Summer time beauty always feels lighter and brighter. From easier hair styles, to minimal makeup and swapping my winter lipstick hues like deep reds, to summer shades. It’s always fun to switch up your makeup for the new season and lipstick for me is the first thing I like to change. As someone who loves a good cherry or deep red, I do like to switch things up for warmer months. I still love my classic reds (NARS in Don’t Stop or Light My Fire are favorites) but I am loving several lipstick shades right now from pinky nudes, bold bright pinks and more coral reds.
For the new season, let’s choose a few of these summer-inspired shades that are beautiful from bright red, to beautiful berry, natural pinky nudes and more. I’ve included all the different formulas too. If you prefer a matte lip, I have you covered. Or a glossy shiny finish, I’ve got that too. These are the best summer shades according to my own beauty research and recommendations from Indigoers in the Indigo Day Facebook Group. So pick up a new shade to add to your makeup bag this summer.
11 Best Lip Colors For Summer
Maybelline SuperStay in ‘Inspirer’
This lipstick is giving me NARS Shciap vibes from the early 2010s and I’m loving it. It’s not as bright (you can try Romantic for a true Schiap dupe) but this one is great for summer. It’s a bright pink that’s fun, cheery and oh so pink. Plus, it stays put.
Laura Mercier Extreme Matte in ‘On Point’
A fun bold color that’s head turning, it’s a bright orange that just screams summer. I love coral lipstick for summer. It pairs so nicely with peachy blush and bronzed skin. This Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte lipstick in color ‘On Point‘ is truly the perfect coral. It has a soft matte finish and high pigmentation.
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in ‘Anarchy’
Bold bright hues are the best. And a punchy red and fierce pinks are essential. If you really want to go bold, try this Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Anarchy. A bold fuschia in a cream formula. I love this line of lipsticks, they feel really great!
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in ‘Heroine’
Just like my summer nail polish, a bright orange red is my go-to. I think these are best for making a summer statement. Swipe it on with a little white summer dress and you’ll feel instantly put together. This Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Heroine is probably the ideal summer orange red. Plus, it stays put. This 16 hour long-lasting formula will beat the heat and humidity. Plus, it comes in 40 colors. Can’t recommend this one enough.
MERIT Signature Lipstick in ‘CABO’
I’ve quickly become a big fan of MERIT Beauty. And their Signature Lipstick is fantastic. It’s a velvety smooth satin finish and is pretty pigmented. For summer, CABO is the color I’d choose. It’s a great soft orangey red. I find this to be a really flattering color that doesn’t feel too bold.
Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream in ‘Motivate’
This shade reminds me of the quintessential watermelon pink hue we’d wear from our grandmother’s lipstick cabinet. I love this Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream in Motivate. It’s a watermelon pink and so fun. I have a few of Selena Gomez’s lipsticks and really love how they feel. They’re not really a pigment or stain, but a nice velvety matte finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in ‘Pillow Talk’
A pinky, natural nude is a great summer shade to wear. This Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk is perfect for summer since it just really amplifies a natural lip color. There are now a few different shades for different skin tones to find the perfect nude. But I’m partial to the original color in this soft matte lipstick and it is just so flattering. Perfect for that easy-breezy no makeup, makeup look.
*Indigoer Recommended!
KVD Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in ‘Lolita II’
For a more liquid lipstick formula in a good nude for every day, is a cult favorite by Kat Von D. Several people recommended this one to me and there are several good colors. Try this great pinky nude called Lolita II. Yes, there’s an original Lolita as well which is also a great choice. KVD Beauty is also vegan and cruelty free. Plus, there’s Vitamin E for an ultra-smooth application that also conditions your lips.
Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipstick in ‘Peach Please’
For a less bright option, soft brown pink is great for summer. Light and soft pinks are great for everyday, perfect for the office and everything in-between. This is a great shade to start out with if you’ve never really worn lipstick or a lot of color before.
MAC Amplifid Lipstick in ‘Morange’
If you’re going for a bold bright orange red, THIS is it. This MAC Amplified lipstick in Morange is so bold and fun. Its ultra-creamy formula feels and looks great on the lips. This is thir original formula that we all know and love from MAC so you can buy this on with confidence if you’ve been wearing this since middle school as I have been.
Maybelline Color Sensational in ‘Pink Wink’
A great middle of the road pink with a touch of berry in it. This is a great drugstore find and super affordable. It’s a hydrating formula including shea butter for a smooth lipstick. At under $9 this is a great addition to any makeup bag.
*Indigoer Recommended