I Tried It: 5 Summer Lip Trends
I’ve always been a summer girlie. Swimming in my grandma’s pool from dawn till dusk. Unlimited popsicles. Letting my kids stay up past bedtime to bask in the sunset. And playing around with bright lip colors. Here are five fun lipstick trends I tried…
1. POPSICLE POUT, bold color in the center, with a soft, gradient-like fade.
The Product: I went with Tower28’s BeachPlease Cream Blush — made for cheeks and lips — in the Finest Hour shade. At first glance, I was worried the pigment might be too light. But OH MY GOSH you guys. The color pops in the most beautiful way; and the texture is hydrating, almost slippery, so it easily blended on my lips.
How to Apply: To create that ombré effect, I first applied a concentrated amount of the formula onto the center of my lips with my fingertips. Then I put a light layer on the outer edges of my lips. Finally, I dabbed a wet beauty blender over the outer edges of my lips to smudge.
The Verdict: I LOVED this pretty lip look. It’d be fun to wear anywhere, from a family pool day to evening drinks with girlfriends. The only catch? You’d need to do frequent touch-up if you wanted the popsicle look to last all day.
2. COOL-TONED ’90S BROWN, a greig-y lip, accented with a brown liner.
The Products: For this look, I needed both lipliner and lipstick. I chose Tower28’s OneLiner, a creamy matte liner, in Color Me Fine. The color was soft but easy to layer for a deeper hue. Next I went with Rare Beauty’s Kind Words lipstick in Creative. Since the formula is described as ‘matte,’ I was prepared for it to feel dry. But the lipstick felt so velvety — I actually said ‘wow’ out loud while applying, because I was shocked by its incredibly creamy texture.
How to Apply: Confession: I’ve never worn lipliner. For guidance, I turned to my makeup guru — Desi Perkins — on YouTube, and like kismet, her latest makeup tutorial was a Maddy Perez makeup tutorial! Her video gave me the courage and direction I needed. Like she suggested, I began lining my lips at the cupids bow, working my way down with light, feathery strokes. Then I swiped on the lipstick. Finally, I used a dry beauty blender to make everything come together.
The Verdict: At first, the brown trend intimidated me. What if the color washed me out? What if it looked costume-y? But, in the end, I REALLY loved it. It made my lips look voluptuous and sultry. I’d love to wear this on a date night, paired with a black dress, strappy heels and an ice-cold martini.
3. SHELLAC LIPS, a high shine, with neutral undertones.
The Product: I chose Mutha’s Pucker Up Lip Plump in Almond Mom — a super glossy nude with just a hint of brown. It also has a subtle scent of almond extract, which I love.
How to Apply: Two layers of gloss gave my lips a good amount of pigment and shine. The final look was extra glossy, but that’s what I was going for.
The Verdict: A minute after taking this photo, above, I walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, and my cousin, who was babysitting my kids, said, ‘Your lips look SO good.’ The gloss plumps up your lips, and the hint of color adds warmth to your face. To amp up that just-back-from-vacation look, swipe this glowy bronzer cream on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your eyelids.
4. SOFT PEACH, a shimmery lip with pink undertones.
The Product: Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Luminizing Lip Gloss in Beam, a soft coral with tiny specks of what I imagine fairy dust would look like.
How to Apply: Couldn’t have been easier — I just swiped on one layer of gloss!
The Verdict: This lip trend would work year-round. Just one layer creates a romantic everyday sheen, and I could see myself wearing this all the time.
5. BRIGHT CORAL, a matte, orange-y, red lip.
The Product: While scouting around, I couldn’t find the exact coral lip color I wanted. So, I decided to use a combo of Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé’s Matte Lip Cream in Inspire (a bright red) and Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil in Joy (a muted peach).
How to Apply: I love a punchy coral, but lip prep and precise application are key because the color is SO bright. To exfoliate my lips, I rubbed a wet washcloth in a circular motion on my lips for 20 seconds. Next, I applied just the tiniest dab of red lip cream, since the color red goes a long way. Finally, I dabbed the peach lip oil on my fingertips and blended into my lips.
The Verdict: This vibrant lip shade is perfect for summer! Wouldn’t it look gorgeous with a white dress? But you know what impressed me the most? The long-lasting wear of the lip cream and lip oil. OMG! These lip colors will not budge. Here is a picture of the products on my fingertips right after I blended the peach lip oil over the red lip cream:
And here’s a photo of my fingers after I wiped the product off with a baby wipe, washed my hands with soap and micellar water, and then dried them with a paper towel!
I was blown away. If you’re looking for a lip color that will last you through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-night walk to get ice cream, Rare Beauty’s lip cream and lip oil are IT.
