Summer Lips: My Guide to the Perfect Pout.

It's no secret that I am a huge advocate of lipstick. It's the perfect thing for spring/summer days when you don't want to spend an hour on your make-up but you still want to look fresh and put together. 

It takes a whole 30 seconds to apply and can take your look from blah to BAM! 

Going out after work?  

Going to grab a bite after a day at the beach?

 Going out on a spontaneous adventure? 

Having a busy day? 

Don't have any time to primp? 

Need to look good on the go?

Visiting a new city and anxious to get out and explore but still want to look good in photos?

Lipstick. Lipstick. Lipstick.

Swipe it on in seconds to spice up any look.

Needless to say I am lipstick addict. I hate to spend too much time in front of the mirror, especially during the warmer months. I prefer just a bit of mascara, a dash of blush or bronzer and a good lipstick/gloss. 

Here are my favorite shades for Spring/Summer: 

BARELY THERE

I'M WEARING: butter LONDON Lippy in "West End Wonderland"

Sometimes you just want to look bare faced in the summer. A good sheer gloss is a summer must have. I love this natural looking gloss with flecks of gold and magenta glitter. It also pairs well with a smokey eye for a nighttime look. It also layers well over other lipsticks to add depth to the color and maximizing shiny glossiness. 

 NATURAL NEUTRAL

I'M WEARING: LORAC Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in "Vintage"

A good neutral lip is a staple every girl should have. This is a creamy lip gloss that has serious staying power and adds just the right amount of shine. Vintage is the perfect nude, leaving lips looking plump and kissable. The key is finding a neutral shade that adds a hint of color and some sheen. You want it to look subtle, and draw just a little attention to that pretty pout.

 PETAL PINK

I'M WEARING: LORAC Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in "Muse"

This is the perfect color for when you want to feel pretty and feminine but still stay a little under the radar. This color reminds me of the soft petals of peonies(my faves). It's great for a daytime look and is a wonderful versatile color. A pink gloss is great for a busy day - it adds just a little color, and is just a step up from an all natural look. This is a great one for people who are afraid of bright color.

WATERMELON

I'M WEARING: Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in "Chase"

This might be my current favorite. It's so easy to apply and adds a wonderful pop of color. I always have this in my bag whether I am running errands, heading to a meeting or hitting the beach. I love the juicy color with a bare face. It's perfect for going from the sand to lunch. This glossy pencil by Lipstick Queen is so silky smooth and easy to apply. It comes out pigmented but also a little sheer. It's also very hydrating and makes me feel ready for anything. 

 BRONZED BERRY

 I'M WEARING: NARS Lipstick in "Christina"

Out of all the lipsticks I wear, this one gets the most compliments. I was even wearing it at a Sephora event and one of the makeup artists was like "What is that lipstick? It's gorgeous!" And it really is. Christina is a frosted golden raspberry packed with pigment and layers of colors. It's the perfect middle of the road color between neutral and full out red. It somehow is both brown and pink. It sparkles but it's not shiny. And it lasts forever. I have been dedicated to this lipstick for years. I haven't seen any other lipstick quite like it. It's great for work or play, day or night.

PINK LADY

I'M WEARING: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in "Flat Out Fabulous"

I have just really started getting into bright pinks. I used to run from anything pink at light speed. But a feminine, vivid, pink lipstick is my new thing. And it pairs great with classic black and white ensembles. My two faves are a bright plum(Flat Out Fabulous - above) and an intense fuchsia(All Fired Up - below). I love the retro matte finish on these two pinks. While I am coming around to pink, a shimmery, sparkling pink still makes me want to gag. These have a flat finish that keep them from being too girly for me. 

 Flat Out Fabulous    /    All Fired Up

I'M WEARING: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in "All Fired Up"

MAC Retro Mattes from top left: Flat Out Fabulous, Ruby Woo, All Fired Up and Dangerous.

  ORANGE CRUSH

I'M WEARING: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in "Dangerous"

I am sucker for a punchy pout. And luckily orangey-red is the quintessential summer shade. It's bright, vibrant and reflects the hot weather. It instantly livens up the face and brings a fun-loving attitude to the forefront. I'm a big fan of MAC's "Dangerous" and NARS' "Heatwave". They're similar shades but Heatwave is creamier and has a little shine while Dangerous is a true matte finish. I love both of these colors because they're not too out there orange, they have the perfect balance of bold orange and classic red. I just feel so fun and feminine when sporting this lively shade.

Dangerous   /   Heatwave

I'M WEARING: NARS Lipstick in "Heatwave"

My two fave NARS lipsticks: Heatwave & Christina

 RED HOT

I'M WEARING: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in "Ruby Woo"

I really love a classic red lip and Ruby Woo is def in my top three red lipsticks of all time, it has a cult following for good reason. It's a beautiful, vivid blue-red, that is timeless. It is my go to shade for doing anything on a spring/summer night. It also looks great during the day, but it's my favorite for a date night. I wore it a lot last year on my honeymoon in Greece in late June. It makes me feel so pretty and like such a lady. It also transforms my face with no other makeup required except maybe a little mascara. 

 From Left: NARS Heatwave & Christina, MAC Ruby Woo, Dangerous, All Fired Up & Flat Out Fabulous, Lipstick Queen Chinatown Lipgloss Pencil in Chade, LORAC Liquid Lipstick in Muse & Vintage, and butter LONDON Lippy in Westend Wonderland. 

What are some of your favorite summer lip shades?