Dforget lip pencils with a line that is too marked and artificial. Today, they return as protagonists with a new elegancewith more natural textures and a wide range of shades capable of adapting to every color of labial mucosa and makeup, up to transparent versions with an imperceptible effect. Lip pencils are experiencing a true golden age, as demonstrated by the increase in online searches and sales, but also the latest close-ups from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival: from Bella Hadid to Georgina Rodriguez, passing through Carla Bruni and Barbara Palvin, there is no celeb who doesn’t wear it, in a more or less marked way, but protagonist. More versatile and contemporary than ever.
Lip pencils, must haves. From the day to the Cannes red carpet
From the excesses of the past to a decidedly more sophisticated approach, the “beauty reputation” of lip pencils has changed radically. Today they are considered almost new and indispensable for define the contour of the lips, enhance their shape and make make up last longer. But where does this return come from?
It was what made them go viral on social media Kylie Jenner, who made it the heart of her famous “lip kit” business in 2015. The debut also marked the beginning of the brand that would later become Kylie Cosmetics in 2016. From that moment, their return to the beauty scene was very rapid. The numbers also confirm its success. According to the analytics platform Spatein 2025 searches dedicated to lip pencils reached 16.5 million, and in the first months of 2026 they saw a further increase of 38%.
Lip pencil, protagonist on the lips of Barbara Palvin, Bella Hadid, Georgina Rodriguez (Getty Images)
At first, the relaunch concerned especially pencils in shades of brown, perfect for creating a delicate contouring effect and giving greater definition to the lips. Soon, however, the trend has expanded to involve an infinite number of nuances, from the most delicate nudes to the most intense colours. In Cannesfor example, are on everyone’s lips, in various nuances that explore the range of nudes, for “natural effect” but hyper-defined mouths. Bella Hadid and Georgina Rodriguez they teach.
Protagonists even without lipstick
Versatile and simple to use, today lip pencils can even replace lipstick: just apply them along the contour, blend them slightly inwards with a brush and complete the look with a lip balm to obtain a natural and sophisticated effect.
Lip pencil or lip stain?
Perfect for summer, the lip stains are products that are closer to liquid lipsticks, than traditional lip pencils. Their strength lies above all in the formula: light and watery textures that blend with the lipsreleasing the color evenly and long-lasting.
The result is a natural but extremely resistant effectcapable to last for hours without smudging nor leave any traces. What further distinguishes them from classic pencils is also the intensity of the coloroften more vibrant and persistent even than that of a traditional lipstick.
The peel off versions
They also exist peel-off versions, literally, to be left on and then removed. After application, they are left to dry for a few minutes and then the surface layer is delicately removed. They leave a veil of uniform color on the lips with a semi-transparent and natural effect, even more long-lasting.
Application methods vary depending on the formula and the desired result. Some lip stains can be blended with the fingers for a softer and more natural finish, while the vversions equipped with a brush allow you to obtain greater precision, brilliance and color intensity.
Fundamental choose the right shade: the pink range is suitable to skin from pink and cold undertone, while beige and brown are ideal for warm undertones. And the blues? I am pH reagents, therefore, offer surprises, revealing themselves only after application.
