Editor’s note from Rebecca: my husband decided to edit and publish this post while our toddler was keeping me busy, so if it feels different, that’s why. Please enjoy husband commentary!
Spring lip recommendations usually don’t work well for me. I want something rosy, berry, mauve, or plum, but so many end up peach, coral, or straight-up orange. Those shades can look great on other people, and sometimes that is the look I want, but in the spring, I want shades that evoke the bright colors of blooming flowers. I want something that feels like springtime without going orange. I’ve pulled together my five best lip products that I’ve been reaching for constantly as we head into spring. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze – This balm is definitely on the sheer side of my recommendations, but it still looks like a glossy lipstick, not like a clear lip balm. On me, it turns into the prettiest rosy-brown berry. It has just enough pink and berry in it to still look fresh and springy without going orange. I’ve written about this balm so many times because I really do love it. The formula feels nourishing, comfortable, and makes my lips look and feel better every time I put it on.
Nars Afterglow Lip Oil in Wonderous 520 – This one is shinier, sheerer, and more slippery than the EADEM, which makes sense because it is a lip oil instead of a balm. On me, this is the most natural-looking shade in the group and reads like a true cool-toned pink. It has that my-lips-but-better effect. With this oil, my lips just look smoother, fresher, and a just little more hydrated. It is not especially long-lasting or nourishing, but has a nice feel and gives the prettiest fresh pink without being too warm.
Westman Atelier Hydro Balm Tinted Lipstick in Onyx – Clinique Black Honey is often touted as the gold standard for a fancy, natural looking, cherry lipstick, but it has never worked for my olive undertones. Westman Atlelier Onyx actually delivers on this for me. This formulation gives that cool purple-brown cherry effect that I’m looking for. It is deeper and moodier than the first two, but sheer enough that it still feels appropriate for every-day casual wear. It is moisturizing, a little minty, and easy enough to apply without a mirror.
MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Succumb to Plum – This is the most highly pigmented and matte product of my recommendations. If you want something more like a traditional lipstick, this is the product you should buy. The color is a deep, highly saturated, cool-toned plum. It is just so rich and pretty. It is definitely the boldest option in this group, but the formula still has enough slip that it feels easier and less fussy than a proper dark matte lipstick. This is not a stereotypical spring lip color, but if you want something deeper, more mysterious, and a little more interesting, this is a good choice.
Nabla Beyond Jelly Sheer Lipstick in Nocturna – If you like the idea of Succumb to Plum, but you find it just a bit too daring for spring, this is an amazing choice. Nocturna has that same cool-toned berry-plum base, but is softer and less of a statement. The formula is lightweight, moisturizing, and easy to throw on. It achieves that deeper, cool berry look without fully committing to a dark plum lip. It does have a slight mint scent, but other than that, I’ve been really happy with the formula and how easy it is to wear.
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog and some products may have been gifted, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Makeup and Skincare Reviews 