Lily-Rose Depp has basically built an entire career on the "cool girl" pout. For years, if you saw her on a Chanel carpet or a magazine cover, she usually had that specific, detached gaze—the kind that says she knows something you don’t. It’s a vibe she inherited from her mom, Vanessa Paradis, and it’s served her well. But lately? Things are looking a little different.
We’re seeing Lily Rose Depp smiling way more often, and honestly, it’s throwing people for a loop. From courtside dates with 070 Shake to the high-glam chaos of the 2025 Oscars after-party, that famous "resting face" is being replaced by genuine, ear-to-ear grins. It’s not just a change in mood; it’s a full-on aesthetic shift that tells us a lot about where she is in her life right now.
The End of the "Resting Face" Era?
For a long time, the internet was weirdly obsessed with the fact that Lily-Rose didn’t smile in photos. If you look back at her Met Gala debut in 2016, she was 16 years old and looked incredibly stoic. People on Instagram were actually leaving comments telling her she’d "look better" if she smiled.
She didn't take that lying down. In a now-classic "It Girl" move, she posted another photo shortly after with a caption that basically mocked the trolls: "y’all said She’d look good if she were smiling."
But fast forward to 2026, and the smile isn't a response to pressure—it looks real. Whether she’s grabbing coffee in New York or walking through Paris during the holidays, the "pout" feels like it's been retired for her off-duty life.
💡 You might also like: Dale Mercer Net Worth: Why the RHONY Star is Richer Than You Think
Why the sudden change?
There are a few things at play here. First, she’s 26 now. She’s moved past that teenage "armor" phase where looking unbothered is the ultimate goal. In interviews, she’s mentioned that she values her privacy and would rather people think she's "boring" than know too much about her. Maybe the smile is a sign that she’s finally comfortable enough to let the mask slip.
Then there’s the "070 Shake effect." Ever since she went public with rapper Danielle Balbuena (aka 070 Shake) in early 2023, the paparazzi shots have changed. We’re seeing them at basketball games, at the World Series, and shopping in the City of Light. In almost every single one of these shots, Lily-Rose looks... well, happy. Like, genuinely, "I-forgot-the-cameras-were-there" happy.
Lily Rose Depp Smiling: A Look at the 2025 Red Carpet Glow-Up
If you watched the 2025 Oscars, you saw the "vampy" Lily-Rose on the main red carpet. She was wearing a custom Chanel lace number that felt very Nosferatu—dark, gothic, and very "pouty." It was high-fashion theater.
But the "vibe shift" happened at the Vanity Fair after-party.
📖 Related: Jaden Newman Leaked OnlyFans: What Most People Get Wrong
She swapped the gothic lace for a pastel, coquette-style Chanel two-piece with bows and tulle. And the expression changed with the outfit. She spent the night smiling, laughing with friends, and looking far more like a 20-something having the time of her life than a moody fashion muse. It was a 180-degree turn that the fashion world actually found refreshing.
The "Dead Eyes" Criticism vs. Reality
On platforms like Reddit, there’s always been a debate about her "model face." Some fans argued her expressions looked "dead" or "flat." But if you actually look at her film work—like in The Idol or her upcoming role in Nosferatu—you realize that's just a tool she uses.
The "Lily-Rose Depp smile" hits differently because it’s a contrast. When a person who is famous for being "icy" suddenly beams, it feels like a reward for the fans. It makes her feel more approachable and, frankly, more human.
How to Get That "Lily-Rose" Radiance
It's not just about the facial expression; it's the whole look that comes with it. When Lily-Rose smiles, she usually leans into a very specific "French girl" beauty routine that keeps things looking effortless.
👉 See also: The Fifth Wheel Kim Kardashian: What Really Happened with the Netflix Comedy
- Skin-First Makeup: She’s moved away from the heavy contouring of her early career. Now, it’s all about dewy skin and a bit of "face beating" (as she calls it) that still looks natural.
- The "Jocelyn" Influence: Her role in The Idol changed her style. She’s kept some of that "sultry popstar" energy but mixed it with vintage Chanel.
- Confidence over Perfection: She’s been vocal about how she used to link her self-worth to her appearance. Now, she’s focusing on "cultivating her brain." That kind of internal shift usually shows up on your face.
The Verdict on the "Smile"
Is the pout gone for good? Probably not. It’s part of her brand and she wears it better than almost anyone in Hollywood. But the fact that we’re seeing Lily Rose Depp smiling more frequently suggests a new chapter. She’s no longer the 16-year-old girl trying to prove she’s tough; she’s an established actress and muse who seems to finally be enjoying the ride.
If you’re looking to channel that same energy, stop worrying about what the "trolls" think. Lily-Rose proved that you can be the face of Chanel and still show some teeth.
Next Steps for Your Beauty and Style Routine:
- Invest in a "Skin-First" Routine: Look for lightweight tints rather than heavy foundations to let your natural texture show through when you smile.
- Embrace the Coquette Trend: If you liked her 2025 Oscars after-party look, look for pieces with bows, tulle, and pastel hues to soften your overall "edge."
- Prioritize Real Joy: Like Lily-Rose’s shift during her relationship with 070 Shake, the best "glow" comes from actually being happy in your personal life.