Not lip gloss, but lipstick. The sheer kind. Those perfect tubes that add color, but not opaque color. Enhanced color … oh, how we love a sheer lipstick. We’re firm believers that everyone needs to find their perfect sheer and perhaps have one in the car, your handbag, your powder room … you get the picture: always attainable!
Here are seven of our favorites when it comes to the perfect shade and composition for sheer lipsticks:
“In college, all my friends and I swore by the Black Honey Almost Lipstick from Clinique. The color had been a part of the company since 1971, but was formulated all anew with their ‘Almost Lipstick’ formulation (think fabulously sheer) in 1989. It was an instant hit. When you see the color in the tube, you’ll swear that you will look like a goth goddess upon application — but no! It’s sheer and enhances your natural lip color. For some reason, I stopped buying it but found it again on a recent trip to Charleston, where I ran into the Sephora on King Street. I swiped some on during the walk from the store to our lunch destination, Leon’s Oyster Bar. When our server was taking our order she inquired, ‘Do you mind me asking what color lipstick you have on? It’s great!’ Right then, I was back in college rediscovering this great color all over again with my roommates. This is one color to keep in your forever rotation!” — Liza Graves, StyleBlueprint Co-founder
“My pick is the Sugar Lip Treatment by FRESH in Berry. It is a great translucent look, casual and easy to put on for a tint of color. It is great as a way to moisturize your lips during the summer and winter alike. It looks dark, but it’s sheer. I was first introduced to the brand at Woo Skincare + Cosmetics.” — Elizabeth Fox, StyleBlueprint Co-founder
“Although Lipstick Queen has a sheer lipstick, Saint, I prefer their Mornin’ Sunshine, which is still on the sheer side but adds a touch of color. It gives a perfect coral color ideal for summer. The lipstick works with your pH, meaning the shade of coral is unique to each person. For me, it gives a nice brightness that matches my otherwise minimalist look. I get mine at The Cosmetic Market.
“As a big fan of Glossier, it’s no surprise that their lip color is on constant rotation in my makeup routine. Generation G is their matte and sheer formulation and is the perfect combo for day-to-day wear. Cake, one of six colors offered, is super subtle, which is just what I like in a lip color.” — Alex Hendrickson, Lead Writer, StyleBlueprint Nashville
“Maybelline Baby Lips has been my go-to lip balm for years. It doubles as a moisturizer and lip color AND it’s only $4! I love how the ‘Cherry Me’ gives you the perfect amount of color by itself or is great layered with another lip color.” — Kelly Sanders, Atlanta Sales Associate
“The Ecco Bella Lip Smoother has a vitamin E center, with just a hint of color around the core. This is a balm with a hint of color, not a long wear. I wear it alone or under any particular lipstick that I find drying.
“A makeup artist from The Cosmetic Market was at a “What to Wear” shoot and told me about Jane Iredale ‘Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain,’ and I was intrigued. It’s one of those ‘works with your chemistry’ colors, so you have to try them to know how it will adjust to your skin’s undertones. The red turns more coral on my skin. They smell great, it’s sheer so it’s not going to last all day, but unlike other stains, it is not drying.
“Both brands are natural, cruelty-free makeup lines, which makes them even better!” — Connie Prince, Nashville Sales Associate
You can see, we don’t just like our sheer colors, we’re a bit obsessed!
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