Are you ready for concealer lips to make a come-back?

Ah, the cyclical nature of beauty trends. Much like fashion's penchant for reviving past styles, our makeup bags, too, seem to be experiencing a nostalgic déjà vu. Remember the early 2000s, when 'concealer lips' had us all resembling extras from a zombie apocalypse? Well, hold onto your lip liners because the 'new nudes' are making a comeback, but this time with a modern twist that even our past selves would envy.

Back in the day, achieving that coveted nude lip often meant reaching for our trusty concealer, resulting in a matte, one-dimensional look that, in hindsight, did our complexions no favours. Fast forward to 2025, and the beauty industry has wised up. Today's nudes are all about dimension, hydration, and, dare we say, personality. 

Swedish makeup artist and founder of LH Cosmetics, Linda Hallberg, observes, "We're seeing a renewed interest in super-light or cool-toned nude lips. It looks edgy and leaves more focus to the eyes, and I think we're a little bit tired of all the warm tones by now." Vilde Feste, Global Senior Artist at MAC, attributes this comeback to the resurgence of lip liners. "They are primarily used to add volume by defining the edges of the lips with a deeper shade, while a lighter lipstick in the centre creates an ombré effect," she says. "The concealer lip trend is returning, but unlike the early 2000s, when it was often just a pale lip blending into the skin, today's version includes lip liner to provide definition and balance."

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But how does one navigate the nuanced world of nudes without venturing into the dreaded ghostly territory? Bøg advises, "The key is to ensure the skin looks healthy and warm. Lots of skincare prep with moisturiser, bronzer, and highlighter to bring the skin to life, plus a little warmth around the eyes will keep that cold nude lip from looking ghostly." It's all about balance: enhancing the lips while ensuring the rest of the face complements the look.

The evolution isn't just in colour but in formulation as well. Gone are the days of dry, cakey finishes. Today's nude lip products boast hydrating, satin textures that feel as good as they look. Feste reflects on this transformation: "In the 2000s, we used concealer or foundation to create a nude lip, which often looked dry and unflattering – I used to wear MAC's Lip Erase back in the day, which would not work for me today." Hallberg adds, "I definitely think it's easier with our more updated formulas; we are able to smudge and blend more and be more playful with the shades today because of more flexible textures."  

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For those ready to embrace this revived trend, our experts offer some practical advice. Hallberg suggests a playful approach: "Try a darker lip liner with a lighter lipstick in the middle. If you don't want to go full-on cool-toned, you can add a warmer lipstick in the middle of the lip." Feste adds, "There are endless nude shades to choose from, so start by deciding on the finish. Matte for an editorial look, satin for a natural feel, or glossy for a fuller, plumper effect." Next, pick your ideal undertone (pink, peach, or beige) to suit your complexion. Bøg recommends a DIY method: "Start with your favourite neutral lipstick and mix it with a touch of concealer to cool the shade down and make it lighter. This will create that perfect pale nude. Apply it in the centre of the lips, then blend outward for a wearable, natural finish."

So, as we bid adieu to the overly warm tones of yesteryear, the "new nudes" invite us to explore a cooler, edgier palette. With improved formulations and a focus on individuality, this trend proves that sometimes, revisiting the past can lead to a more beautiful present.