bright summer lips

this summer, i've been favoring a bright pop of color on the lips.  i just love how it awakens my face, and i only need a couple coats of mascara to go along with it.

i always start with lip balm, and i've been loving smith's strawberry lip balm.  it comes in an adorable tin, and has just enough slip to moisturize, but doesn't feel heavy, greasy, or waxy at all. this is definitely in my purse at all times:

if i want a red lip:  i start with a layer of revlon lip stain in "twilight".  then i layer a generous coat of MAC viva glam "cyndi" lip glass.  the lip stain is a deeper brick red color which tones down but doesn't take away from the bright coral red of the lip glass.  i got the idea for this combo from a girl who does beauty/fashion videos on youtube.  i love watching beauty videos on youtube, and definitely feel that those girls know what they're talking about.

if i want a coral lip: i start with NYX soft matte lip cream in "antwerp".  then i layer revlon colorburst lip gloss in "papaya".  The lip cream smells like cake batter, and dries into a bright matte coral pink on my lips.  the gloss adds a touch more orange, and a lot of shine.

if i want a pink lip: i swipe on cover girl lip perfection lipstick in "heavenly".  i think this is one of those shades that everyone has to try for themselves.  reviews for it always mention how it's a natural pinky peach, but it's actually a pop of bright pink on my lips.  i really like the lip perfection formula.  they are pigment rich, and a lot more moisturizing than any of my MAC lipsticks.