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The 90s lip liner and gloss look came roaring back in 2025, but by the time we step into 2026 it has grown up. The harsh chocolate outline and glass-clear gloss have softened into something far more wearable. Think feathered edges, creamy textures, and tones that blend seamlessly into your natural lip colour rather than sitting on top of it.

This new version is still rooted in nostalgia, but it is no longer about drawing a bold line and calling it a day. It is about creating shape and fullness in a way that looks modern, effortless, and flattering across skin tones.

A Quick History of the 90s Lip Liner Look

If you were around in the original era, you will remember exactly how it went. Dark brown or plum liner, often two shades deeper than the lipstick, paired with a nude or barely-there gloss. Supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss made it iconic. It was bold, sultry, and unapologetically defined.

Back then, the line was meant to be seen. Precision mattered. You wanted a crisp outline that clearly separated the liner from the lip colour. It was high contrast and a little rebellious, especially after the softer makeup trends of the late 80s.

Fast forward to 2025 and the look came back in full force. But in 2026, we are evolving it into something more blended and forgiving.

What Changes in 2026

The biggest shift is texture and blending.

Instead of a sharp, obvious outline, the liner is softly diffused into the lip. And instead of a clear, almost wet gloss, the finish is creamy, balmy, and hydrating. It still catches the light, but it looks like part of your lip rather than a shiny top coat.

The goal now is dimension, not contrast. Your lips should look fuller, smoother, and naturally enhanced, not like they have been drawn on with a ruler.

Our Go-To Shade for Almost Everyone

One of our absolute favourites for this look is Bobbi Brown Rum Raisin. It is one of those rare shades that works beautifully across nearly all skin tones. It has enough depth to define the lips without looking heavy, and enough warmth to avoid going grey or muddy.

Whether you are fair, medium, olive, or deep, Rum Raisin gives you that perfect “my lips but better” base that makes the softer 2026 liner style easy to achieve.

How to Create the Softer 2026 Lip Liner Look

This is not about perfection, it is about blending.

Step 1. Prep your lips
Start with smooth, hydrated lips. A quick exfoliation with a soft cloth, followed by a balm for a few minutes, makes all the difference.

Step 2. Line, but do not overthink it
Choose a liner one shade deeper than your natural lip colour or your lipstick. Trace your natural lip shape, staying close to the line rather than dramatically overlining.

Step 3. Feather the edges
Before the liner sets, use a small lip brush or even your fingertip to gently smudge the liner inward. You want the outer edge to stay defined, but the inner edge to blur into your lips.

Step 4. Add your lipstick
Apply something creamy and hydrating. This is where Bobbi Brown Rum Raisin shines. Tap it into the centre of the lips and blend outward so it meets the softened liner.

Step 5. Finish with a creamy gloss
Instead of a clear, glassy gloss, choose a balm-like gloss with a hint of pigment. Dab it onto the centre of the lips and lightly press your lips together. This gives fullness without slipping all over the liner.

Why This Version Works So Well

The 2026 update keeps the soul of the 90s look but removes the harshness. It flatters fine lines, it feels more wearable for everyday life, and it suits everything from fresh daytime makeup to a full evening look.

It is nostalgic without feeling like costume makeup. And best of all, it lets your natural lip shape and skin tone shine through. If you loved the original 90s liner trend or discovered it during its 2025 comeback, this softer, creamier take is the one you will want to keep wearing well into 2026.