Get Ready for the Glitter: Disco Lips Make a Glamorous Comeback!

Time of India

19-05-2025

We have had enough of matte lips! It is time to shine, shimmer and go all out yet again because
are making a comeback. Makeup experts credit people's craving for texture, dimension, and fun for the comeback of this trend.
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While there are multiple reasons for their resurgence, one thing is for sure – they are here to ensure lips serve as a main character energy once again.
WHAT ARE DISCO LIPS
Disco lips are an ultra-glam lip look. Rahil Sayed, a makeup artist, says, 'Disco lips are characterised by glitter, gloss, shimmer, metallic finishes, or a combination of all – even rhinestones. It uses products like glitter-infused lip glosses, foiled or chrome-finish lipsticks, holographic and duochrome lip toppers.'
TREND: THEN & NOW
American singer-actress Cher stuns in glittery disco lips in 1980 (left)/ Parveen Babi in high-gloss plum red lipstick in the song Pyaar Karne Wale from Shaan released in 1980 (right)
Disco lips: A part of the disco era
The disco era (1970s - 1980s) inspired people's looks. It reflected various disco elements from disco balls to neon lights and over-the-top glam. Mausam Gandhi, a
artist, says, 'It goes back to the 70s – Studio 54, disco nights, popularity of Donna Summer (an American actor and singer known as the 'Queen of Disco')... an era of unapologetic glam. People used makeup as a form self self-expression.
It was all about being bold, seen and having fun with beauty.'
Queer culture drove disco glam
Queer culture was a key driving force behind disco glam. Sayed says, 'Drag performers and queer icons used beauty as both armour and art. Bold and shiny makeup wasn't just about fashion – it was political. It challenged norms and said, 'I exist, and I'm fabulous'.'
Lady Gaga seen nailing the disco lips in a recently released music video on Instagram in 2025 (left)/ Miley Cyrus in disco lips in her Something Beautiful music video in 2025 (right)
Lately, celebrities, luxury brands and runways are seen embracing disco lips. According to Shruti Kode, a celebrity makeup artist, 'Disco lips were spotted most recently on
in her Something Beautiful music video, and also on the runway on models at the NYFW this Spring/Summer.'
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Experts also shared names of a few other celebrities like Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna, who have sported the disco lips.
Famous makeup artists like Pat McGrath have created elevated versions of disco lips with modern techniques and textures using shimmery and glossy lips to nude lips with metallic lining
Simone Lalwani, makeup artist
Brands popularising the trend
, Blumarine, and LaQuan Smith are known for their statement lips. They use foil, gloss, and even jewel embellishments in their looks.
OG icons who nailed the look
American singers and actresses Cher and Diana Ross are one of the first to wear disco lips.
, in her early 2010s, too, sported the glam-rock look.
The disco era's influence was also felt in India. Actresses like Parveen Babi,
, Rekha, Reena Roy and Sridevi sported bold disco lips. Their glossy reds, shimmering plums, and high-shine finishes lit up the dance floors. Whether it was Zeenat's fierce glam in Qurbani or Parveen's effortless look in Shaan, these icons made statement lips a defining part of their disco diva style.
Get the Pout Party Started
Exfoliate and hydrate your lips with a lip scrub and lip balm for a smooth canvas
Create an outline using a lip liner for structure. Overline a little over the cupid's bow for a fuller lip look. Choose a liner that matches your lip tone or lipstick shade. Blur out the harsh lines and diffuse the sharpness on the edges with your finger
Apply a base lip colour. Opt for hydrating lipsticks with a satin, sheer or creamy finish instead of matte ones
Now, layer glitter or holographic shine on top. Go for at least two coats of it
Pro tip:
Dab a little holographic glitter or any iridescent powder (light-reflecting powder with a colour-shifting glow) in the centre of your lip for added shine, as it looks beautiful when the light catches it.
(Inputs from Shruti Kode, celebrity makeup artist)
You can use bold lip colours – reds, berries, plums, even deep browns, and layer them with a high-shine gloss. If you're feeling extra, tap a bit of fine glitter or even a metallic pigment in the centre of the lips for dimension
Mausam Gandhi, celebrity makeup artist