5 of the best summer lipsticks

If you like the idea of a shiny, glossy red lip but not the maintenance that comes with it, this Loubibelle Lip Oil has all the glamour of a sheer red lip but without any stickiness, giving you a veil of color plus a beautiful high-shine finish. You can use it three ways for different effects. Firstly, for a subtle lip stain, use your fingers to press on the featherlight tinted jojoba oil. Makeup artist Alex Babsky, whose A-list clients include Naomi Campbell, Florence Pugh and Tessa Thompson, explains how to build the color up: “For more obvious color, swipe it on twice for a soft but by no means subtle lip,” he says. “And for the most striking statement, layer it as a top coat over your favorite red lipstick to add extra drama.”

“Part of the joyfulness of pink on both lips and cheeks is the relaxed way it can be worn,” explains Babsky. “Fingers are your best tool; tap your chosen bright lipstick onto your lips, then pat and blend what’s left onto cheeks, where they reach their fullest when you smile. Since using your fingers won’t deposit the same density of color as using a brush, you can afford to choose a bolder shade than you might otherwise think. Lip and cheek tints are generally interchangeable, although some cheek tints can leave a drier finish, so you may want to supplement with some balm if you’re also using it on your lips.”

“With a translucent [ie sheer] lipstick, you don’t have to worry so much about undertones and how well the color sits against your skin in the same way you would with an opaque lipstick,” explains Babsky. For this reason, sheer lipsticks are a great way to experiment with cheerful colors that you respond to emotionally, and this fuchsia shade from Tom Ford makes a great starting point. “A sheer texture keeps the bright color choice looking fuss-free and summery, although it doesn’t last as long as an opaque lipstick,” says Babsky. Keep it in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups.

“For a lip color with a bit more staying power, try a glossy stain; a first coat left to set for a moment will stain the lips, while a second coat will add sheerness and shine,” explains Babsky. We love how the applicator of Shiseido’s Lacquer LipShine makes it easy to get a perfect line at the lip edge, while the non-sticky glaze helps create the illusion of fullness.

A summer lip doesn’t necessarily mean a bright statement; nude lips with bronzed skin can look just as beautiful. The key is to look for a shade that mimics your skin tone. A nude lip should enhance rather than mask your natural hue – and leave you looking fresh rather than washed out. Those with golden undertones should choose a nude with a peachy tint, while pink undertones suit warm, rosy nudes. “A well-exfoliated, hydrated lip allows a smoother application,” advises Babsky. We recommend using a matte lip balm, which leaves lips conditioned and shine-free.