How To Recreate The TikTok ‘Gym Lips’ Trend

There is a new beauty trend that’s taking over TikTok and the internet, and it’s not the “off-duty model” aesthetic, the ’60s mod makeup revival, or even the new “marinated makeup” look. The trend is called “gym lips,” and it has become quite popular on beauty TikTok. The term “gym lips” is coined because the look is natural and comfortable to wear, making it perfect for a workout. The trend originated from a video by a New York City-based makeup artist who shared her favorite hack for achieving natural-looking lips. The video quickly went viral and has spawned a TikTok hashtag with over one million views to date.

Makeup artist and beauty trend forecaster Giselle from The Beaute Post on TikTok predicted in June that the “new natural” trend would become the new standard by next year. This trend involves enhancing your natural beauty rather than opting for more surgical or augmented looks. According to Giselle, the focus on hydration and skincare will take precedence over aesthetics for aesthetics’ sake. The internet is currently going crazy over “gym lips.” But what are they exactly, and how can you try this trend at home? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at gym lips and provide you with tips on how to achieve this trend.

What are gym lips?

With a name like gym lips, you might be worried that this latest beauty trend involves injectables or a trip to the MedSpa. But in fact, the appeal of this luscious look lies in how easy it is to achieve a naturally enhanced look with no fuss. So, what exactly are gym lips? “It’s an overlined lip that I wear to the natural gym. And the key to a perfect gym lip is to have a lip liner that’s your exact lip color,” explains New York City-based makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, the beauty expert and content creator who first coined the term on TikTok.

The trend of natural-looking makeup has become extremely popular lately, mainly due to its quick application process and the fact that it can be easily replicated by anyone. As per Sewell, a famous makeup artist, this trend has become so successful because you don’t need to buy a lot of makeup products or break the bank to get a sold-out item. Instead, it’s all about finding the perfect lip color that suits you the best. According to Sewell, it’s fun to find your perfect gym-lip combo, and the goal is to make it look as natural as possible by picking a lip liner that blends in with your lips. This makes you feel fancy and elevated and adds to the fun element of the makeup game.

What makes gym lips so popular?

It’s no secret that the current beauty trend cycle is headed toward a more unified and clean aesthetic. As celebrity makeup artist Erin Ayanian Monroe pointed out to Byrdie, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Keke Palmer, and even your favorite beauty influencers are embracing the “no make-up” make-up look these days. “The minimalistic look will be here to stay,” makeup artist Alexx Mayo tells Vogue. “It’s quick, easy, and great when you just want to look like you and get a boost of confidence.”

And as the creator of the gym lips trend herself has explained, the ease with which others can replicate her trend on their part of what helped it gain massive exposure. “Everyone has these products at home, and it’s just about picking a lip liner that is similar to your lip color — not something darker, not something lighter — just similar to your lip color, and then a lip mask,” Kelli Anne Sewell explained on TikTok. Indeed, from the rise of Jones Road’s What the Foundation earlier this year to skin scents taking over the perfume world, it looks like natural aesthetics are the future of beauty (via HypeBae).

Easy gym lips makeup tutorial

You only need two products to create your own at–home gym lips make-up look. First, you’ll want to find a long-wear lip liner that matches your lip color. You’ll also need a nourishing lip balm or gloss to finish the look. For example, Smith’s Rosebud Salve gives a glossy sheen that lasts throughout the day. At the same time, Kelli Anne Sewell recently told StyleCaster that she uses Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm to achieve her perfect gym lip look. Before you begin, you’ll want to prep your lips with a lip scrub to prep them for this look and enhance their natural, rosy, and plump look.

Once you have your products, you’ll start by slightly overlining your lips with your chosen lip liner and then fill them in with that same color. Remember, you’re going for a slightly enhanced look, so focus on the details. What’s more, makeup artist Ash Holm tells Cosmopolitan that it’s best to stick to a matte neutral shade when overlining your lips to help keep the lines looking smooth and natural. Of course, you’ll want to seal in the color with a hydrating lip balm or tinted gloss. This top coat and additional sheen create the plump and enhanced look that gym lips are known for. And voila! You have an effortless and ethereal makeup look that you can use to emphasize your pout and wear for any occasion.