There’s like, nothing lipstick can’t fix. Too lazy to put on a full face? Just lather on lipstick. Reminding a fuckboy of the fucking queen you are? Swipe the sexiest nude shade on. Need to mask controversial lip fillers? Start a lipstick line. I’m just saying, the limit for our obsession with lipsticks does not exist for many good reasons. Some of which our parents can’t understand when we blow half of our rent money at Sephora, but it’s totally justifiable. With the pregame to Singles Awareness Day Valentine’s Day tomorrow, it’s basically a big af deal to make your lips look on point. Whether your plans include a makeout sesh or taking numerous bottles of wine to the face, here are the lipstick trends you need to try just in time for V-Day.
1. Barely There Pink Nudes
This is clearly one of a few ongoing lipstick trends that’s about as timeless as your go-to red lip. They’re def perfect if you’re not even that into lipsticks to begin with, but still want to add some color to your face. Plus, they’re clearly a life-saving backup when you get hit with the “send nudes” text. What? He didn’t specify. Find a shade that’s glossy and rosy if you’re looking pale af this winter or opt for one that’s more on the coral side you already have a bronze glow.
KKW Crème Liquid Lipstick Collection
2. Rose Gold Shimmer
Sure, rose gold is about as overplayed as Cardi B, thanks to our iPhones and Michael Kors watches, but we’re making a metallic twist on the old school trend. #TBT to the days we’d apply like, dozens of layers of glitter Lip Smackers. (I’m cringing just thinking about it, tbh.) This year, layer a rose gold shimmer shade if you’re feeling bougie, or keep a tube in your crossbody for nights you want to keep your look minimal.
Kevyn Aucoin Molten Liquid Lipstick in Rose Gold Metallic Finish
3. The Color Of Your Soul
As if our inner 90s grunge spirits weren’t enough, now we can freely wear a betch’s true fave color on our lips. I’m assuming that we’re both on the same page when I say the color I’m speaking of is fucking black. DUH. It’s a bold move, but is it even really that bold if we’re probs doing worse things on a Saturday night after 2am? Hardly. To ease yourself into this one, start with a vampy shade like this one.
4. Clear Gloss
Because if it’s not black, then I don’t want it. A clear gloss is definitely an essential to buy, just to like, spend more money on something you don’t necessarily want, but will end up needing. Leave it to none other than Glossier to give us the best no-bullshit high-shine gloss without glitter or stickiness,
5. Bright Colors Because We’re Extra AF
Out with the old lame shades, and in with the new bright hues. Although we’re still (very unfortunately) suffering through this depressing winter, we can prep for day drinking seasons warmer weather by adding bold bright shades to your look. Come spring, you’ll already be rocking one of the biggest trends of the year.
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in All Fired Up
Images: ian dooley / Unsplash; Giphy (1) KKW Beauty (1); Sephora (1); Ulta (1); Glossier (1); Nordstrom (1)
There’s a lot to love about the fall season. For one, you can stop pretending you like eating air dieting for bikini season and can finally let yourself go embrace the layering season. There’s also this whole idea of rebirth associated with fall that people love to lose their shit over. You know what I’m talking about here. The girl who posts a selfie of herself looking off into the distance, with like, “embrace the change” as her caption. Like, just because the leaves are changing doesn’t mean your hoe ass will. That said, I do love a good rebirth story, and nothing says “bye bitch” to your summer image like dark fall lip colors. For those of you who are dead inside know what’s good for you and have been embracing this trend for months already (hi), then congratulations, you’re ahead of the curve. Feel free to tell the world that It’s Britney, Betch supports you and your lifestyle (a coveted endorsement tbh). But for those of you who have yet to embrace this trend, you better get your shit together, before I go Gossip Girl on your ass in my next beauty article. I am not above public shaming, and I’m hurt that you think I am. I do love educating the masses, so here are the 6 fall lip colors that reflect just how dead inside you are.
