Aishwarya & Alia's Cannes makeup is quite unlike Gen Z's favoured lip looks

Red lipstick has long been a symbol of power, glamour and bold femininity. But in recent years, it’s been largely benched by Gen Z, who lean into neutral tones, minimalist skin-first routines and an overall aesthetic of understated cool. The loud, fire-engine red lip has been shelved as it’s “too much” in this era of neutral, “natural” makeup.

However, at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Bollywood icons Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Alia Bhatt turned heads not just for their couture, but their bold, fiery red pouts. This led to the question: is red lipstick making a comeback, or are these women simply reminding us that personal style isn’t about what everyone else finds trendy?

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Gen Z’s red lip: softened and subtle

To be clear, red lipstick hasn’t disappeared entirely, it’s just been reimagined. Gen Z hasn’t completely ditched red; they’ve simply redefined it. Today, when a red lip does show up on a Gen Z face, it’s usually softened with a brown liner or a gloss overlay to create that ‘cherry cola’ look. The goal is to look effortless, like you just happen to have red-stained lips, not like you planned it.

This shift aligns with Gen Z’s broader approach to beauty: a rejection of anything that feels overly curated. The classic, crisp red lip? It can sometimes feel like it belongs more in classic Hollywood than on TikTok.

Aishwarya and Alia: Reclaiming red with confidence

Aishwarya and Alia both women wore unapologetically intentional red lips at Cannes. On Aishwarya, it was paired with sculpted waves and timeless glamour. On Alia, it complemented her retro look. Either way, their choice to wear red didn’t just stand out—it felt almost rebellious.

It wasn’t just about beauty. It was about agency. Their red lips didn’t chase trends; they ignored them entirely. In doing so, they reminded everyone that makeup doesn’t have to conform to generational codes or Instagram aesthetics.

Also: Deepika to Sonam: Bollywood divas bring back 90s hairband at Cannes

So, is this a red-lip revival? Maybe. But more than that, it’s a quiet declaration: style isn’t about chasing what’s in, it’s about choosing what makes you feel powerful.

Gen Z might continue to soften red with brown liners and glosses, and that’s valid. But whether bold or blurred, matte or glossy, red or brown; wearing what makes you feel like the best version of yourself is what will always be chic.