Halo lips: lip pencil trends on TikTok in 2026

The lip pencil is emerging as one of the beauty topics gaining traction on social media in early September 2026. On TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, the “lip pencil” has seen a significant surge this week, as a softer, less defined contour takes center stage in tutorials.

The weekly report published on September 7 by Submarine.ai ranks the lip pencil among the top five beauty trends, with a staggering 3,504% increase in views compared to the previous week. The signal remains concentrated, with nine brand posts followed and approximately 176,300 views over seven days, but it aligns with a trend that has been developing since the beginning of the year.

The shift primarily relates to the technique of outlining the lips. The “halo lip,” popularized in the 2026 beauty predictions by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, moves away from sharply defined edges in favor of a slightly blurred contour. The line remains visible but blends inward to create a softer, less graphic mouth.

This resurgence of the lip pencil coincides with the return of frosted lips and brown or berry shades seen this year. The distinction lies in the finish. Instead of a stark contrast between the outline and the center of the lips, current versions aim for a smoother transition, often topped with a balm, gloss, or lipstick.

On darker skin tones, chocolate, plum, mahogany, or rose-brown pencils easily add depth without creating a harsh border. A shade close to the natural pigmentation of the lips yields a subtle result, while a darker hue enhances the definition.

The application requires minimal product. First, the natural contour is followed, then the product is lightly blended toward the center using a small brush or finger. The center can remain lighter or shinier, avoiding the effect of a stark line around the mouth.

In British Vogue, Katie Jane Hughes aptly describes this pursuit of softened edges rather than perfectly sculpted ones. Her tip is to blur the line after application, before adding the chosen texture to the center of the lips.