1. Nars Semi Matte Lipstick In VIP Red
If you’re not into looking good AF the vampy lip trend, then I guess I can’t fault you for that. If you aren’t going to embrace the blackness of your soul a plum lip color, then I recommend going red. Red is, like, the color of fall. I mean, it’s basic AF, but you’ll still be making a statement. Reds are about to be your new neutrals, and the VIP Red shade is one of NARS’ bestsellers, so you know it’s gotta be fucking amazing.
2. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick In Damned
If you know anything about me, then you know I mask my emotions prefer a dark, vampy lip color. Seriously. I’m not going to show up to a bar wearing anything less than a shade called damned, lest people get the wrong idea about me and think I’m a joy to be around. NOPE. If you can’t take me when I’m emotionally isolating myself as I am, rocking dark lip color, then you can’t have me when I’m sober at my best. ANYWAY, this black cherry hue is going to be everywhere in the fall, so you need to try it ASAP. Not only does it flatter a range of skin tones, but it will also make you look bad AF.
3. CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick In Romance Mauve
Again, if you’re dead inside but aren’t super into the vampy lip trend, then CoverGirl’s Romantic Mauve will be your go-to lip color this fall. First of all, mauve looks good on any skin tone and second of all, CoverGirl’s brand incorporates the metallics into their mauve shade, so you’re about to be extra trendy this fall, that’s for damn sure.
4. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick In Blackmail
Tbh, I would buy this lip color just based on the name alone. But good news—blackmail is more than just a concept I use to get people to read my articles; it’s actually a bomb lip color. It’s a wine-colored perfection that’s super pigmented and long-lasting AF. Like, it will last you through happy hour, you drunk calling your ex but hooking up with his best friend instead, and you waking up full of regret and late to your 9am department meeting. The cycle of life, people. It’s important to count your wins where you can (even if that win is still being able to wear last night’s lip color).
5. Maybelline Loaded Bold Lipstick In Midnight Blue
I heard a vicious rumor that navy is the new purple of the fall season, which seems like fighting words to me, tbh. I’ve always been of the opinion that wearing blue lip color is less chic and more “I just sucked off a smurf,” but hey, to each her own. If navy is about to be trendy this fall, then Maybelline’s Midnight Blue is what you’ll want to try. It’s dark, it’s edgy, and for less than $10, I’ll literally try anything.
6. MAC Liptensity Lipstick in “Burnt Violet”
I know, I know. I’m endorsing another purple lip color, SO SUE ME. You know that saying, “give the people what they want,” well I say, “give the people what I want they need.” You’re welcome. So, yes, another plum lip color, but you’ll thank me for it later, because this product is legit amaze. MAC’s Burnt Violet has a more shiny finish to it and it goes on easy AF, thanks to its slightly opaque texture.
I never included lipstick into my makeup routine until I decided to become a basic bitch v trendy by giving in and slowly selling my soul to Kylie Cosmetics. I bought my first lip kit to give the youngest Kardashian with the most lip injections a chance in this lipstick biz and to feel a sense of belonging in my sorority. Once it received my approval, I started losing originality in every sense of the word and became one of those psychos who minimized tabs at work to constantly refresh Kylie’s website in secrecy so I could get one of her limited edition shades. I’m not proud to admit that I’ve spent more money on a product solely just for the name when I can literally buy the same shit at Sephora but, because I can’t stop, won’t stop, I’m still finding the perfect shades to add to my lipstick collection that don’t make me look a corpse or attention-seeking freak. I’ve done enough trial and error to find which colors look glam with my tan this summer, aka I’ve done the swatch work for you. Here are the best lipstick colors for your skin tone so you don’t look absolutely ridiculous in public this summer.
If You Have Fair Skin:
Bright Pink
One of summer’s most overly worn colors in a bright shade looks super flattering for those with pale AF complexions. Whether it’s because you don’t have time to roast your skin or you simply turn straight into a lobster, a bright pink like NARS Lipstick in Schiap gives you a bold lip without looking v extra. The loud color enhances your facial features by creating a rosy, bright, natural glow so you look like the perfect combination of both slutty sexy and cute.
