Top 5 | Best Lipsticks for Summer 2021

If I had to give this summer a signature lipstick colour, I would say a bright orange red. Summer makeup collections are typically filled with juicy corals and watermelon reds, but this year in particular a strong orange undertone seems to be dominating the lip scene. I’m all for it.

My love for these types of shades was revived with the De Vil in The Details lipstick that came out with the MAC Cruella collection. Orange reds are classic yet edgy, and go well with a multitude of looks – from a typical summer bronze smokey eye to a trendy graphic liner. Here is my selection for this summer:

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in 306 Carmin Escarpin

The most luxurious option in this list, so much so that the case is made of genuine leather. Excessive, opulent and unnecessary, like any true luxury product. Fortunately, it is a great product too.

Carmin Escarpin is a full blown red orange. It’s bright, opaque in one pass, and has a soft shine. It’s creamy, easy to apply, and comfortable to wear – it won’t dry out your lips even thought it stains them when it fades into a matte dark orange colour at the end of the day. And this one stays on for a really, really long time. Nearly as long as WinRAR’s trial license. Carmin Escarpin does not disappoint.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in See Sheer

Probably my most used lipstick. Ever. It’s as nude as a coral can be. It’s that colour that you can still call it colour, but works well with bright eyeshadow looks – which are a constant for me during Summer. The sun is out, the evenings are warm, and I like to paint my eyes like I’m trying to mate with a peacock. I don’t know why I love wearing bright colours during summer, but I do – and See Sheer is, 9 out of 10 times, the perfect companion if I don’t want to wear a “my lips but better” colour.

Being that it is a Lustre finish, it applies evenly and it’s comfortable to wear, and has a creamy sheen, but longevity is on the short side. Regardless, it’s a great colour to have in your arsenal.

By the way, MAC seems to be rebranding their Lustre finish has a stand alone Lustre formula, but it looks like the colours will stay the same. Which is good. If they discontinued See Sheer, I’d be p*ssd.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Cockney

If you’re afraid of reds, this is the one to get. It’s sheer but buildable, with neutral undertones and very sparse micro shimmer. One pass and the effect on the lips is more of a stain than a lipstick. Two passes and you can call it a red lip, but it is still very tame. This red will never demand the same attention that of a party girl jumping into an empty dance floor – it pretty much sits at the bar sipping on its cocktail, and at most it sways shyly from side to side on the corner of the dance floor.

The reason is perfect for summer is because being sheer and a “lustre” formula, it adds a juicy shine to the lips and looks very low effort, despite being a red. Also, it’s hydrating and comfortable to wear.

Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick in 344 Sexy Coral

KissKiss Sexy Coral is a bright orange leaning coral with a creamy finish that’s easy to apply and has a decent wear time. It’s a very unique coral because it’s very warm and yet, you can see the strong pink undertones very clearly. Like a salmon, but on speed. For how bright it is, it’s actually not that hard to pull off.

It coats the lips evenly, stays a decent amount of time (even through a light meal) and it’s comfortable on the lips. Another option that’s more on the pricier side that won’t disappoint.

Illamasqua Ultramatter Lipstick in Liable

Liable is a orange-brick-red lipstick that works well in this season and would transition really easily into autumn. The lipstick has a kind of balm-y feel, which is interesting and not typical for a matte formula. Like with most mattes, I need to have well moisturized lips before using it, because it does cling to dry, flaky skin, but it’s not an uncomfortable matte to wear. It lasts almost as long as Givenchy’s Carmin Escarpin.

Comparison Swatches!

Excuse the lip swatches, the resolution is crap because I took those with my phone:

So, whatcha think? What’s your favourite summer lipstick?

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3 Comments

  1. Beautiful collection of red orange lipsticks! My favorite one is Guerlain Sexy Coral. I love orange and red lipsticks with a hint of pink in it. I like to wear tinted lip glosses for summer but I must say a bright red orange always looks great on tanned skin.

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