Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold and vibrant lip colors. Whether you’re lounging by grandma’s pool or enjoying late-night strolls, the right lipstick can elevate your look. Here, we explore five stunning lipstick trends that will make your summer even more radiant.
From gradient popsicle pouts to glossy shellac lips, these trends are sure to turn heads. We’ve tested a variety of products and techniques to bring you the best of summer beauty. So, let’s dive in and find your new favorite lip color.
The Popsicle Pout: A Gradient of Fun
The popsicle pout is a playful and fun trend that features a bold color in the center of your lips, fading to a soft gradient at the edges. For this look, we chose Tower28’s BeachPlease Cream Blush in the shade Finest Hour.
At first glance, the pigment might seem light, but it pops beautifully on the lips. The hydrating, almost slippery texture makes it easy to blend. To achieve the gradient effect, apply a concentrated amount of the formula to the center of your lips with your fingertips. Then, lightly blend the outer edges and use a wet beauty blender to smudge for a seamless finish.
This look is perfect for a family pool day or evening drinks with friends. The only downside is that you may need frequent touch-ups to maintain the popsicle effect throughout the day.
The Cool-Toned ’90s Brown: Sultry and Sophisticated
For a sultry and sophisticated look, try the cool-toned ’90s brown trend. This look pairs a greige lip color with a brown liner for a bold statement. We used Tower28’s OneLiner in Color Me Fine and Rare Beauty’s Kind Words lipstick in Creative.
The creamy matte liner is easy to layer for a deeper hue, while the lipstick surprised us with its velvety texture. For guidance on application, we turned to makeup guru Desi Perkinswho provided invaluable tips in her latest tutorial featuring Maddy Perez.
Start by lining your lips at the cupid’s bow, working your way down with light, feathery strokes. Then, swipe on the lipstick and use a dry beauty blender to blend everything together. This look is perfect for a date night, paired with a black dress and strappy heels.
Shellac Lips: High Shine and Neutral Undertones
For a high-shine look with neutral undertones, try the shellac lips trend. We chose Mutha’s Pucker Up Lip Plump in Almond Moma super glossy nude with a hint of brown and a subtle almond scent.
Applying two layers of gloss gives your lips a good amount of pigment and shine. This look is perfect for adding a touch of glam to your everyday routine. Pair it with a glowy bronzer cream on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your eyelids for a just-back-from-vacation glow.
This trend is versatile and can be worn year-round. It’s perfect for those who love a romantic, everyday sheen.
Soft Peach: Shimmery and Romantic
The soft peach trend features a shimmery lip with pink undertones. We tested Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Luminizing Lip Gloss in Beama soft coral with tiny specks of shimmer.
Applying one layer of gloss is all it takes to achieve this romantic look. It’s perfect for everyday wear and adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Bright Coral: Matte and Vibrant
For a bold and vibrant look, try the bright coral trend. We combined Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé’s Matte Lip Cream in Inspire (a bright red) and Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil in Joy (a muted peach) to create the perfect coral shade.
PrEP your lips by exfoliating with a wet washcloth for 20 seconds. Then, apply a tiny dab of red lip cream and blend the peach lip oil over it. This vibrant shade is perfect for summer and pairs beautifully with a white dress.
The long-lasting wear of these products is impressive. They will stay put through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a late-night ice cream run.
Which of these summer lipstick trends will you try? Share your favorites and let us know if there are any other makeup trends you’d like to see tested.
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