Hello Gorgeous,
As we head into 2026, lips are firmly back in focus. Lip care is no longer just a finishing touch — it now blends skincare, makeup and lifestyle in exciting new ways. Our founder, Pauline Paterson, has shared the five lip care trends set to shape the year ahead.
Skinwear: Where Skincare Meets Makeup
“Consumers are far more conscious of what they are putting on their lips now. We are seeing a real shift away from formulas that simply look good towards products that genuinely care for the lips. Lip peptide treatments, barrier-repair balms and hybrid balm-tints are becoming everyday essentials because they combine skincare benefits with makeup performance. In 2026, lip products have to work harder. Hydration, protection and repair are no longer optional; they are expected.”
Tech Meets Beauty
“Technology is playing a much bigger role in beauty and lip care, from AI-driven recommendations to smarter, more personalised routines. But innovation alone is not enough. Consumers want transparency and sustainability alongside tech. Eco-friendly packaging, refillable formats and responsibly sourced ingredients are now part of the decision-making process. The brands that will win in 2026 are the ones that balance innovation with integrity.”
The New Matte: Blurred, Soft-Focus Lips
“Matte lips are back, but this time they feel completely different. The heavy, drying matte looks of the past have been replaced by soft-focus, blurred finishes that are comfortable and wearable. Matte and blurred lips are essentially the same trend now. It is about diffused edges, balm-to-powder textures and formulas that allow natural lip texture to show through. After years of glossy, high-shine finishes, consumers are craving something more airbrushed yet believable. Matte in 2026 is about softness, confidence and realism.”
Maximalism and Multi-Use Makeup
“There is definitely a playful energy coming back into beauty. We are seeing more shimmer, more colour and more multi-use products that work across lips, cheeks and eyes. These formulas allow people to experiment without overthinking it. Makeup feels joyful again, and lip products are a big part of that shift because they are easy, expressive and fun to use. At Dr.PAWPAW, our lip tints are perfect for this - whether you want a soft pop with Peach Pink or a bold statement with Ultimate Red, they’re versatile, buildable and designed to add colour wherever you want it.”
Makeup as an Accessory
“Lip care is no longer something you hide at the bottom of your bag. Products are being designed to be seen, worn and shown off. Bag charms, key rings and belt-loop lip products started gaining momentum in 2025 and they are only getting bigger. Consumers want lip care that fits into their lifestyle and their personal style. It needs to be accessible, functional and fashionable all at once.”
Looking Ahead
“In 2026, lip care is about more than just how it looks. It is about how it feels, how it performs and how it aligns with people’s values. Consumers want thoughtful, multifunctional products that make them feel confident and comfortable every day. Lip care has become a statement, and that is incredibly exciting. We’re so thrilled about what’s to come in 2026 at Dr.PAWPAW and we have some brand-new, on-trend products that we can’t wait to share with everyone.”
