Summer Lip Roundup

I mentioned before that my summer look right now is essentially sunscreen, eyeliner, mascara, and a juicy, sexy summer lip. And I’ve been dying to share with you my current favorite “lip looks.” This is my first foray into photographing anything but my arm, and there’s definitely room for improvement. I’d just like to mention that cameras — naturally less sensitive than the amazing human eye — wash out a lot of color. These pictures were taken in indirect sunlight (indoors, next to a window), so I think they’re much better “in real life.”

The key to my summer lip is a sheer, glossy tint. Tints build on the natural color of your lip, so they may look weak swatched on the arm, but much more exciting when you put them on. Let’s start with my naked lips (to establish the baseline):

And now my recommendations, in no particular order:

1. Beauté Neon Stain + Chantecaille Folly Lipgloss (~$23 after conversion from Canadian dollars + $28)
I’ve mentioned before my undying affection for Beaute Cosmetics’ Lip and Cheek Stains. I think they’re just the best stains you can buy; they’re delightfully long-lasting, they wear evenly, and the colors are gorgeous. Click here to see my swatches of all four stains. I’m more surprised than anyone to say that Neon might be my favorite shade. Coupled with a sheer orange gloss (I’ve been using Chantecaille Folly, but you could use anything — perhaps Lancome’s Bolole or Givenchy Pop Orange), it makes the most luscious, perfect, sexy summer lip.

2. Laura Mercier Hydratint Balm in Crimson Tint ($20)
When I swatched these recently (click here to see those pictures), I reported that they didn’t have a scent. It turns out that the testers lose their scent as a result of sitting uncapped. The Hydratints do indeed have a scent, almost exactly like an orange Tic Tac. This not only makes me want a Tic Tac every time I apply, but when I breathe in, I feel like there’s some slight breath-freshening benefit. Or maybe that’s all in my head. Anyway, the Hydratints are as easy to wear as chapstick, but with a touch of sexy color.

3. Chantecaille Zinnia Lip Chic ($30)
Readers, you know I wouldn’t recommend a $30 lipstick unless I absolutely loved it... And I really love Zinnia. It’s a beautiful sheer red, adding just enough “juiciness” to make my lips summer-ready, and it is pure luxury to apply — like a heavy balm. I love wearing it, but I hate to use it up. Is it different enough from Laura Mercier's Crimson Tint? You'd probably choose one or the other, and I think the main difference is in the feel. Click here to see all the Chantecaille Lip Chics.

4. HIP Jelly Balm in Ripe (~$8.99)
The HIP Jelly Balms come in pots, so I do recommend applying with a lip brush (mine is a retractable “Face Secrets” lip brush I got from Sally’s for $5). There are 6 Jelly Balm shades and because they’re so sheer, the shades look somewhat similar on the lips. I’m wearing Ripe, the "reddish-coral" shade, and when I apply, I keep building the color until I reach my desired level of glossiness. If you’re not big on lip color but want to add something more than chapstick, these can give a barely-there, finished look (and they feel nice).

5. Lipstick Queen Medieval ($18)
I love Medieval. It’s the most pigmented of the red tints I’ve shown you today, which means it gives an almost saucy, flirty look before you ever bat an eyelash. I feel a tiny bit retro when I wear it — maybe just because I know creator Poppy King loves the 40s. Medieval is oh so comfortable to wear. If you’re looking for sex-appeal without full-coverage commitment, this is your lipstick. Click here for the arm swatches.