Light Orange
Orange is taking a bit of a risk when you use it on your lips, just like choosing yellow for your next mani. Will you be roasted in your group chat, or will your snobby friends ask for the name of the color? It could go either way. However, if you opt for a light, warm, orange cream like MAC Lipstick in Tangerine Dream (I’m the next Iggy Azalea, I know), the peachy hues will appear to soften out your skin. It’s the perfect replacement for your current nude with a pop of color, just in time for summer and with fall (dreadfully) nearing the corner.
Red
Red is the most iconic versatile lipstick color for just about anyone but, if your skin is that of a vampire’s, you look fiercer than ever with a red lip. If you’re towards the ghostly white side, you’ll want to find a true red that warms up any “cool” skin tones. For those that have a hint of color, you’ll want to find a red with blue hues so it warms up your skin tone. When in doubt, Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Made It is your go-to color for the awk in-between neutral tones.
If You Have A Medium Skin Tone:
Light Tan
If you can pull off a brown shade on your lips that doesn’t like you literally just ate shit, then you go, Glen Coco. Like, please, let me be you. A light tan such as this chic Bite Beauty Edgy Neutrals Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Enoki really accentuates facial features on golden skin tones, becoming an essential for a nude lip or “natural look” days. Apply just before heading out the door on the days you feel like doing the bare minimum – which is like, literally always – for creamy lips with an edgy flair.
Pale Pink
I personally have super tan skin (I know, I would want to be me, too) so finding the perfect pink without looking like a doll is like, kind of hard for me. I don’t want a neon pink that’s all, “everybody look at me,” nor do I want a pink that washes my skin out. So of all the Kylie lip kits that have stolen my money heart, this one is def my fave. The Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in Khlo$ is my go-to for everyday wear because it’s honestly so light and since it has cool undertones, it makes them look fuller and well, like a pouty Kylie. Go figure. I wear this before blacking out with my BFF Jill, but I can also wear this to work without being dramatic.
Soft Purple
Hypothermia lips, or purple lips, are one of the biggest lipstick trends currently. Probably because it’s a color that’s about as moody as you were in 2008, but, leans towards the pinker side just for a touch of femininity. A soft purple is the bright pink for medium skin tones. The Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip in Plum Noir provides a long-lasting bold lip while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Bless.
For Darker Skin Tones:
Deep Red
A deep, dark red such as Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Spiderweb looks seriously so gorg on dark skin tones. The warm color delivers a natural-looking rosy glow that will make you stand out anywhere you go on a Saturday night. It’s a must-have color for anything, really, but especially ideal for long summer nights and drunk brunch.
Dark Brown
As I’ve already mentioned like, a million times, finding a flattering brown for your skin tone can be v tricky. For those with darker skin tones, you’ll want one that’s rich in color with warm undertones. If it tends to go on the cooler side of the spectrum, it can give the appearance of gray, zombie lips which will just discolor your skin tone. A rich chocolate brown like Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick in Snow Bunny compliments darker skin tones and reduces skin discoloration so you can have the most fab nude lip. Wear with a darker lip liner for extra goth, teenage angst vibes since you’re sooo 90s.
Fuchsia
Bright purple tones stand out amazing against darker skin tones. The pop of a color is guaranteed to make a statement and make heads turn everywhere you go. You’ll want to find a fuchsia with purple hues like the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Kiss and Love Collection in Le Fuschia for a shade that’s perfect in the summer and brings all the boys to your yard. Get it, girrrl.
Any betch who’s into makeup will tell you that finding a good lipstick can be a fucking ordeal. Like, first you have to find the right color. Then you have to find a liner that matches, lest you end up looking like Gwen Stefani during her No Doubt days. Then you have to worry about it drying out your lips and will it actually stay on this weekend while you down vodka shots/make out with the first guy in your line of vision/drunk eat a whole pizza? Okay so maybe if you’re doing pizza to the face at 3am your last concern is your lipstick, but the point still stands. You need your shit to stick to you like that creepy bro at the bar who bought you a drink. These are the best long-lasting lipsticks—and before you ask, you will not see a certain Jenner’s products on this because while they last forever, that shit makes your lips dryer than the Sahara desert.