What lip colors are you wearing this summer? Would you wear one of these? Also, are there any other makeup trends you’d like to see tested?
P.S. Five more summer beauty trends and four drugstore lipsticks with cult followings.
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Tags: tried
Comments
69 commentsGod is a woman and that woman is Jannelle Sanchez. Thank you for the in-depth review but also SWOON!!!!!!!!
That second one is EVERYTHING.
So beautiful! Love popsicle pout!
I recently tried 19/99 beauty – the creme blush stick in Szolo, a pigmented berry. It is so beautiful on the lips and cheeks. These first few weeks of summer I worn it and sunscreen – that’s it- and feel like it’s enough! It definitely makes a statement and is effortless. Moisturizing and stays put beautifully.
After so many years of working from home and going no make-up, I’m getting excited about playing with makeup and color and being out and about again. I’ve been having fun throwing on pinky lip glosses, peach blush, and mascara. I have no idea how to use eyeliner 🤷🏻♀️ so any tips about eye makeup would be appreciated!
As a kpop girlie, love a popsicle lip! You have sold me on the Rare Beauty lip cream and oil! Can’t wait to try.
I love the 90s lipliner look. It is giving “Janet”! Janel are you a “winter”? You also really pull off the super dark hair.
Just here to join the Jannelle is Stunning Chorus!
I’m soo in need of some lipstick help! My inner lip extends well into the outer layer meaning the center of my lips are essentially always in a moist environment that breaks down most formulas quickly. I’ve never found anything that addresses this and after an hour, my product is basically just lip liner. Help???
No real solution for this since you can’t change your lips lol I would just stick to more neutral glosses instead of matte or bright lipstick that will wear off in a way you don’t want it to!
CKK, lipsticks don’t work for me either, for different reasons. I just focus on the overall condition of my lips and keep makeup to eyes and cheeks.
My beautiful bestie! ❤️
I have the Rare Beauty Lip Oil in Serenity and it’s my favorite lip product I’ve ever had! Lasts so long!!
I’m going to jump on these Janelle compliments and do what my kids call GLAZING … love all the looks and recs! Girl so fly!
I thought #3 was the GOAT, but they are all fun and the coral also really slays. You are so radiant and glow like summer is actually within your shinning out – with or without make up.
Sort of related, but anyone have suggestions for upper lip hair? I used to wax or bleach, but am now very allergic to any type of fragrance (essential oils included). I think that leaves a razor, but I’m super scared to try in case of bumps. My skin is so sensitive these days! Any suggestions?
threading! can learn to do it on your own or get it done for $20
I second threading! And ask for no lotion at the end. Otherwise, plucking hair by hair… Which is painful and slow, but effective! Our local farmers market have a stall that offers threading and it’s perfect because you’re not even in a room for fragrance to have built up in the air. If you do decide to try, watch a few videos before you go so you know how it works. You need to hold your skin tight for some parts of the face and sometimes there’s an expectation that you’ll know what to do.
I use a little facial hair remover I got from amazon! I’m not sure what magic it is but it works really well and doesn’t hurt at all, and no bumps for regrowing. I actually got it from this COJ post! https://cupofjo.com/2020/05/14/top-ten-beauty-questions/
Omg, do not listen to the folks saying threading, it is SO painful and the upper lip area is the most painful place to get it done. You will be crying, it’s not worth it. The little face shaver someone recommended from Amazon is a much better option!
Electrolysis!
Just use a cheap dermaplane razor that’s meant for facial peach fuzz.
Try a face epilator! I have PMOS (previously called PCOS) and am constantly doing hair removal on my upper lip, chin, and sideburns. Epilators have worked really well for me. They’re fast, pain-free with zero irritation, and you can get them pretty cheap.
I also finally started to use a Flawless brand facial hair remover, just slightly different from the one linked. It’s light blue and $10 and works great for me. I bet I learned about this tool from the same beauty uniform post!
I love the idea that you got to go out and buy makeup and apply it and take photos as your JOB. Go you!
sigh. I wish I had lips.
😶😶😶 you reading this post lol Anyone can wear a lip product if they want to!
The #3 highlights your features beautifully! For me, tut showcases like the right shades changed everything. All of the shades are really good looking but #3 is a win. As a person with fuller cheeks I noticed that bigger lips makes my cheeks more pronounced, so I put on shades that is close to my skin tone and in the result my checks is not the main attraction point haha. But I like color and definitely try to play with this brand shades
These lip colors are so nice, but I’m just content to bask in Janelle’s astonishing beauty even while knowing my makeup-less skin tones are not dissimilar to Bart Simpson’s.
