Amid the ubiquitous fresh faces and ethereal makeup of summer, bold lips stand out like a piece of abstract art among impressionists — and this could explain why we’re so into them. A vivid pink, electric coral, cherry red, or even a deep berry or wine, often reserved for fall, can be the perfect complement to summer whites, a floral dress, or even a trusty pair of cutoffs.
That said, the idea of slathering anything sticky or heavy onto your lips in the merciless heat and humidity of summer doesn't sound anywhere near appealing. So we decided to tap some of our favorite makeup artists for misery-free ways to wear lipstick this season.
Ahead, find their tips, techniques, and favorite lippies that will stand up to (and help you stand out) this summer.
Be Sure To Prep
In the sweaty summer, you need a lipstick that's not going to budge. Enter MAC Ruby Woo, which makeup artist Tamah Krinsky deems "summer-proof." "This is the most matte red lip color I know," she says. "It will stand up to anything. If you can't go without a lip in summer, this is your best friend." Before applying, nip flaking and dryness in the bud by prepping thoroughly — exfoliating scrub and lip balm will do the trick.
Use Less Product
Makeup artist Jenna Kristina gravitates toward matte lip products during the summertime as well — NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Red Square is among her favorites. The cult crayon lipstick imparts high-voltage color that actually lasts. But most importantly, it doesn't dry out your lips like some other mattes.
To make sure a matte lip feels as lightweight as possible, she advises skimping on the amount of product you apply. "Keep it simple. Less is more," she says.
NARS, $26.00, available at NARS
Apply With Your Finger
If matte still seems too heavy for summer, you should follow makeup artist Amy Strozzi's lead. "The key is to deposit color and moisture without heaviness," she says. Try a lipstick with a gel or balm-like texture, like Josie Maran's Hydrating Lipstick. It packs a major color punch, moisturizes your pout, and leaves behind a juicy, yet non-sticky shine.
To apply, Strozzi advises using your finger instead of a brush or doing it straight from the tube. Press it into your lips with a tapping motion, and repeat for intensity.
Josie Maran, $22.00, available at Sephora
— PAID —
Choose A Moisturizing Formula
The last thing you want in the summer is a cakey, dry lipstick that'll clump up on your lips. Instead, opt for moisturizing ingredients like natural oils. Burt's Bees Lipstick contains a mix of vitamin E, moringa and raspberry seed oils, and, of course, beeswax. The 14 shades all feature a subtle, glossy finish and color that lasts for hours.
Burt's Bees, $9.00, available at Burt's Bees
Go Clear
If you're looking for maximum staying power and minimal touchups, you can't go wrong with Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour — Jenna Kristina recommends the shade 40 La Sensuelle, a high-intensity fuchsia. But even with the most long-lasting lippies, feathering can sometimes occur. Makeup artist Toby Fleischman's fix? After applying your lipstick, use a clear, waxy lipliner to seal it in.
Chanel, $36.00, available at Nordstrom
Try Ombré
Fleischman is crazy about "Popsicle colors" for summertime. To rock the look, she says to "apply the bold color to the center of the lips, and using your fingers, smudge it into the rest of the mouth so that the shade becomes a bit more diffused and light." Clinique's Pop Lip Colour lipsticks are some of her favorites for summer. The pigment creates a buildable stain, while the built-in primer leaves lips hydrated and ultra-smooth. The finish is neither glossy nor matte, but super-velvety.
Clinique, $18.00, available at Sephora
Embrace Your Dark Side
Every artist we chatted with was fully behind dark, moody hues for summer, even though they're typically considered fall and winter territory. Strozzi suggests using your favorite dark lipstick like a stain, mixing a bit of it with a clear balm to dial down the intensity. Fleischman recommends layering a gloss on top. Jenna Kristina swears by Rituel De Fille Enchanted lip sheer in Blackthorn, which has a semi-matte finish — perfect for all you anti-shine peeps.
Rituel De Fille, $21.00, available at Rituel De Fille
When In Doubt, Layer
Matte formulas are having an all-season moment — and not just thanks to King Kylie. The dryish formulas can be awesome where longevity is concerned, but they can get flaky and look cracked and craggy on the lips, especially when it's hot.
To avoid, layer a soft, matte balm under your lipstick of choice. The non-satiny formulas work two-fold to smooth and hydrate your lips, and because they aren't shiny, they won't ruin the low key look you're going for.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm, $20, available at Sephora.
Always Condition
Makeup artist Ingeborg favors conditioning lipsticks, which she says can counteract the drying effects of the hot sun and are easy to reapply. Among her must-haves is this gorgeous, skin-brightening option by Ilia. "Perfect Day is a warm, universally flattering coral-pink that packs lots of moisture and organic ingredients," she says. Infused with soothing cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, it'll make your pout look lush and feel supple. What more could you ask for?
Ilia, $26.00, available at Beautylish
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The 10 Products Every Beauty Blogger Actually Swears By
If You Like NARS, You'll Love MAKE (& Other Awesome Beauty Swaps)