The Best Lip Combos for Summer, According to Byrdie Editors

Every season, Team Byrdie looks forward to revamping our makeup routines. With summer almost here, we’ve officially retired our winter staples and are reaching for a fresh lineup of products. Aside from choosing our new favorite foundations and eyeshadow palettes, we’re always eager to select our go-to lip products for the season. Over the last month, we have experimented with the newest and coolest lip glosses, lipsticks, and lip liners to help us figure out our signature summer lip combo. Ahead, find the lip looks each of us will be rocking during the warmer months. 

Star Donaldson, associate social media director

“This summer, I’m going for a pink, high gloss combo that feels shiny and new. First, I’m applying my favorite Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil ($24) in Up & Down Tan for a mauvy pink base. Then, I’m generously layering on my new obsession, Byredo’s Liquid Lipstick Vinyl ($55) in Fantôme. It’s a high-impact gloss that gives a shiny compliment to the pigmented liner. I love that it’s not sticky, and I can layer it on without it feeling goopy or bleeding past my lipline.”

Holly Rhue, editorial director

“Every year, the return of the cherry blossoms in New York feels like the gift of a new beginning. So naturally, I love glossy, baby-pink lips for summer. My daily duo is all about comfortable, low-maintenance color. First, I sculpt the shape of my lips with the LYS Speak Love Lip Pencil ($15) along my Cupid’s bow and the center of my bottom lip. Then, I swipe Chantecaille’s Lip Chic ($54)—shade Coral Vine from the Sea Turtle Collection—all over for color and shine (and rinse and repeat throughout the day).”

Ali Webb, associate editor

“I’ve been obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s new Hollywood Beauty Icon lip collection ever since it debuted earlier this year. The range’s red liners and lipsticks carried me through many nights out this winter, and now that summer is almost here, I’m giving a fresh, floral pink look a go. I’ve been starting with the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($25) in The Queen—a hot pink that looks intimidating, but I promise is lovely and rosy in practice—then topping it off with the Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss ($29) in Secret Lover, a medium plum-rose shade. The result is a cheery, glossy, and totally wearable lip that’s tiding me over while we wait for the flowers to bloom.”

Eden Stuart, editor

“Confession: When I receive every color of a lip (or cheek) product, I almost always give some of the colors to friends and family. So the fact that I kept every single one is a real testament to how much I love the Huda Beauty Faux Filler Lip Glosses ($19). The formula provides a mega-watt shine with virtually no stickiness, and the pigment is fab. I wear them all, but I suppose I’ve been reaching for Bombshell, a pinky brown, and the deep rose Posh the most. I usually pair them with one of Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencils ($24) or CTZN’s super creamy Lipstroke Waterproof Lip Liners ($18).”

Olivia Hancock, editor

“I wear red lipstick year-round but opt for brighter versions during the warmer months. Lately, I’ve been loving Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Explicit Slick Shine Lipstick ($40) in Playtime. It’s a vibrant red shade with a high-shine finish. One swipe delivers intense, rich pigment, and the formula feels so creamy and comfortable on my lips. To add some dimension to my red lip look, I like to line the perimeter of my lips with Hourglass Shape & Sculpt Lip Liner ($29) in Incite 7, a true red shade.”