I never leave the house without something on my lips—whether it’s a swipe of balm, a slick of gloss, or a bold statement color. With so many lip products out there, it’s hard not to carry at least five in my bag at any given time. After all, you never know when you’ll want to switch things up!
Lately, I’ve noticed a shift in lip trends, both on Instagram and among my friends and colleagues. Everyone seems to be having more fun with their makeup, stepping outside their usual comfort zones, and experimenting with unexpected textures and finishes. The big trend this season? Playful, eye-catching lips with shimmer, gloss, and bold pigments taking center stage.
While I’ll always have a soft spot for a chic matte lip, summer is the perfect time to embrace a little extra shine and color. Here are the summer lip trends I’m absolutely loving right now!
1. The Return of Sparkle
Glittery lips were once reserved for New Year’s Eve or costume parties, but they’re making a serious comeback this season. Shimmery lipsticks add a touch of glamour without being overwhelming, and brands are finding new ways to make sparkle more wearable for everyday looks.
Take Tom Ford’s Lip Spark collection, for example. The packaging alone is luxurious, but the real magic is in the formula. Unlike traditional glitter lipsticks that can feel gritty, these have a smooth, creamy texture with a high-shine shimmer. If you want a bit of sparkle but aren’t ready to go full-on glitter, try a satin-finish lipstick with subtle iridescence—it’ll give you just the right amount of glow.
2. High-Shine Lip Glosses
Everything in fashion and beauty is cyclical, and lip gloss is proof that the ‘90s are still influencing today’s trends. But don’t worry—this isn’t the sticky, overly scented gloss from your middle school days. The new generation of glosses is ultra-hydrating, lightweight, and packed with nourishing ingredients.
One of my favorites right now is the Unreal™ High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss from Hourglass. Infused with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and avocado oil, it keeps lips feeling soft and plump while delivering a glass-like shine. Plus, the refreshing minty scent makes it a summer must-have.
3. Bold Pops of Color
Summer is the best time to play with color, and vibrant lips are making a splash. Whether it’s a fiery coral, a striking fuchsia, or a punchy orange-red, these shades instantly brighten up your face and add a fun element to any look.
If you’re not ready to commit to a full-on bold lip, try a tinted balm or a sheer lipstick that lets you build up the intensity. These options give you the best of both worlds—hydration and color in one effortless swipe.
4. The Power of a Tinted Lip Oil
For those who love a low-maintenance approach, tinted lip oils are the way to go. They provide just a hint of color while delivering serious hydration, making them perfect for hot summer days when you want a fresh, effortless look.
These lightweight formulas glide on smoothly and keep your lips feeling soft without the heaviness of traditional lipsticks. Plus, they often contain nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E, which work to keep your lips healthy and supple.
5. The Modern Matte (But Make It Comfortable)
Matte lips are timeless, but this summer’s version is softer and more comfortable to wear. Forget the drying, heavy formulas of the past—today’s mattes are lightweight, creamy, and infused with moisturizing ingredients to prevent flaking and dryness.
Look for modern matte lipsticks that offer a blurred, diffused finish for a more effortless vibe. Paired with a glowing summer complexion, these matte shades create a stunning contrast that feels fresh and polished.
Final Thoughts
This summer is all about having fun with your lip looks, whether that means embracing a little extra shimmer, experimenting with high-shine glosses, or rocking a bold color you wouldn’t normally wear. The key is to find what makes you feel confident and radiant—because at the end of the day, that’s the best beauty trend of all.
What lip products have you been reaching for lately? I’d love to hear your favorites!
