Getty / Pascal Le Segretain
In the ever-evolving world of beauty, it seems that there is always a new trend to keep up with. Recently, there has been a surge in the popularity of “weird lipstick” – shades that go beyond the traditional pinks and reds. These new, unconventional colors range from black to blue to even green. At first glance, these shades may seem intimidating or bizarre. However, beauty industry insiders are predicting this weird lipstick could be the next big thing.
The era of conventional reds and pinks is fast becoming overthrown by a rebellion of lipsticks that redefine the very idea of “boldness” while shifting towards a more inclusive and expressive notion of beauty. The truth is that we are not even prepared to pucker up for the dazzling spectacle as weird lipstick colors seize the lip scene with unapologetic audacity, challenging the status quo of conventional beauty.
Lipstick has always been a go-to cosmetic for enhancing the lips and adding a splash of color to the face. However, with the passage of time, the beauty industry has witnessed a growing desire for more distinctive and non-traditional shades. This demand has given rise to the emergence and popularity of audacious and unique lipstick colors that venture beyond the boundaries of the typical color spectrum.
These audacious hues, bolder than a daredevil leaping off a cliff, are an embrace of the eccentric and the unexpected, all while whispering beauty secrets only known to the truly adventurous.
In a nod to this daring lipstick trend, Stephanie Hsu sported a striking look with glossy nearly-black lips at the 2023 Met Gala. Similarly, models at the Christopher John Rogers Resort 2024 show showcased black lip liner and bluish-black patent lips. Various runway shows, including Rodarte, Adeam, and Kim Shui Fall 2023, featured models flaunting expressive variations of black and blue lipstick. Celebrities like Doja Cat and Rita Ora embraced blue lipstick, while Gigi Hadid opted for a slate gray shade at last year’s CFDA awards.
Versace Spring/Summer 2023
Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, has played a significant role in popularizing these weird lip colors beyond the red carpet, empowering beauty creatives in propelling weird lip colors into the limelight with millions of views and engagements which only indicate a large interest in the value of these unconventional shades. Makeup artist Aoife Cullen has captivated millions with her TikTok series, fearlessly exploring the world of “weird lip combos.” Since 2022, Aoife has unleashed her creativity by experimenting with unconventional elements such as silver eye shadow, yellow liquid shadow, and even gray eyeliner to breathe life into her lip looks. Fueled by a passion for the unusual and a desire to challenge societal norms, Aoife’s journey reflects a longing for more excitement in the world of makeup. In a realm where lips often find themselves playing a supporting role, she found herself yearning for something more.
The introduction of black and blue lipsticks can be traced back to the early days of Hollywood and the unique demands of black-and-white movies. In those times, dark-colored lipsticks were favored over red ones as they appeared more visually striking on camera. This unconventional choice found its roots in the practicality of enhancing facial features under specific filming conditions. Over time, the influence of subcultures like punk and grunge in the 1980s and 1990s further propelled the popularity of dark lip colors. These nonconformist movements embraced edgier aesthetics, and black and blue lipsticks became a means of self-expression and rebellion against traditional beauty norms.
Annakiki Spring/Summer 2023
In the mid-2010s, indie brands like the Lip Bar and Lime Crime showcased vibrant shades of orange, green and blue, and this trend is already making a resurgence in 2023. The “weird girl aesthetic” trend, influenced by an eclectic fusion of Kawaii culture and DIY creativity, has also contributed to the popularity of unconventional lip colors like blue, green, and black. Additionally, makeup trends inspired by the enduring influence of Y2K fashion pay homage to vintage aesthetics, such as combining dark lip liners with light lip-gloss shades. In Mugler’s fall 2023 show, they showcased the bold and black lip liner style, which was popularized by Black and Latina women in the 1990s.
What once served a practical purpose in the world of cinema had transformed into a fashion statement, symbolizing individuality and a departure from mainstream beauty standards. The allure of black and blue lipsticks lies in their ability to convey a sense of mystery, uniqueness, and a touch of avant-garde. Today, these once-unconventional lip colors have permeated the mainstream, transcending the boundaries of subculture and finding their place on runways, red carpets, and in everyday makeup routines.
One thing is obvious though — those who embrace this weird lipstick color look are not solely seeking to make a random beauty statement; they are also embracing an alternative idea of beauty that defies established norms. For decades, beauty has been defined by specific aesthetics. Yet, we now find ourselves in one of the most intriguing times where self-expression and makeup as an ‘art’, reigns supreme.
