We may earn a commission through product links on this page. But we only recommend stuff we love.

Find the Perfect Summer Lip With These Four Shades

It’s summer, and I think summer makeup looks can be some of the most fresh and stunning, no matter your skin tone or face shape. Who doesn’t want to look sun-kissed, moisturized, and blushing? I’ve only started really playing with a full face of makeup again over the past year, but I’ve been a lipstick hound for many years now. I downsized from 70+ lipsticks to around 50 this year, and am still buying more as I find formulas I like and getting rid of older ones.

If you have juicy lips, lipstick can just make them more pronounced and luscious. If you have thin lips, it can do the same while bringing your lips out of your face more. A pop of color goes a long way.

For summer, I’ve composed a list of four different lip shades that will power you through the season, with four products under each category. Whether a soft matte or a high shine cream, I’ve probably got something for you in this summer lipstick 2022 guide.


Peach

Four lipsticks in peach shades against a mint background

Em Cosmetics Infinite Lip Clouds in Magic Hour ($20)

This lush soft creme formula is heaven on the lips, and this color looks great on a variety of skin tones. It’s a peachy nude that pairs well with the Fawn lip pencil. The Infinite Lip Clouds glide on with ease and don’t dry out your lips.

NYX Cosmetics in Peach Don’t Kill My Vibe ($8)

I was obsessed for quite some time with this matte lipstick. The color is quite orange but with a lot of brown in it, so it isn’t too neon. The formula is definitely matte but I wouldn’t go eating an oily salad after you put it on. Perfect for taking pictures in natural light.

Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipsticks in Peach Please ($16.50)

Described as subtle peach with coral undertones, Mented makes make up for those of us with brown skin. All of the lip colors are formulated to compliment brown to deep skin tones, and Peach Please, well, pleases. It is a semi-matte so it might fade during the day, but with a little setting spray and timely reapplication, you’ll be set.

Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Nudist Peach ($3)

The name may be a mouthful, but the color payoff and the look of this matte liquid lip is stunning. Not to mention the affordable price! Stock up on a few of these and make sure you grab the peach, it won’t disappoint. Drug store brands are making a huge comeback this year, so you don’t have to spend a pretty penny to get a great look.


Berry

Four lipsticks in berry shades against a mint background

Bite Beauty Power Move Hydrating Soft Matte in Beetroot ($14)

Bite Beauty is closing later this year, so take advantage of this current 50% of sale and get one of their best sellers for a great price. Beetroot is a deep berry color that really gives your lips the perfect pout. Paired with a more cool-toned eye, this look will get you a ton of compliments.

Flower Beauty Perfect Pout Soft Matte Lip in Raspberry ($10)

When I first put on this soft matte lip I instantly fell in love. A buildable wash of color that makes you look dark and mysterious? Sign me up. Super long wearing and comfortable, this might be my new go-to lip product.

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Party Goer ($10)

This formula might feel drying for some, but boy does it have staying power. This stuff does not move. If you’re already a fan of Maybelline I suggest giving this product a try. They also have more creme formulas that might be better suited for you if you aren’t interested in a super matte lip.

Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Concentrated Matte Lipstick in Brenda ($24)

Uoma is a Black-owned brand, so you can support a Black business while looking lush and incredible. Brenda is a deep deep berry, it’s almost purple but more flattering, especially for deeper skin tones. It may be more on the pricey side but it’s totally worth it.


Rose

Four lipsticks in rose shades against a mint background

Colourpop Blur Lux Lipstick in Gen X ($9)

This lush rose-tinted creme lip is perfect if you love lipsticks that are creamy and rich. With all the affordability and color pay off of colourpop, this is probably one of my favorites on the list. It’s very close to my natural lip color, but if your lip color is darker or lighter than mine it will still look great.

Dose of Colors Velvet Mousse Duo in Dusty Mauve ($29)

That price might scare you, but Duo is key: this one comes with a lipstick and a lipliner in one. The rich rosey color is gorgeous and the texture is almost whipped, so it glides on effortlessly.

Milani Cosmetics Color Statement Lipstick in Rose Femme ($6)

I used to be all about Milani Cosmetics, then fell off. Now I’m wondering if I should come crawling back after looking at this decadent lip color. Okay, the name is half off it. Rose Femme? That’s me! I love the rich pinky-purple color and it looks to also have that whipped texture. This one will definitely be my next purchase.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Blushing Rose ($6)

I actually really am impressed by e.l.f. lip products, and this color is amazing. The pointed applicator makes this one easy to apply at the bow in your lips, and the color payoff is…wow! This one would look great paired with one of those puffy floral dresses that I can’t quite pull off. But I imagine you dear reader looking lovely in it with your blushing rose lips.


Clear Glosses

Four tubes of clear lipgloss

Colourpop Sailor Moon Ultra Glossy Lip in Moon Tiara ($9)

Okay so this gloss is actually very lightly tinted, but it’s a yellow orange that doesn’t really show up much. I’ve worn this on it’s own or over another lip color and its so stunning, smells like a cookie, and gives your lips that juicy bounce they need.

Morphe Lip Gloss in Issa Vibe ($10)

Morphe is a name I once attached to “expensive” because so many beauty Youtubers use their brushes and eyeshadow palettes. So when I went to buy my own I was surprised at just how affordable it actually is. These lip glosses are gorgeous and this clear one goes with anything.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Lacquer in Clear ($3)

Give your lips a boost of hydration and gloss with this product. e.l.f. doesn’t disappoint when it comes to lip glosses, and baby that price tag!

Em Cosmetics Morning Dew Crystal Lip Gloss in Quartz ($20)

I’m very into Em Cosmetics right now. There lip and cheek products are so good! This clear lip gloss is perfect and lightweight for those hot summer days. Give your lips that kissable shine with this tried and true product.


Well, did I convince you? Let me know if you already own or plan to buy any of these products!

Before you go! Autostraddle runs on the reader support of our AF+ Members. If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?

Join AF+!

danijanae

Dani Janae is a poet and writer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. When she's not writing love poems for unavailable women, she's watching horror movies, hanging with her tarantula, and eating figs. Follow Dani Janae on Twitter and on Instagram.

danijanae has written 157 articles for us.

3 Comments

  1. Yay, I love lipstick. I don’t wear it out often but somehow it ended up being a part of my evening routine. Or when I’m home and feeling meh I try on a few lip colors and it perks me up. Really feeling some peachy/coral/ gold right now.

Contribute to the conversation...

Yay! You've decided to leave a comment. That's fantastic. Please keep in mind that comments are moderated by the guidelines laid out in our comment policy. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation and thanks for stopping by!