OK, I know what you're thinking. 'Gym lips'?! What in the world is this so-called 'gym lips'? Why do we need gym lips? And how on earth can anyone achieve such gym lips? Ah, what the heck, one more time for good luck: GYM LIPS.
I can see it now – you're rolling your eyes and preparing for the next ridiculous TikTok trend to follow which will probably be something along the lines of a workout for your little finger. Well, I hate to burst your predetermined judgemental bubble (don't fret, I was the same), but gym lips has nothing to do with working out. That is, not directly, anyway.
The trend was started by TikTok user Kelli Anne Sewell who explains, "basically, [it's] an overlined lip that I wear to the gym that is really natural". She adds: "The key is to have a lip liner that is your colour".
It all makes sense now, right? Here is the exact lipliner Kelli uses:
Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lip Definer 1.05g (Various Shades)
So, if you're after a little somethin' somethin' to spice up your gym workout, why not add a bit of colour into your pout? Or if, like me, you prefer to workout with no makeup on, you can also just opt for a clear gloss or lip treatment.
Even Kim Kardashian's recent Instagram post perfect fits into her rocking the 'gym lips' trend with the perfect nude-coloured lip look. Although, instead of at the gym, Kim is sporting her overlined lip look on the beach, so, perhaps we can call hers 'beach lips'? Just swipe to the eighth picture:
But also, who said this look had to be worn exclusively at the gym? I think I'll rock this look perfectly working out. Working out what to buy down at my local Tesco, that is.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
