Say goodbye to bare eyelids, pale pink lips, and tirelessly trying to perfect the bare minimum I-just-woke-up-like-this look. It’s almost fall, which means it’s time to start darkening our beauty routine, just like we do for our wardrobe. Now, the true me will emerge from hibernation this summer so I can wear my lack of heart on my sleeve again. Although it’s still a learning process for many, we’re prepared to hide our hangover lack of sleep with a good ol’ smokey eye. We’ve already got our first fall manicure picked out, so now it’s time for our guilty pleasure: lipstick. We all get weak in the knees for a lipstick that’s yet another nude you’ll insist is different (it’s not), or a really intense vampy red. The darker, the better—fucking duh. Even if you’re the type to settle with your fucked up coffee order rather than complain for the barista to make it again, it’s at least fun to pretend you’re intimidating af with the right shade of lipstick. Whether you’re a true lipstick guru or recently turned Kylie fanatic, you’ve come to the right place for the best lipstick shades to get you psyched for next season.
1. MAC Lipstick Matte in Diva
Cherry red lips are always a basic look for fall since we’re turning away from true reds and looking for something deeper in color. MAC’s best-selling lipsticks are v creamy, highly pigmented, and dry matte. The wine lip goes hand-in-hand with dark eyeshadow for that trending vampy look you’ll soon be seeing everywhere. Why this Twilight thing is a fad next season, I couldn’t fucking tell you.
2. Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Nude Kate
A classy elegant nude never goes out of style which is why I’ve saved my nude pics from back when I was skinny in college and with all the dull colors you’ll be dressing head to toe in, you’ll need a simple nude to go with them. This shade is the most ideal and won’t wash you out or make your lips look pasty or diseased. Like, summer is just finishing, we need to make some of your racial ambiguity lasts, damn it. The modern collection is full of pinks and reds made for every skin tone. Each lipstick protects against cancer-causing rays, leaves them hella moisturized, and contains brightening pigments so both you and your lips stay looking ~lit~ all night long.
3. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Femme Fatale Matte
NGL, any dark lip color makes me think you’re channeling my spirit animal an inner homicidal Wednesday Addams, but in girl world, the fighting has to be sneaky this silky-smooth plum shade is considered a v trendy twist. Bruised/borderline hypothermia-looking lips look cool as temps begin to drop because like, fashion, and the color def pops in all your Instas. If you’re too hungover to do any other makeup, just swipe on a bold lip and no one will ever question it. It’s literally the best last-minute accessory.
4. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Interrogate
Since pale pink is already sooo last season, swap the basic betch shade for a slightly darker replacement like a peachy rose. It’s not too pink or too light, so go for a shade that’s more on the orangey side for a luscious combo that looks something like peach and rosé. Yeah, I’m also going to need that in a bottle like, pronto. When your lipstick matches the color of your drink, you know it’s going to be a good fucking night.
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Cool Brown
Finding a brown for every skin tone can be tricky because we’re not trying to walk around with something that resembles shit on our lips, so be sure to go for one that’s on the warm beige-y side like this warm tan shade… even though it’s called Cold Brown. IDK, I don’t make the rules here. The color cools down your look for an effortlessly chic style that doesn’t have a totally nude lip but gives a subtle enough pop where you’re not getting stared at on the street. This lipstick literally has the most smooth application ever, so it’s def non-drying and is guaranteed to stay on for multiple rounds of shots.
6. NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave
Fall is all about going darker (fucking obviously if you haven’t caught on by now) so if you can’t let go of a bright red, at least don’t go for the firetruck red. Try not to be basic for like, two seconds and find a color that’s more on the orange-red side. The orange pigment will really warm up the rest of your face, regardless of skin tone. Pair with a deep pink blush to make yourself look so much tanner, even if your equivalent of spending time in the sun this summer was walking to work. This lipstick is only semi-matte so if mummy lips aren’t your thing, no stress. It still glides on super soft and leaves a sheer finish for a duckface-worthy Snapchat to your Bumble boy. Priorities.
