Summer makeup is back, and once again stuffed with waterproof options, tinted moisturizers, sunscreens, and, of course, piles of lip gloss. A true warm weather constant, glossed-up lips signal a carefree, laid-back elegance and, a good gloss can function as the perfect multi-tasker: Layering it on can transform the look of lip stains, lip pencils, and lipsticks, or just wearing it alone makes quick work of getting a subtle, face-brightening color boost. Plus, thanks to its sheer quality, lip gloss is an ideal way to experiment with color and shimmer. So, whether you want to punch things up with shiny brights or cool things down with paler, more natural hues, we've whipped up a collection of the best summer lip glosses in easy-to-wear shades and finishes—think creamy, hints of sparkle, or super sheer—that really have us ready for summer.
Nudes—Neutral glosses play perfectly with a boho chic vibe, but are also sheer enough not to wipe you out.
Above, from left: YSL fall '11 image courtesy of Redken; Topshop Creme Lip Color in Tawny, $15, available at Topshop; Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Nude Glisten, $20, available at Jouer Cosmetics; MAC Surf Baby! LipGlass in Girl On Board, $15.50, available May 26 at MAC.
Corals—Citrus hues are a guaranteed way to kick up any look.
Above, from left: Urban Decay summer '09 ad; Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait, $16, available at Sephora; Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Nectar, $22, available at Laura Mercier; MAC Lipglée in Budding Beauty, $14.50, available at MAC.
Nudes—Neutral glosses play perfectly with a boho chic vibe, but are also sheer enough not to wipe you out.
Above, from left: YSL fall '11 image courtesy of Redken; Topshop Creme Lip Color in Tawny, $15, available at Topshop; Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Nude Glisten, $20, available at Jouer Cosmetics; MAC Surf Baby! LipGlass in Girl On Board, $15.50, available May 26 at MAC.
Corals—Citrus hues are a guaranteed way to kick up any look.
Above, from left: Urban Decay summer '09 ad; Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait, $16, available at Sephora; Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Nectar, $22, available at Laura Mercier; MAC Lipglée in Budding Beauty, $14.50, available at MAC.
Reds—A good red lends major cool to any summer ensemble.
Above, from left: E.L.F. Glitter Gloss in Crystal Cranberry, $3, available in late May at EyesLipsFace; Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Poppy Red, $18, available at Target; Bite Lip Shine in Saffron, $20, available at Sephora; Jill Stuart spring '11 image courtesy of Redken.
Purples—With a slight edge, purple glosses provide an alternative and cooler way to tone down lips than with a nude.
Above, from left: Givenchy Gelée d'Interdit Smoothing Gloss Balm Crystal Shine in Electric Purple, $26.50, available at Sephora; Illamasqua Sheer Lip Gloss in Tantrum, $20, available June 14 at Sephora; image courtesy of Illamasqua; Topshop Polish in Lavender, $8, available at Topshop.
Above, from left: E.L.F. Glitter Gloss in Crystal Cranberry, $3, available in late May at EyesLipsFace; Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Poppy Red, $18, available at Target; Bite Lip Shine in Saffron, $20, available at Sephora; Jill Stuart spring '11 image courtesy of Redken.
Purples—With a slight edge, purple glosses provide an alternative and cooler way to tone down lips than with a nude.
Above, from left: Givenchy Gelée d'Interdit Smoothing Gloss Balm Crystal Shine in Electric Purple, $26.50, available at Sephora; Illamasqua Sheer Lip Gloss in Tantrum, $20, available June 14 at Sephora; image courtesy of Illamasqua; Topshop Polish in Lavender, $8, available at Topshop.
Pinks—Super feminine, charming shades of pinks help effortlessly blend a look together.
Above, from left: Lancome Color Fever Gloss in Hibis-Kiss, $26, available at Lancome; Chanel Glossimer in Aurore, $28.50, available at Chanel; Dior Addict Crystal Gloss in Sweet Rose, $27, available at Dior; Kate Moss, image courtesy of Dior.
Above, from left: Lancome Color Fever Gloss in Hibis-Kiss, $26, available at Lancome; Chanel Glossimer in Aurore, $28.50, available at Chanel; Dior Addict Crystal Gloss in Sweet Rose, $27, available at Dior; Kate Moss, image courtesy of Dior.
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