Chiming into the comments on Janelle’s natural beauty – truly stunning but in a way that is totally not intimidating! With the adorable freckles and warm smile – you just ooze kindness. Anyways – any of these stay on and not leave gross marks on glasses and mugs? And how do you pick the color when buying online? Also – I’m a minimalist when it comes to make-up – mostly just a swipe of eyeliner and lip balm. But I cannot for the life of me, find an eye liner that doesn’t “leak? run? smooge?” down underneath my eyes. Last night I got home from book group and my greenish eyeliner was having a party UNDERNEATH my eyes (ugh).
NYX professional epic ink eyeliner!!
Wow Janelle – echoing allll the skin compliments. Creamy and dewy at the same time. Perfection! Because I’m always on the lookout for lip coverage that will stay without drying out: which do you think is longer lasting, the Rare Beauty lip cream or the lip oil?
Do the lip oil! It’s super hydrating and feels silky instead of sticky. I’d also put on two layers of gloss if you want the color to pop :)
So gorgeous! I can’t believe how much I like the brown.
Me too! I am not usually a fan of the browny beigy lip look, but it looks great on you, Janelle! Another reminder that it’s best to have a great for her, not for me moment every now and again!
Advice sought: 60 years old, very light blonde hair, fair skin w/ neutral undertones, blue eyes, am a summer according to color analysis. Wearing a medium shade of burnt orange for my son’s wedding per the chosen spectrum (not really my ideal color), and I’m not a big makeup person. Anybody out there with suggestions for a sheer cheek tint, what to do with eyes, and a lip stain that will stay put long enough for photos? I was a professional dancer, but that kind of performance makeup 1) was a long time ago 2) not really my vibe, and 3) had a different purpose.
Oh–and I have a zillion allergies, so best to purchase my own products so I can read labels really thoroughly and not have hives on the big day–so will not be getting my face done with the bridal party.
I have extremely sensitive skin and also have allergies. I really like the rhode beauty cream blush. The peachy shade would be really good for you. That or merit’s cream blush in the Beverly Hills shade. It’s so pretty! Instead of going wild with eye makeup, you could just curl your lashes and use a brown lengthening mascara like tarte’s tartelette tubing mascara in brown. They sell a small travel size so you don’t have to commit to a giant tube. Tip: start putting the mascara on at the root of your lashes and wiggle the brush a bit before pulling it through your lashes. For a lash curler: Shiseido’s is really popular, I got it for my sister and she loves it. We both have hooded eyes and need one that works well for that kind of eyelid – this fits the bill. To add an extra little pop to your eyes you can take a shimmery cream colored eyeshadow or highlighter and brush some in the tear duct corner of your eye and just under your brow. So simple and effective. For a lip: I think coral or the bright coral would look really pretty given you have blue eyes and it would work well with your dress color. You can also do some bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks (just a little and blend it nicely) and on your jaw line to add a little mystery but you don’t have to, it just helps with photos to add a little contour so your face doesn’t accidentally look flat. I hope this helps!
What I’m about to mention is ridiculously expensive, but it doesn’t have any ingredients that irritate skin with issues like rosacea or fungal acne and is the best blush I have ever used. A single tube seems to last forever, though: Chantecaille Gel-Cream Blush. The shade Happy is the safest pink shade, but if you want to veer more peachy or coral, then either Lively or Delight. The one big sale Chantecaille does is for the founder’s birthday in late July, if you can wait that long to order. All the same, it’s the best blush.
It’s expensive, but Dr. Hauschka has a cosmetics line that is very very good for those with a lot of allergies. Less is more, IMO but- for photos you’d be surprised at how washed out fair blondes can look, so don’t be scared of wearing makeup. I’d suggest asking your DIL or any other woman close to you for heir suggestions, or you could book a makeup session with a professional in your area.
Seconding Kim, makeup for weddings if you’re going to be in the photos needs to be a touch “more” than you’d usually go. Often the way photos are lit/turned to light and edited can wash people out. I also have fragrance and preservative allergies, so living for these suggestions, thanks everyone! Congratulations on your son’s wedding, Laura! I hope it’s a day of happiness and pride for you, and the orange looks lovely in an assembly (I can imagine it being stunning, even though many of us wouldn’t reach the orange naturally)
Sorry to pepper you with comments, but I just remembered another brand that might be useful, 19/99. They have this line of color pencils that can be used all over called precision colour pencils. So, I could see getting a color like Burro as an eyeliner and a color like Meleg, Fiore, or Rozsa for your lips. Meleg would be the boldest choice, but I myself like the look of Fiore.
Thank you for all of these generous and truly helpful well wishes and recommendations–truly appreciate these!
