✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
The girlies are gonna love this: forget the “clean girl” aesthetic—because 2026’s biggest beauty move is smudging your lipstick. Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2026 show dropped the mic on this trend, and it…
The girlies are gonna love this: forget the “clean girl” aesthetic—because 2026’s biggest beauty move is smudging your lipstick. Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2026 show dropped the mic on this trend, and it’s basically the ultimate flex for anyone who’s ever tried to look “put together” but still wants to feel like a human being. Instead of flawless, razor-sharp lips, models rocked a smudgy, artful red that looked like they’d just finished a late-night pizza run and forgot to touch up. Makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver for Byredo called it a “character and narrative”—like the girl who starts her day ready but somehow ends up in a hair flip and a half-eaten bagel.
The look was all about contrast: bold lips, bare skin, and a vibe that screamed “I woke up like this.” De Kluyver smeared Byredo Red Coma along the top lip and the bottom lip’s opposite side, creating a messy, almost rebellious effect. Hairstylist Holli Smith took it a step further with low ponytails loosely brushed back, tied with black rubber hair ties. The whole thing felt like a lazy Sunday brunch but with a runway twist. Skin was kept minimal, save for a glow-up from Furtuna’s Biphase Moisturizing Oil, which gave models that “fresh, morning skin” look—like they’d just stepped out of a skincare routine and into a photoshoot.
The key? Less is more. Models wore short nails in neutral shades like JINSoon Sea Clay and Chillin, keeping the rest of the look subdued so the smudged lips could steal the show. It’s not just a makeup trend—it’s a statement. Rachel Scott, Proenza’s creative director, called the Proenza woman “composed, yet mysterious and cinematic.” Basically, she’s the type of girl who’d rather look like she’s halfway through her day than fully polished.
So here’s the deal: smudging your lipstick isn’t about being lazy—it’s about embracing imperfection as a form of self-expression. If you’re tired of chasing that “clean girl” look, this is your sign to go wild. But hey, what’s your go-to smudge hack? Drop it below!
❓ People Also Ask
How to smudge lipstick properly?
Use a damp sponge or finger to blend the edges. Start with a small amount of product, then gently smudge for a natural, worn look. Avoid overdoing it to maintain definition.
Is smudging lipstick damaging?
Smudging isn’t harmful if done gently. It can fade the color slightly, but doesn’t damage lips. Use a lip balm beforehand to prevent dryness and ensure smoother blending.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