This year’s lipstick color trends are all about embracing individuality and celebrating the diverse spectrum of beauty. From audacious and bold hues to whimsical and playful shades, and even the enduring classics, 2023’s lipstick trends cater to every personality and style.
Natural and Nude Shades
Lipsticks with natural and nude tones have been popular for a while, and they are likely to remain in fashion. These shades complement various skin tones and are suitable for everyday wear.
Here are some key characteristics and features of natural and nude lipsticks:
- Color Range: Natural and nude lipsticks come in a wide range of shades, from light pinks and peaches to soft browns and beige tones. The goal is to find a color that closely resembles your own lip color or complements your skin tone, enhancing your natural beauty.
- Subtle and Effortless: These lipsticks are all about creating a no-makeup makeup look or a soft and effortless appearance. They are perfect for everyday wear and work well with casual as well as formal outfits.
- Versatility: Nude shades are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various eye makeup looks and outfit choices. They are often considered a go-to option when you want your lips to look polished without drawing too much attention away from other features.
- Enhancing Natural Lip Shape: Nude lipsticks can help enhance the natural shape and fullness of your lips. They are often used in lip contouring techniques to create the illusion of fuller lips.
- Finishes: Natural and nude lipsticks can come in different finishes, including matte, satin, and creamy textures. Each finish offers a different level of intensity and sheen, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences.
- Suitable for All Skin Tones: The beauty of nude shades lies in their ability to complement a wide range of skin tones. Whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin, there’s a nude lipstick shade that can work well for you.
- Low Maintenance: Natural and nude lipsticks are typically forgiving when it comes to application. Unlike bold colors, slight imperfections during application are less noticeable, making them a great choice for those who are new to makeup or prefer a more relaxed beauty routine.
- Everyday Elegance: Nude lipsticks add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your overall look. They are a classic choice for various occasions and can be easily dressed up or down.
Bold and Vibrant Colors
Bold and vibrant colors in lipsticks are all about making a statement and expressing your individuality. These lipstick shades are eye-catching, daring, and can instantly add a pop of color and drama to your overall makeup look.
Here are some characteristics and features of bold and vibrant lipsticks:
- Diverse Color Spectrum: Bold lipsticks come in a wide spectrum of colors, ranging from striking reds, deep purples, bright pinks, intense oranges, electric blues, and more. These colors often stand out and demand attention.
- High Pigmentation: One of the defining features of bold lipsticks is their high pigmentation. They are formulated with intense color payoff, allowing you to achieve a rich and vivid color with just one swipe.
- Impactful and Confident: Wearing bold and vibrant lipstick exudes confidence and can help you feel empowered. It’s a way to show off your personality and make a strong impression.
- Versatility in Finishes: Bold lipsticks are available in various finishes, including matte, satin, glossy, and even metallic or shimmering textures. Each finish provides a different effect, from a bold and edgy matte to a glamorous and attention-grabbing glossy look.
- Statement Makeup: Bold lipsticks are often used as the focal point of a makeup look. They can be paired with more subtle eye makeup to draw attention to the lips or combined with dramatic eye looks for a bold, overall appearance.
- Trendy and Fashion-Forward: Vibrant lipstick colors often follow the latest makeup trends and can be influenced by fashion shows, celebrity looks, and social media. They are perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with new styles and staying on-trend.
- Suitable for Special Occasions: Bold lip colors are popular choices for special events, parties, and evenings out. They add a touch of glamour and sophistication, making you stand out in a crowd.
- Precision Application: Because bold lipsticks are highly pigmented, achieving a precise and clean application is essential. Using a lip liner in a matching or slightly deeper shade can help prevent feathering and ensure a polished look.
- Long-Lasting Formulas: Many bold lipsticks come in long-lasting formulas that can withstand hours of wear without fading or smudging, making them ideal for events and situations where touch-ups might be limited.
Metallic and Shimmering Lipsticks
Metallic and shimmery lipsticks have been gaining popularity for creating a unique and eye-catching look. They add a touch of glamour and can be worn for special occasions.
Here are some characteristics and features of metallic and shimmering lipsticks:
- Shimmering Effect: The key characteristic of these lipsticks is the shimmering or metallic effect they provide. They contain fine particles of shimmer, glitter, or metallic pigments that catch the light, giving your lips a dazzling and multidimensional appearance.
