Beauty
Makeup artists spill their predictions.
A new season calls for new makeup (obviously). If you love switching your style as temperatures change, there are a few routes to take. You can opt for a new haircut or switch up your wardrobe. But perhaps the easiest thing you can do is swipe on one of the hottest spring lipstick colors for 2021.
Bustle reached out to experts like Urban Decay’s global makeup artist Steve Kassajikian, Sephora Collection’s national artist Helen Phillips, Beautycounter's chief artistic officer Christy Coleman, M.A.C. senior national artist Fatima Thomas, and Ulta Beauty pro team member Deney Adam to find out just what colors and finishes will be popular in the lipstick world as warmer weather returns. Their predictions? This spring will call for everything from classic reds to unexpected berries and glossy finishes — there's a shade for everyone's makeup preferences.
If you're looking to get a jump on your seasonal shopping list (or are simply craving a switch-up in your go-to pout pigment), here are the 15 spring lipstick colors for 2021 that pro makeup artists are buzzing about.
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1
Peach
Kassajikian says that peachy shades will be big this spring. According to him, the color is "soft yet still makes a statement." He specifically loves Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in the shade Fuel, which is a warm, neutral hue.
2
Coral
For a brighter option, Kassajikian also sees coral lipstick as a color trend this spring. He notes that the shade "adds brightness to the face," and that it's wearable for everything from Zoom meetings to happy hour. Options like The Lip Bar's As If is a great matte coral, or you can go glossy with Urban Decay's Snitch.
3
Fuchsia
Coleman is all about fuchsia for the upcoming season. "Spring is always a great time to mix up your makeup, and pops of color on the lips are showing up for 2021," she tells Bustle, pointing to playful fuchsia as the perfect color choice. Rare Beauty's Ascend shade is a deep, bold pink that's right on trend.
4
Red
Phillips says red will continue to be a popular lip color in spring 2021. "Lip color is something that makes a polished statement on virtual platforms, and this season [the] lips will help bring some brightness," she tells Bustle. "We saw a lot of bold shades on the runways along with bare skin and brushed brows, and these trends complement each other perfectly."
5
Berry
Another of Phillips' predictions? Berry shades. While the color is typically a colder-weather classic, she believes it'll continue into the spring this year. "Colors that we’ve seen on the runway for 2021 may seem unexpected for the season but are traditionally tried and true shades for the fall and winter," she says. If you prefer a darker pigment on your lips, berry hues like Rock With You by NARS is ideal.
6
Umber
Expect umber lipstick to be trending in the spring, too. Phillips predicts the red-toned brown hue to remain a staple in the warmer weather. If you're looking for a more moisturizing option, she recommends Sephora Collection’s Jelly Melt Glossy Lip Tint in Mambo, but Huda Beauty's Power Bullet Matte in Last Night is a vivid matte that gives a gorgeous oomph.
7
Natural Pink
According to Adam, you'll be seeing subtle and soft pops of color on the lip, along with "lip stains that give off just a hint of tint," he tells Bustle. To get the look, he recommends turning to natural shades of pink. The Lip Bar's matte Curlfriend is super flattering and lasts all day long.
8
Rosy Tones
Adam also recommends rosy tones for this spring season. "It pairs nicely with the season's bolder, less neutral hair and makeup color trends," he tells Bustle. Look to dusty or soft reddish-pinks to get an on-trend pout.
9
Subtle Nudes
Thomas predicts subtle shades — especially nudes — to become popular. "Nudes will take undertones of honey, rosewood, and mauve, give a pleasing slightly-off effect [of your natural lip color]," she tells Bustle. Find a hue that matches the shade of your lips but that's just a bit darker for some definition.
10
Melon Orange
For more of a vibrant color, Thomas also sees "garden fresh hues" as trending this spring. These bright shades will be bright, deep, and often inspired by florals, she says. One of her favorite variations of the trend? A bold, melon orange.
11
Cherry Pink
In addition to bold oranges, Thomas also points to bright, cherry-based pinks. "Coming out of winter’s deep, muted palette, everyone craves the freshness of brighter, warmer tones by the start of spring," she tells Bustle. She loves M.A.C.'s Like Candy lip stain, but shades like Fenty Beauty's Mattemoiselle Plush Matte in Candy Venom is another great option.
12
Mauve
Jenny Patinkin, a makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe Tools, says mauve tones are in for spring. The color reflects the shade seen in blooming flowers, she says, making it an ideal way to celebrate the season.
13
"Neutral +"
Patinkin also sees shades she calls "neutral+" trending. These are "a natural shade with a little more pop, and a very sexy look," she tells Bustle, pointing to rosy hues like Pat McGrath's Divine Rose collection as a prime example.
14
Glossy Nudes
Makeup artist Cara Lovello also sees nudes retaining their popularity, but she sees the shade going glossy. "Nude and fully juicy lips aren’t going anywhere," she tells Bustle. For a little extra oomph, she recommends Buxom's plumping gloss formula (the shade Blushing Margarita is her favorite).
15
Barbie Pink
Since spring means getting out of the house and sunshine, makeup artist Lauren D'Amelio says it calls for feel-good lip shades. Her take? Bright Barbie pinks will reflect the positive mood. She specifically calls out MAC's Frost Lipstick in Costa Chic, but says your feel-good pink can range from peaches to more bold bubblegum hues depending on your preference.
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