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If you find yourself in a makeup rut, sometimes all it takes is switching up your signature lip color. Red is forever a can't-go-wrong classic, but it's also a little predictable. Trying its cooler cousin, pink, can open up a new range of moods and personas.
"Pink has the most amazing range of shades. It can go from a very pastel, romantic blush to a very hardcore, shocking punk pink. Pink is also representative of the gay community and also the color that represented when women started marching—It's actually a very rebellious color that, taken out of its romantic, cute context, can become powerful," makeup artist Peter Philips, creative and image director for Dior Makeup, told ELLE.com.
As for finding the right pink shade for you, Philips says, "This sounds less glamorous, but [consider] not only the skin tone but the shade of your teeth. It [also] depends on coverage, like if it's a full coverage matte, your natural lip shade will also have an impact on the color." That being said, the makeup guru also advises that a blue-toned lipstick is the closest thing to universally flattering: "It pops out, it stands out. The blue-ish ones are more secure but if you want to try and play with peach ones then of course try that as well!"
At the end of the day, you'll only know what works for you if you play dress-up with your lips and trial a bunch of shades. Find 14 of our favorites, ahead.
If you want your lips to look juicy, swipe on some of Dior's brand new Stellar Shine lipsticks, which feel like a balm and finish like a gloss. Of the 28 shades in shiny, sparkly, and mirror finishes, "Be Dior" stands out as a sexy fuchsia that can either give you a lot of color payoff or go on sheer. "It's a very nourishing formula that comes with the comfort of all the aloe vera, the oils that are in it, and the beeswax," Philips said.
Schiap, named after Elsa Schiaparelli, has to be one of the most iconic pink lipsticks of all time. Prepare to turn heads when you wear this electric hue.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Full Panic
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Full Panic
Those who love a matte, full coverage color should gravitate toward Pat McGrath’s take on pink. It feels creamy and packs a ton of pigment in every swipe.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color
Count on Rihanna to create a wild, wild pink in her famously “makeout proof” liquid formula that won’t budge all day.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo
If pastel is more your vibe, take it back to the early 2000s with this bubblegum pink. NYX’s soft matte cream feels like cashmere on your lips.
For a more subtle approach, reach for rosy-nudes like this one from Tom Ford. It proves girly-girl pink can actually look very grown-up and sophisticated.
Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Bengali
Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Bengali
This isn’t lipstick, it’s art. The ornament-like design of Louboutin tubes alone are reason to splurge, but it’s the vibrant fuchsia that really makes it a winner.
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Big Bang
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Big Bang
If you embrace being extra, go for this blue-ish pink that not only goes on bright but also has a glittery finish.
Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Ballet
Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Ballet
Orange-y pink will play nicely with other warm-toned makeup. Plus, Hourglass’s formula sticks like a tattoo on your lips—you won’t be reapplying every hour.
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Velvet Underground
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Velvet Underground
Charlotte Tilbury’s lipsticks feel super velvety and luxe on the lips. This rich berry-pink will look especially beautiful on medium to deep skin tones.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Flaming Flamingo
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Flaming Flamingo
Commitment-phobes beware—once this gorgeous nearly-neon pink sets, it will be impossible to take off.
M.A.C Boom, Boom, Bloom Lipstick in Hi-Fructease
M.A.C Boom, Boom, Bloom Lipstick in Hi-Fructease
Play up the color pink’s femininity with M.A.C’s lovely peachy shade perfect for Spring.
Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Pink for Me
Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Pink for Me
Maybelline’s collection of Made for All lipsticks are meant to be universally flattering, and this true pink is no exception.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick in Rose Curieux
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick in Rose Curieux
The brilliant rectangular design of this lipstick tube lets you use its corners as a liner. Consider this almost-red hue a gateway pink for those hesitant to ditch scarlet.
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