- Reflective Finish: Metallic lipsticks offer a reflective finish, making your lips appear fuller and more luscious. The shine creates an illusion of volume, adding to the overall allure of the lip color.
- Variety of Colors: Metallic and shimmering lipsticks come in a wide range of colors, from classic metallic shades like gold, silver, and bronze to vibrant hues like metallic reds, pinks, blues, and greens. These colors are often bold and adventurous, allowing you to make a statement.
- Versatile Application: These lipsticks can be worn alone for a striking and attention-grabbing look, or they can be layered over other lip colors to transform a matte or creamy lipstick into a shimmering finish.
- Suitable for Special Occasions: Metallic and shimmering lipsticks are popular choices for special events, parties, and evening looks. They can add an extra dose of sophistication and allure to your makeup for glamorous occasions.
- Long-Lasting Formulas: Many metallic lipsticks have long-lasting formulas, ensuring that the shimmer and shine stay in place throughout the day or evening without fading or smudging.
- Complements Various Makeup Styles: While metallic lipsticks are often associated with dramatic and bold makeup looks, they can also be incorporated into more subtle styles. A touch of shimmer can elevate a natural makeup look, adding a touch of radiance.
- Lip Liner Application: Due to the shimmering effect, precision application is important for metallic lipsticks. Using a lip liner that matches the lipstick shade can help define the lips and prevent feathering.
- Experiment with Layering: For a unique and customized lip color, you can experiment with layering metallic lipsticks over other lip products. Try combining different shades to create a custom shimmering hue.
- Lip Care: Some metallic lipsticks can be slightly drying on the lips due to the reflective particles. It’s essential to keep your lips moisturized and exfoliated before applying metallic lipsticks for a smooth and comfortable application.
Matte Finishes
Matte lipsticks have been widely popular for their long-lasting and non-glossy appearance. They provide a more sophisticated look and have been available in various colors. Matte lipsticks have gained immense popularity over the years due to their long-lasting wear and ability to create a bold statement.
Here are some key features and characteristics of matte lipsticks:
- Non-Glossy Texture: The main defining feature of matte lipsticks is their lack of shine. Unlike glossy or shimmering lipsticks, matte lipsticks provide a flat and velvety texture on the lips.
- Intense Pigmentation: Matte lipsticks are highly pigmented, which means they deliver rich and vibrant colors with just one or two swipes. The opacity of matte lipsticks allows for a bold and impactful look.
- Long-Lasting: Matte lipsticks are known for their longevity. They tend to adhere well to the lips, offering extended wear without the need for frequent touch-ups.
- Minimal Transfer: Since matte lipsticks dry down to a non-transferable finish, they are less likely to smudge or leave marks on cups, glasses, or clothing.
- Modern and Sophisticated: Matte lipsticks have a contemporary and chic vibe that complements various makeup looks and outfits. They can elevate your appearance and give off an air of sophistication.
- Wide Color Range: Matte lipsticks are available in a vast array of colors, from classic reds and pinks to bold purples, oranges, and even unconventional shades like blues and blacks.
- Lip Prep: To achieve a smooth and even application, it’s essential to prepare your lips before applying matte lipstick. Exfoliating and moisturizing your lips beforehand can help prevent the lipstick from emphasizing dryness or fine lines.
- Lip Liner for Precision: For a well-defined and clean look, using a lip liner that matches the matte lipstick can help shape the lips and prevent feathering.
- Suitable for Various Occasions: Matte lipsticks are versatile and suitable for both casual and formal settings. They can be worn for everyday looks or special occasions, making them a staple in many makeup routines.
- Matte Liquid Lipsticks: In addition to traditional bullet lipsticks, matte finishes are also available in liquid lipstick form. Matte liquid lipsticks offer the same intense color payoff and long-lasting wear but in a liquid formula that dries down to a matte finish.
Glossy and Vinyl Finishes
Glossy and vinyl finishes in lipsticks are all about creating a plump, shiny, and attention-grabbing look for the lips. These lipsticks provide a high-shine, reflective finish that adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to your makeup.
Here are some features and characteristics of glossy and vinyl lipsticks:
- High Shine: The most prominent feature of glossy and vinyl lipsticks is their intense shine. They reflect light off the lips, creating a wet or lacquered appearance.
