The most popular lipstick shades: spring/summer 2020
AN ODE TO LIPSTICK...
Lips have long been the canvases for our colour experiments and are the ultimate definition of beauty iconography.
From the first reds dating back to circa Cleopatra era when it’s said she used crushed carmine beetles and ants to tint her lips scarlet. Upper-class Mesopotamians applied crushed semi-precious jewels to their mouths and, more recently, the many upmarket incarnations include Instagram’s glitter lips (the best courtesy of make-up artist Pat McGrath), lip transfers and neon K-pop colours.
With the rise of new luxurious and lust-worthy packaging (think Gucci, Carolina Herrera, and Hermès), plastic-free options (La Bouche Rouge and Juni), and bespoke custom-colour brands (Code 8), one thing is for sure: lipstick is going nowhere.
No doubt, lipstick's popularity has also been cemented by Covid-19. Yes, there are bigger things to think about during this pandemic, and we are all feeling the emotional, mental, health, and financial impact at this strange time.
However, the ‘lipstick effect’ – the notion that women seek beauty products in times of hardship has been debated since the Great Depression, when in the four years from 1929 to 1933, industrial production in the US halved, but sales of cosmetics dramatically rose.
Post 9/11, an executive at Estée Lauder noted that sales of expensive lipsticks soared in the wake of the terror attacks. And even in 2017, John Lewis reported a rise in lipstick sales, a vast 31% during the height of Brexit uncertainty and after the London and Manchester terror attacks.
There’s evidence to suggest that renewed lipstick love stems from the knowledge that little luxuries can cheer us, and from females wanting to feel more attractive. In a study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology April Benson, a clinical psychologist, believes that lipstick, a product that can immediately and dramatically change a woman’s appearance, epitomises the core of the phenomenon: 'Lipstick is very prima…It’s part of the uniform of desirability and attractiveness.'
Whatever the reason, we certainly love the stuff. On average, we buy over 300 lipsticks in our lifetime. So why not make them the best? Check out the virtual apps so you can try before you buy via John Lewis, L’Oréal, Pinterest, or Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Mirror.
THE BEST LIPSTICKS TO BUY NOW
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Rebellious Rose, £27
This is one of the best-selling nude lipstick shades worldwide, no surprise really as the suit-all formula offers a lovely pinky hue to every skin tone.
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Rebellious Rose, £27 – buy here
Carolina Herrera Obsessions Sheer Lipstick Refill in Alegria, from £25
It comes as no surprise that these beautiful lipstick cases sold out within hours – so we'll let you know when they’re back in stock. For now, we are stockpiling the refillable colours. This pretty, sheeny peach will add luminosity to anyone on lockdown.
Carolina Herrera Obsessions Sheer Lipstick Refill, from £25 – buy here
Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Jam, £14
The coolest and fastest way to get a crushed berry lip shade? This brilliant soft-focus formula that requires minimum fuss.
Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Jam, £14 – buy here
M.A.C Viva Glam lipstick III, £17.50
This season, even though our heart lies with Ruby Woo, the iconic red shade that sells seven tubes every minute, we’re going for this lovely muted plum as M.A.C is donating 100% of the RRP (less VAT) to organisations to help vulnerable communities, including those affected by Covid-19.
M.A.C Viva Glam lipstick III, £17.50 – buy here
Karl Lagerfeld x L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Karismatic, £6.99
According to Statista, L’Oréal sold approximately 7.5 million tubes of Colour Riche lipstick in 2019 in the US alone. We love this summery hothouse pink shade.
Karl Lagerfeld x L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Karismatic, £6.99 – buy here
Christian Louboutin Lip Matte in Survivita, £73
A powdery matte finish in a bright fuchsia that lasts up to four hours and also comes in a pendant-style case – so doubles as an accessory, too.
Christian Louboutin Lip Matte in Survivita, £73 – buy here
Kilian Le Rouge Parfum Lipstick in Rouge Feu, £42
Twenty brand-new lip colours have been added to Le Rouge Parfum range, and not only do the pretty shades pack a powerful pigment punch (we love the rusty-hued Rouge Feu) – but the blend of foodie and floral notes, of marshmallow and orange blossom, also adds a fragrant twist.
Kilian Le Rouge Parfum Lipstick in Rouge Feu, £42 – buy here
Trinny London Lip Luxe in Eugenie, £22
The ultimate suit-all natural shade makes lips appear smoother and fuller and is also a fuss-free fingertip application and albeit it's not an actual 'stick' but the formulation definitely deserved a place on our hit-list.
Trinny London Lip Luxe in Eugenie, £22 – buy here
By Terry Rouge-Expert Click Stick Lipstick in Chilly Cream, £25.50
This smart lipstick that clicks to release the right amount of colour doubles as a lip liner – and perfectly defines the cupid's bow and imparts a pigment-rich hue.
By Terry Rouge Expert Click-Stick Lipstick in Chilly Cream, £25.50 – buy here
Hermès Rouge Satin Lipstick in Orange Bo Te, £58
As lipsticks go, this has to be one of the most exciting launches to date. Plus, this orange shade screams pure luxury in a lipstick.
Hermès Rouge Satin Lipstick, £58 – buy here
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