips

1 / 4

“This has a touch of dewy high shine to it for those not willing to part ways with a touch of gloss and has the consistency of a hydrating balm with the addition of vibrant, yet natural-looking color,” says Greenberg.

2 / 4

Despite the major color payoff this lippie has, Greenberg says it’s ideal for creating movie lips. “The formula is super lightweight and blends nicely for an effortless look.” Plus, the neutral shade range is fitting for delivering a natural effect.

3 / 4

Don’t let the shade name of this lipstick fool you. The color is a creamy, earth-toned mauve that’s a perfect natural hue for deeper complexions. For the full movie lip effect, Boyd recommends keeping the rest of your makeup subtle to balance the natural-looking lip.

4 / 4

This trend is all about embracing lived-in makeup. This creamy multistick is a good option for adding a light flush to your lips and cheeks. The formula melts into the lips but is also buildable in case you want to add more depth to your look.