- Plump and Luscious Look: The glossy finish gives the illusion of plumper and fuller lips. The shine creates a three-dimensional effect, making the lips appear more voluminous.
- Moisturizing: Glossy and vinyl lipsticks often have hydrating and moisturizing properties, keeping the lips soft and supple. This makes them a popular choice for those with dry lips or those seeking a comfortable wear.
- Translucent and Sheer Colors: These lipsticks typically come in translucent or sheer colors, which means they allow some of your natural lip color to show through. The sheer finish provides a more effortless and natural appearance.
- Versatile Application: Glossy and vinyl lipsticks can be worn alone for a glossy, understated look or layered over other lip products to add shine and dimension. They are perfect for enhancing other lip colors or turning any lipstick into a glossy version.
- Suitable for All Ages: The youthful and radiant finish of glossy and vinyl lipsticks makes them suitable for people of all ages. They add a touch of freshness and glow to any makeup look.
- Non-Drying: Unlike some matte lipsticks that can be drying on the lips, glossy and vinyl lipsticks tend to be more forgiving and comfortable to wear throughout the day.
- Lip Gloss Applicators: Many glossy lipsticks come with applicators, such as doe-foot wands, that make application easy and precise. The applicator allows for even distribution of the product on the lips.
- Bold and Vibrant Colors: While sheer and translucent colors are popular for glossy finishes, there are also options for bold and vibrant shades that offer high shine and rich pigmentation.
- Easy to Reapply: Glossy and vinyl lipsticks may not have the same long-lasting properties as matte lipsticks, but they are generally easy to reapply on the go, even without a mirror.
Innovative and Unconventional Colors
Innovative and unconventional colors in lipsticks refer to unique and creative shades that go beyond the traditional spectrum of reds, pinks, and nudes. These lipsticks break the boundaries of traditional makeup norms, offering exciting and daring options for those who love to experiment with their looks.
Here are some features and characteristics of innovative and unconventional lipstick colors:
- Non-Traditional Colors: Innovative lipsticks come in colors that might not be typically associated with lip makeup. These colors can include blues, greens, purples, grays, blacks, metallic hues, and even neon shades.
- Edgy and Expressive: Unconventional lipstick colors allow individuals to express their individuality, creativity, and uniqueness. They are often favored by those who want to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd.
- Experimentation and Playfulness: These lipsticks encourage experimentation and playfulness with makeup. They are perfect for themed events, costume parties, or creative photoshoots.
- Artistic and Avant-Garde: Innovative lipstick colors are sometimes used in artistic and avant-garde makeup looks for fashion shows, editorial shoots, or performance art.
- Layering Possibilities: Unconventional lipsticks can be layered over traditional lip colors to create custom shades or add interesting effects. For example, layering a black lipstick over a red one can create a vampy, deep burgundy color.
- Limited-Edition Releases: Some makeup brands release limited-edition collections featuring innovative lipstick colors, making them collectible and sought after by makeup enthusiasts.
- Influenced by Pop Culture: Unconventional lipstick colors can be influenced by pop culture, movies, TV shows, and even fictional characters. For example, fantasy-inspired lipstick colors might draw inspiration from mythical creatures or sci-fi themes.
- Statement Makeup: Innovative lipstick colors are a powerful tool for creating statement makeup looks. They can be the focal point of a makeup style and allow the wearer to express their personality and creativity.
- Mix and Match: Makeup enthusiasts often enjoy mixing and matching unconventional lipstick shades to create new and exciting combinations. This adds an element of customization and personalization to their makeup looks.
- Challenge Beauty Norms: Unconventional lipstick colors challenge traditional beauty norms and redefine what is considered “acceptable” or “normal” in makeup. They celebrate individuality and diversity in beauty.
Lipstick color trends of 2023 showcase a mix of vibrant and sophisticated shades. Bold and rich berry tones, such as deep plum and cranberry, are making a statement, while soft, romantic hues like dusty rose and peach are also gaining popularity. Metallic finishes and futuristic shades like iridescent blues and holographic pinks are adding a touch of excitement to the color palette. Overall, the trends celebrate individuality and offer a diverse range of options for expressing personal style through lip color.
If you want to learn more about the history of lipstick, please read our article “The Captivating History of Lipstick”.