Echoing Nicole about Merit’s Flush Balm in Beverly Hills. I got it as a bonus product when there was a problem with my first Merit order, and I was surprised at how much I like it! It’s sheer but buildable, easily applied with fingers, and adds a nice glow to the skin. Feels very summery! It’s the one I reach for the most of my 5 blushes. (I’m fair with a cooler skin tone btw)
Jannelle, these are all gorgeous products but let’s be honest, the prize is YOU babe!! Since the moment you became a part of cup of jo I have always thought “she has amazing lips omg.” Beautiful, all of them! #alwayshereforlipcontent
Emma!!! You are the best! Also, the Motha Pucker Up Lip gloss in Almond mom would look soooo good on you! Just sayingg :)
Omg @janelle I thought the same thing and went on the site to buy it HAHAHA shameless. Thank you, that’s kind🥰
Hi Emma, I spent thousands and thousands of dollars on fancy moisturizers and high end cosmetics when I was younger, and now as I am getting ready to retire, I cannot tell you how much I wish that I had invested that money instead. I use Vanicream, $15 for an enormous jar, and I’m very happy with it.
These shades all look amazing on you, but I have to ask, what is your skin care routine? You have a truly gorgeous complexion and I want to try to recreate it on myself!
Oh my gosh you are so nice! I rinse my face with water in the morning (I stopped using face wash twice a day because I felt like it was drying my skin out.) Then I use this CeraVe cream! It’s super hydrating and so affordable. At night, I remove my makeup with this micellar water and then wash my face with this Cetaphil cleanser. Then I’ll apply some more CeraVe cream before bed :)
Janelle is like… I use these great drug store products and she looks GORGEOUS! I am now quietly throwing away my $100 night cream, my $50 face wash, and my $150 moisturizer. I think less is more may need to be my new summer motto.
I started seeing a dermatologist this year for stubborn adult acne which she has wizarded away with low dose accutane, but she was like, girl, all you really need after this is CeraVe, or La Roche Posay if you want to spend a little more, including a good sunscreen. After a lifetime of tricky skin, being given permission to stop spending loads on surface treatments was so freeing.
Do any of these work if you are planning on kissing someone? I rarely wear lipstick on date night because it so quickly comes off, lol.
Girl, I HIGHLY recommend the Rare Beauty Soufflé Matte Lip Cream. It dries so soft and beautifully, I didn’t feel any sticky or chalky residue. And it did NOT come off. I pressed a napkin in between my lips after applying the cream and there was barely product on the napkin. It’s mind boggling.
They all look great on you, Jannell! Unrelated, I also have freckles and I love them! I want my kids to love them too. Every time they get a new freckle I celebrate it and say things like, “I think that may be my new favorite freckle!” Now they eagerly tell me when they’ve spotted a new one. Before bed, my son (5) shows me my favorite freckle of his tucked behind his ear and my daughter (3) was delighted when she got her first hand freckle and now matches me and her brother. :)
I love this!! It made me think about that scene in Pippi Longstocking — she spots a sign in a drugstore window that says “Do you suffer from freckles?” She marches inside to answer the question and says “I HAVE freckles; I don’t SUFFER from them.” I loved that as a kid and still do! It’s a great moment to remember when someone tries to insist any wonderful physical trait you have is a flaw.(“I HAVE wrinkles; I don’t suffer from them!”)
I can’t remember who told me this when I was a kid, but I tell my own kids all the time: freckles form when the sun gives you a kiss! We take sun protection very seriously, and also celebrate every new summer freckle. And as a bonus, it is a slant rhyme in Spanish (cuando el sol te besa te sale una peca)
oh I love this so much!! xx
Al, I love the Spanish slant rhyme! (We also take sun protection very seriously, including the hats that cover the whole head and neck(!) but freckles still come through and I agree that they should be celebrated!)
I’m a ginger and I am so so envious of my son’s gorgeous freckles. For some reason, I missed that gene. My step dad is no longer a redhead but he is covered in freckles from head to toe. As babies my kids called him, “Papa with the magic spots.”
Beautiful! I’ve been loving the Clinique Chunky Cherry Chubby stick but would definitely wear the #4 option (simple!)
Janelle, I have to say you’re so pretty it almost doesn’t matter.
I knowwwwww. What does it feel like to be God’s favorite, Janelle?
hahahah omg you guysss. xxx
I always think the same thing! Janelle is so naturally beautiful.
Agree!!! we need someone more lip-challenged to do this round up lol
the 90s brown looks SO GOOD on you, Janelle. perfect color for you!
Thank you!! I’m surprised by how much I love it, it’s totally the opposite of colors I usually wear! x
Seconding Emm’s comment. You look absolutely stunning in all the pics, Jannelle, but the 90s brown… wow!!