While I'm pretty low-maintenance when it comes to my makeup routine, I do love playing around with my lip colors. I'm not one to go too wild with my eye makeup looks or even try doing anything intense with contouring, but when it comes to lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains, and more, I'll try anything. Maybe it's because it's much easier to apply a lip product than it is to do a complicated eye shadow look. Or maybe it's because if I mess up, I can just wipe it off. Whatever it is, experimenting with lip colors is very low-stakes but very fun for me.
I have my favorite hues, and when in doubt, I go for a classic red or deep berry, but there's one unique lip color that I like to bring out when I really want something a bit different yet flattering. That's a coral lip color. When I wear coral lipstick, I know that 1) it's going to look fun and be a nice change for my normal makeup routine, and 2) I'm guaranteed at least one compliment.
I think coral is a universally flattering shade. You just have to choose one with the right undertones for your skin. You can go for a deeper coral, a lighter coral, one that veers toward pink territory, or one that's orangey. The options are endless. And there’s a reason the compliments roll in—it's a unique shade that not a lot of people wear often since most people gravitate toward the pinks and reds.
The color can be worn year-round, but I especially like wearing it during the summer months or when the weather is warm. There’s something so fun about wearing this shade when paired with a dress that shows off a little bit of skin. Is that just me?
Anyway, have I convinced you with my ode to coral? If so, take a look at some stellar options below.
1. Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick 2 in Carina's Star
This is the lip color I'm wearing in the photo above, and it's my favorite coral lipstick. I love that it's not too orange but not too pink—it's just right for me. I can do just a hint of color with one layer, or if I want something more saturated, I'll do a couple more coats.
2. Nars Lipstick in Barbarella
Nars's lipstick is more of a peachy shade that is almost veering into neutral territory. This one is a great option if you want more of a muted color and not a coral that's super bright and saturated.
3. Glossier Ultralip in Coupe
But if bright and bold is your thing, then you can't go wrong with Glossier's Coupe that is described as a blood orange. The formula itself is so luxe—it's a moisturizing balm, gloss, and lip tint in one.
4. Giorgio Armani Lip Power Long-Lasting Satin Lipstick in Splendid
This one is more of pinky coral. The long-wear lip color has a satin-finish oil, so your lips won't look dried out.
5. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coral Berry
Revlon's lipstick is on the lighter side of the coral spectrum. It looks peachy pink. The lipstick formula itself is infused with vitamin E and avocado oil, so it will go on smoothly and keep your lips moisturized.
6. W3ll People Optimist Semi-Matte Lipstick in Brave
This semi-matte lipstick has a rich pigment, and it's also deeply moisturizing and nourishing thanks to cupuaçu butter, jojoba oil, aloe, vitamins, and omega oils.
7. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick Balm in Corail Marrakech
The cool thing about this medium-coverage lipstick is that it's made with 65% essential oils, so it's ultra moisturizing and leaves a nice shiny finish. The Corail Marrakech hue has some orange tones.
8. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Tropical Coral
This pink-coral lipstick is enriched with omega-3, vitamin E, and argan oil to leave your lips soft and conditioned. It's a satin finish that has buildable color.
9. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Unattached
If you're looking for a coral liquid-lipstick option, try Fenty Beauty's. The color is supersaturated, and the formula is weightless and soft-matte. It has staying power, too.
10. Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Daydream
Here's another lighter coral option that can work for any occasion. The matte lipstick is highly pigmented and glides on with a creamy feel.
11. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lipstick in Watermelon
For a bolder and brighter coral, try Bobbi Brown's Watermelon lipstick, which is a flirty pinkish shade. It has a blotted, stain-effect finish, and the formula is rich in vitamins C and E.
12. Kjaer Weis Lipstick in Love
With a creamy, velvety, matte finish, this lipstick is pretty much all the best of all worlds. It also has moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil.
13. Dior Rouge Dior Ultra Lipstick in Ultra Kiss
Dior's lipstick delivers highly pigmented color. It has a semi-matte finish and can stay put for up to 12 hours.
14. Burt's Bees Natural Moisturizing Liquid Lipstick in Coral Cove
Burt's Bees's Coral Cove shade has warm undertones and is a mix of red, rose, and orange hues. The liquid lipstick provides intense color that lasts all day. It's also formulated with apricot and babassu oil, shea butter, and essential fatty acids for softer lips.
15. Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick in True Color
This full-coverage lipstick has conditioning benefits—it's enriched with soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter, and chamomilla flower oil. This particular shade is a bright and bold coral.
16. Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Soiree
If you love a matte lipstick, you'll probably love this ultra-matte formula. The color is highly pigmented, but it won't dry out your lips or make them appear cracked. There's also a built-in sharpener so you can customize the tip for better application.
17. Clinique Pop Matte LipColour + Primer Lipstick in Coral Pop
You don't have to worry about doing much to prep your lips before applying this lipstick since it has a built-in primer. The formula delivers a lot of saturated color but doesn't feel too heavy. This particular shade of coral is a pinky-peach.
Products to Prep Your Lips
To keep your lips super smooth for application, you'll want to use a lip scrub to slough off any dead skin. I like Burt's Bees's 100% natural formula, which contains exfoliating honey crystals.
My lips used to be perpetually chapped, but then I started using this lip mask a few times a week, and now the problem is solved. It moisturizes your lips overnight thanks to vitamin C and antioxidants.
Drunk Elephant's Lippe Balm is my go-to. It's spiked with avocado oil, mongongo oil, and tripeptide-1. It does such a good job of reviving my lips when they're dried out.
Next: This $6 Drugstore Lip Liner Is My Secret Weapon for Full Lips