1. MAC Liptensity
This lipstick is enhanced with extra pigment for a more intense color that’s designed to last for up to eight hours. Honestly, when food and alcohol is involved, you really only need about half that time before you’re going to be falling asleep or too drunk to care, so this lipstick is perfect.
2. Tarte Cosmetics Drench Lip Splash Lipstick
It’s usually a pain in the peach emoji when a vegan person constantly reminds you that they’re vegan, but Tarte Cosmetics is like, the one exception. This satin matte lipstick is created with a hydrating vegan formula that keeps your lips moisturized. Plus, the tip is narrower than a typical lipstick, so when you’re trying to reapply after a few glasses of vodka wine, there’s less room for error.
3. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
This cream lipstick dries into a matte finish, but it’s waterproof, which is basically another way to say it can hold its own through a night of eating and drinking better than a betch who just turned 21.
If you have a favorite lip product that you’re not willing to give up on, try lining your lips with the NYX Wonder Pencil. It helps to prevent lip colors from bleeding all over your face so that even if you happen to drink too much and embarrass yourself, you’ll look a little less messy in the Instas.
This colorless lip base moisturizes your lips and helps prevent lipstick from feathering and cracking if your heart is really set on rocking Koko K (which claims to be long-wearing and promises not to dry your lips out, but is lying).
It’s Thursday, which means I can practically taste my freedom the weekend. And though this week has made me want to binge drink more than most, there’s still a 50/50 chance that on Friday night I’ll either be getting blackout at 5:01pm or I’ll be falling face first into a plate full of cheese. But with either scenario, you can guaran-fucking-tee that my lip game will still be on point. Fucking, duh.
You don’t need your horoscope to tell what your weekend plans should be—even though we will do that tomorrow—because, whether you realize it or not, your lipstick is saying it all. And because I’m a judgmental betch who spends 90% of her time shit-talking strangers at bars, I’ve taken it upon myself to point out what story your lip game is telling this weekend.
Dark, Vampy Lips
This look says I’m totally DTF this Bumble bro after our trendy AF wine date. There’s nothing more sensual than a bold lip, and right now it’s all about purple. Something about wearing this color makes you feel like Beyoncé while looking like Bad Gal RiRi, and if there’s a more winning combination than that I’d like to hear it. Seriously, I’ll wait…
Ombre Lips
The time it takes you to pull off a look like this honestly just makes me angry. You could have been three drinks deep at the bar but instead your hands are cramping trying to perfect a look that not only will likely get washed away drinking vodka sodas and making out with fuckboys, but also looks like your regular lip color DID get washed away by vodka sodas and fuckboys. WHERE are your priorities?? I’m guessing you’re about to spend a nice, long evening snapping selfies and pretending like you’re actually a fun person to be around. Spoiler alert: you aren’t.
Lip Smackers
This look has Netflix and chill written allll over it. And if you aren’t about to spend the evening eating more food than a Gilmore Girl while re-watching Grey’s Anatomy from the beginning before Shonda Rhimes fucked us all up, then you’re probably an 8th grader waiting on her mom to pick her up from the mall. There is no in between.
Unicorn Lips
Too Faced just released a Unicorn Tears lipstick line, which is inspiring girls to wear ironic moronic T-shirts from Forever21 and pretend like they’re on drugs at music festivals. If I catch you sporting Unicorn Lips this weekend then I’m going to hope you’re actually on drugs and not just doing it for the Instagram.
Classic Red Lip
It’s girl’s night, which means it’s time to put on that deep V bodysuit, get out the smokey eye and put on some fucking red lipstick. Red lips are all about your girl gang because Taylor Swift deemed it so rammed that idea down our fucking throats. You’ll probably spend the night looking slutty and dancing slutty but not actually being slutty because #feminism.
The Snogged Look
Ah, the look that was trending at Fashion Week and frat houses everywhere. If this is your go-to look on Friday night then you’re either trying to be edgy or you’re prepping for giving a lot of head. I’m going with the latter.
I know this all sounds v judgy, but keep in mind it sounds that way because I’m judging you. So choose wisely because I don’t want to have to Gossip Girl blast your ass in my girl gang group chat later. I don’t want to, but I will. Kisses!
