What to Look for in the Best Lipsticks for Summer

Choosing the right lipstick for summer ensures vibrant color, comfortable wear, and protection against the elements.

1. Long-Lasting Formulas

Citrus catapult arrow

Hot weather can cause makeup to fade or smudge. Opt for lipsticks with long-wear or transfer-resistant formulas to keep your color fresh all day, even through heat and humidity.

2. Hydration and Comfort

Citrus catapult arrow

Summer sun and air conditioning can dry out lips. Look for lipsticks enriched with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid to keep your lips soft and smooth.

3. Vibrant, Seasonal Shades

Citrus catapult arrow

Bright pinks, corals, and warm reds are classic summer lipstick shades that complement sun-kissed skin. Select colors that enhance your complexion and add a pop of fun to your summer look.

4. Sun Protection

Citrus catapult arrow

Some lipsticks offer SPF to help protect delicate lips from UV damage. Consider a formula with built-in sun protection for an added layer of defense during outdoor activities.

  1. 1
    Matte Revolution

    Charlotte Tilbury

    3,877 REVIEWS
    A matte lipstick that features a long-lasting, buildable, and hydrating formula.
  2. 2
    Liquid Lip Luxe Matte

    Tom Ford

    894 REVIEWS
    Melts onto lips with a cloud-like, creamy feel. This longwearing formula sculpts with vivid, high-impact color. 
  3. 3
    Powermatte Lipstick
    809 REVIEWS
    High-intensity matte formula that glides on bold color with 10-hour wear.
  4. 4
    Petal Soft Lip

    Laura Mercier

    701 REVIEWS
    A sheer matte lip color that makes your lips petal-soft delivering 12 hours of weightless wear and 24 hours of lip softening hydration.
  5. 5
    Hyaluronic Happikiss

    Charlotte Tilbury

    561 REVIEWS
    A hyaluronic-acid-infused formula that provides the hydrating power of a balm with the color payoff of a lipstick for a pigmented, dewy lip look.
  6. 6
    Crushed Lip Color

    Bobbi Brown

    509 REVIEWS
    An all-new lipstick formula that delivers a just-kissed, stain effect in one swipe.
  7. 7
    Full Bloom Sculpted Lipstick
    463 REVIEWS
    A creamy, sustainable, full-coverage lip color derived from saturated mineral pigments for vibrant, velvety wear.
  8. 8
    High Vibe Lip Color

    Laura Mercier

    443 REVIEWS
    A modern formula that applies a fabulous vivid coat of color with an immediate release of high-resolution pigments brings your lips to life.
  9. 9
    Explicit Lipstick
    399 REVIEWS
    A high-end dimensional satin lipstick with medium-to-full coverage that delivers long-lasting comfort with vibrant, pure-color payoff.
  10. 10
    K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick

    Charlotte Tilbury

    1,531 REVIEWS
    A moisturizing soft-satin shine lipstick with a long-lasting, buildable, formula.

What to Look for in the Best Lipsticks for Summer

Choosing the right lipstick for summer ensures vibrant color, comfortable wear, and protection against the elements.

1. Long-Lasting Formulas

Citrus catapult arrow

Hot weather can cause makeup to fade or smudge. Opt for lipsticks with long-wear or transfer-resistant formulas to keep your color fresh all day, even through heat and humidity.

2. Hydration and Comfort

Citrus catapult arrow

Summer sun and air conditioning can dry out lips. Look for lipsticks enriched with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid to keep your lips soft and smooth.

3. Vibrant, Seasonal Shades

Citrus catapult arrow

Bright pinks, corals, and warm reds are classic summer lipstick shades that complement sun-kissed skin. Select colors that enhance your complexion and add a pop of fun to your summer look.

4. Sun Protection

Citrus catapult arrow

Some lipsticks offer SPF to help protect delicate lips from UV damage. Consider a formula with built-in sun protection for an added layer of defense during outdoor activities.