Here’s How to Create the Viral ‘Cherry Cola Lips’ Trend All Over Your TikTok Feed
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Another day, another viral TikTok beauty trend to unpack.
If we haven’t met already, I’m Jas (hi!), Adore’s Beauty Editor and self-appointed TikTok correspondent.
One of the privileges of being on the cusp of millennial and Gen Z (beyond the obvious fence sitting), is being able to dip in and out of the For You Page zeitgeist to bring you the very best of beauty, minus the fluff.
Last week I invited you inside my bathroom to share the 500 thousand products I use during my weekly #EverythingShower.
Earlier, we dived into #Mermaidcore (pun intended), recreating Hailey Bieber’s dreamy, iridescent beat using just one eyeshadow palette.
And now, the spotlight's on 'Cherry Cola Lips'.
Since entering the mainstay in April, #CherryColaLips has gained momentum with 186 million video mentions and counting.
While it may sound intimidating, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
The TikTok lip trend pays homage to the classic ‘90s look made famous by Naomi Campbell that pairs a rich, dark brown liner with a bold, juicy red lip.
One of the best things about Cherry Cola Lips is that it’s all about high impact with minimal effort – just what our beauty regimens ordered.
Without further ado, let's dive into how to master the Cherry Cola Lips trend.
1. Prep the Pout.
Before we apply any products we want to start with a clean, moisturised base.
You can use a lip scrub/exfoliator if you like, otherwise, wipe off any concealer or foundation residue on your lips and follow with a balm or primer.
I have particularly dry lips so I like to apply the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 20g and let it sink in for a few minutes.
2. Line the Lips.
Depending on your skin tone and the look you want to achieve, you can opt for either a brown, burgundy or nude lip liner. The latter offers a more toned-down take if a big, bold lip isn’t your thing.
In my case, I chose the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner in 'Malt', a rich chocolate brown that glides like a dream and complements my fair skin.
Working inward, apply your liner to the edges of your lips.
I like to use the Makeup By Mario ‘Lift Lip’ technique which overlines the upper and bottom lip lines, focusing on the Cupid’s Bow for a fuller appearance (like filler, only free!).
Here's what the technique looks life IRL!
@makeupbymario My liplift technique went viral! Here’s how I do it #mariosLipLift #makeupbymario #lipliftbymario ♬ Lovin It Good-JP - Bold Eagle
Using a finger, gently pat the liner in to soften any harsh lines.
3. Stain the Inner Section.
Next, we’re going to add a lip stain to give us that just-bitten look à la Twilight.
Any red-hued lip stain, balm or liquid lipstick works – the key is blendability.
I went for the Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint, a rosy stain with an easy doe-foot applicator that adds a natural flush.
Apply it to the inner section of your upper and lower lips and let it set for a moment. Then, using a brush or your finger, gently pat to blend the stain into the liner for a diffused effect.
4. Blend It Out.
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together.
For an amplified pout, deepen the outer corners of your lips with your liner, building depth and creating an ombre effect.
I then went in with the Clinique Almost Lipstick - Black Honey , a sheer lip balm/gloss hybrid that shape-shifts depending on the wearer for the ultimate your-lips-but-better look.
A coat all over the lips marries all the elements, creating cohesion and a subtle shine.
Lastly, using a precision concealer brush, I cleaned up the edges of my lower and upper lips so the liner looks crisp and topped it off with my trusty Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Watermelon 10g – the pièce de résistance of big, juicy vampire lips.
If you want to take it up a notch, sub Lanolips for a clear or brown plumping gloss like the Maybelline Lifter Gloss - Hydrating Lip Gloss.
More of a visual learner? Here's a little video tutorial I prepared earlier...
Final Thoughts.
Amid the sea of TikTok trends, Cherry Cola Lips stands out as a chic yet achievable way to reimagine the classic red lip.
And as for what the algorithm has in store next? Your guess is as good as mine.
Keen to try your hand at more makeup looks? Here are some to check out next:
