Now that I'm fully vaccinated and I've been taking my mask off more (when it's safe and while following guidelines, of course), I'm back to sporting my favorite lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip stains. As someone who used to rely on a bold lip to carry my whole makeup look, I'm really grateful for the opportunity to coat my lips in color. You see, I normally like to keep my everyday makeup look pretty minimal—some concealer, mascara, and a brow product—so when I wanted to take things up a notch but still wanted to keep my lazy, low-maintenance routine, I just applied a bold lip color and that was it.
Of course, for the past two years, I haven't worn a ton of lip products because of all the mask-wearing I was doing. And anyway, it's not like I even wore makeup most days! But now that things are opening back up and I'm heading out more, it's prime time for me to try some bold new lip looks.
One color that I've been totally fixated on is pink. Listen, I'm a huge fan of red and deep berry colors, but it's summer and I'm happy to see friends and family again and go to brunches, dinners, and gatherings, so I want a color that reflects how cheery I feel these days. Pink is just a fun, playful color that pretty much goes with any type of outfit or occasion. If you want something subtler, you can do a light pink or something that's so sheer it's almost nude. Or you can go for the classics, bubblegum pink or rose pink. And if you really want to take things up a notch, hot pink or magenta really makes a statement.
Whatever you choose, the color looks flattering on all types of skin tones, depending on the shade. So the world is your oyster when it comes to pink lipsticks basically! Here are some of the best ones, ranging from light pink to deep pink.
Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick in Liv It Up
This shade is a pretty pale pink that's inspired by Liv Tyler. The lipstick's formula is ultra-moisturizing and hydrating with antioxidants to soften your lips.
2. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Pink Sand
Creamy and rich, Maybelline's pink lipstick contains shea butter to glide on easily and leave a smooth finish.
3. MAC Satin Lipstick in Snob
MAC's Snob lipstick is a nice, light, neutral pink that's perfect if you're not really into a bold lip but want some color.
4. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Tickled Pink
You don't have to worry about your lips drying out with this lipstick option from L'Oréal. It's infused with nourishing ingredients like omega-3, vitamin E, and argan oil.
5. Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Amour
Described as a coral rose, this one from Pat McGrath Labs has rich pigment and leaves a matte finish. It's also formulated to hydrate lips and blur any imperfections.
6. Glossier Generation G in Crush
Glossier's hot raspberry-pink lipstick is not super pigmented so you can get a natural, blotted lip color. It leaves a matte finish.
7. Nars Lipstick in Roman Holiday
Super feminine and lively, Nars's Roman Holiday lipstick is as classic as the film itself. You'll feel like Audrey while wearing this one. The satin-finish lip color contains passion fruit seed and moringa oils to hydrate and lock in moisture.
8. Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick in $uga Kiss
This bubblegum pink shade looks super flattering and pretty. The lightweight lipstick is sheer and leaves a shiny finish.
9. Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipstick in True Pink
I love a pink lipstick that you can wear just about anywhere—whether it's at the office, out with friends, or on a date night. This is one of those. The matte lipstick gives just the right amount of color and it's a neutral pink shade so it goes with everything.
10. Kosas Weightless Lipstick in Rosewater
If you hate the feeling of heavy lipsticks, you'll be thankful for this option from Kosas. It's lightweight, melts into the lips easily, and stays put for hours.
11. Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick in Casablanca
This pink lipstick is in the mauve range, so it's a deeper hue than a bubblegum or a light pink. The formula contains ingredients like soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter, and chamomilla flower oil.
12. Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick in Motivate
This watermelon-pink lipstick is just so much fun. It's literally perfect for summer, too. The liquid formula has an air-whipped, creamy feel and it has a matte finish.
13. Covergirl Exhibitionist Lipstick Metallic in Love Me Later
This one's for the people who really like to stand out and don't mind a little bit of sparkle. This one has a metallic finish that's very "Barbie girl," aka a lot of fun.
14. Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Voile Sheer Lipstick in Vantine Fuchsia
When you look at the color in the tube you get a lot of "in your face vibes," but it actually doesn't go on as bright and bold as you think. You still get that nice, rich fuchsia color, but it's not as neon-y as you would think.
15. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Heart Breaker
But if you're looking for that vibrant and bold pink, you're going to want to take a look at this one from Revlon. The matte lipstick has incredible pigment and it's also creamy and moisturizing.
16. Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Shocking Pink
This blue-toned hot-pink lipstick is super-rich and highly pigmented. It won't dry out our lips and it has some impressive staying power.
17. MAC Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up
MAC's bright fuchsia shade has blue undertones and leaves a matte finish. The color is super-saturated and full-coverage, so just a coat or two will work.
Products to Prep Your Lips
A lip primer can prep your lips so your color lasts longer. This one hydrates the lips and prevents any feathering.
To keep your lips moisturized and free from chapping, you're going to need a good lip balm. This one from Drunk Elephant is one of my favorites because it's so nourishing and plumping.
For peeling lips, this lip scrub will slough off any dead skin and keep things smooth so you can apply your lip color easily.
When my lips are really dried out, I use this lip mask to get them back on track. It works overnight to hydrate and trap moisture. My lips always feel so much softer the next morning.
If you haven't tried a lip oil yet, you really should think about it. It really sinks into your lips so quickly to get the healing process started ASAP. This one has a blend of jojoba, camellia, sesame, and sunflower seed oils, plus vitamin E.
Next: The Bright Lipsticks Our Fashion Editors Are Freaking Out Over
