A real summer beauty refresh starts with stylish new lipstick shades. This year, I took a hard look at my makeup bag and realized it was overflowing with lipsticks that had simply gone stale. Some were dried out, others were empty, and a few were just… not it anymore. I held onto a few staples I knew I’d repurchase, but the rest? Tossed.

I’d previously tried doing a new lipstick haul—but let’s just say, I wasn’t thrilled. One of the lipsticks (from a brand I won’t name) literally broke off the first time I applied it. Tragic.

So here I am again, searching for the shades that fit every part of my life: work, play, and those daring, eccentric moments when I want to make a statement. I thought it would be easy—but the options were overwhelming. Some brands offer over 50 shades (and don’t get me started on the price range—from $2 drugstore finds to $30+ luxury bullets).

The only thing I was sure about? I’m a crème lipstick girl. Glosses are cute, but a rich, creamy lipstick? That’s where the magic happens.

I went on a little beauty mission and found shades that truly express my vibe and style.

Here’s what made the cut—and yes, you can actually buy these:

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💼 Mid Pink / Nude — Polished for Work

A “your lips but better” shade that whispers I’m put together without trying too hard.

Try:

• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk – a cult-favorite pinky nude that flatters almost every skin tone.

• Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Lead the Way – a comfortable drugstore nude-pink that lasts all day.

💋 Hot Pink — Bold, Bombshell Energy

Fun, flirty, and a little spicy—hot pink gives instant confidence.

Try:

• MAC Girl About Town – an iconic bright fuchsia that turns heads.

• Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle in Candy Venom – bold color with a smooth matte finish.

🎀 Soft Pink — Sweet but Glam

The soft Barbie-pink moment that always works with lashes and highlighter.

Try:

• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose – a creamy, classic soft pink.

• Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Worthy – a muted pink that’s feminine and modern.

💜 Plum / Purple — Edgy with a Touch of Drama

Perfect with a smoky eye, oversized sunglasses, or an all-black outfit.

Try:

• Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Backtalk – a mauve-pink-plum hybrid that’s surprisingly wearable.

• Milani Color Statement in Sangria – a rich plum with major pigment.

🔥 Red — Timeless & Powerful

Deep or sheer, red makes you feel instantly put together.

Try:

• NARS Audacious in Rita – a statement-making classic red.

• L’Oréal Colour Riche Shine in Enamel Red – a glossy red with summer sparkle.

🍑 Bonus Shade: Red-Peach Fusion — Unexpected & Fabulous

I didn’t think it would work on me, but it’s a total summer slay.

Try:

• YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in Coral Incandescent – a luxurious peachy red that brightens your whole face.

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Morocco – an affordable warm red-orange with a velvety finish.

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These are my top picks for lipstick shades this summer. I’m curious—what’s in your makeup bag?

Let me know what shades you’re loving (or tossing) this season! 💄✨

There’s something undeniably powerful about a radiant smile—it’s contagious, uplifting, and one of the most beautiful expressions. But what if you could take your charm to the next level?

This National Smile Day, we’re celebrating joy and spotlighting stunning lip colors that will brighten anyone’s day. Happiness looks good on you, and these shades will have them grinning from ear to ear!

Here are some favorite lipstick brands and iconic shades that are just right for this cheerful day:

Classic Favorites

1. MAC Cosmetics – “Ruby Woo”

• Classic red that flatters almost every skin tone.

2. Fenty Beauty – “Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored”

• Bold red with a liquid-to-matte finish.

3. NARS – “Dolce Vita”

• A soft, dusty rose that gives a natural flush.

Spring Vibes

4. Charlotte Tilbury – “Pillow Talk”

• A best-selling neutral-pink nude that enhances your natural lip tone.

5. Glossier – “Generation G in Crush”

• Sheer matte lipstick with a hint of raspberry pink.
  

Whether you’re a lover of bold reds, a soft pink enthusiast, or a fan of glossy nudes, the right lip shade can enhance your natural glow and make your smile shine even brighter.

May 31 is National Smile Day and it’s the perfect time to spread your contagious zeal.