Bold lips are a big thing for me. I think it’s like a makeup artist credo to wear them when nothing else is going right — when I wake up late, when the rest of my face isn’t pulling together, when I can’t be bothered to really do anything but put on mascara, I put on a bold lipstick and BAM I look so much more intentional and put together.
While in the winter I lean dark and vampy, summertime means I can shamelessly abuse the right to wear bright neon lipsticks. For the cooler months, I split my collection into dark & neutrals, and in the warmer part of the year, it’s brights & neutrals. I know how overwhelming it is to shop for a new lipstick amongst hundreds of brands, shades, formulas, etc., so today I want to share with you five bright lipsticks that I have found myself consistently reaching for over the last few months. Keep your eyes peeled for swatches at the end!
- Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 210 Unapologetic – $9.49 – This is a chunky pencil type lipstick that goes on completely matte, no shine or glitter. The color is a beautiful coral pink, just bright enough to be bold but not too neon that it looks weird against the skin. It wears well and is easy to apply, my only complaint is that it is a drying formula (as are most matte formulations) so if you have lips that tend to peel, I wouldn’t recommend. Then again, at $10, it isn’t a huge splurge. Regardless, definitely exfoliate & moisturize before applying!
- Colourpop Lippie Stix in Punky – $5 – I cannot speak highly enough about Colourpop’s lippie stix. Originally I totally thought it was gimmicky and not legit since it was all over instagram, but the formulas are so smooth and pigmented, they don’t dry out my lips, and the range of colors is insane. Plus, for $5?! Um, yes please! This particular shade is a nice true, bright pink with a slightly yellow undertone. It isn’t TOO bright, but it isn’t a milky baby pink, either. It’s a satin finish, so it isn’t completely matte, but there isn’t any shimmer or glitter, just a little sheen.
- Tom Ford in 15 Wild Ginger – $50 – I know that Tom Ford lipsticks are brutally expensive, but y’all, they are SO amazing. The formula is always perfectly smooth and opaque, and they just feel so luxurious on the lips. Not to mention that the packaging makes me feel like queen bee every-time I whip it out. I don’t usually consider myself the type of wear orange shades (which is interesting, because two made it into this post!), but this shade is more of a deeper, redder orange and is just so pretty. I think it’s a fresh take on a red lip and looks a little edgy and fresh while also not straying too far from the classics. It has a nice sheen so it’s not completely flat but isn’t glossy either, but my favorite thing about Tom Ford lipsticks is that they fade nicely and evenly so you don’t look crazy if you can’t touch up. If you’re super busy like I am, you’ll appreciate this in a lipstick more than you know.
- Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids in 905 Brazen Berry – $7.49 – I LOVE purple lipsticks. They aren’t for everyone, but I think the color is so fun and it makes me teeth look extra white which is always a plus! I’ve always had a pretty good relationship with the Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick line. The formula isn’t THE creamiest, but the range is pretty damn impressive, and the price is on point, too. The Vivids collection is neon-based, so this color is bright for sure. Normally I like really opaque lipsticks with full coverage color, but with a shade like purple (which is scary to some), this lipstick is perfect because one swipe is a sheerer wash of color but can be built up to a shade much bolder. It’s like a 2-for-1!
- MAC in Neon Orange – $16 – MAC lipsticks are a nice inbetween as far as pricing goes. They aren’t inexpensive per se, but they also aren’t considered a luxurious purchase. This particular shade is an amplified creme, which means it’s fuller coverage and really opaque, but also really creamy. This is a true, warm orange shade. I don’t wear it daily, but when I do, I always get compliments on it. If you’re looking for something eye catching and edgy, definitely try it out — especially if you have skin with yellow undertones and are NC30+. For us pale girls, use with caution and confidence :).
Left to right: Neon Orange, Brazen Berry, Wild Ginger, Punky, Unapologetic
Anyone have suggestions for me? I’m always on the hunt for a new and bold lip color.
xxx
Sarah
