Ahh lipstick, you pull a look together so easily. I always love a little color on my lips, especially during the summer time. Most people are finding shades that will compliment their sun kissed skin, and while I’m SPF 50+ all the way, finding a fun bright color is still on the top of my summer must-haves list. I recently minimized my makeup stash when we redid our master bath. I wanted the drawers and cabinets to be clutter free and what I realized is that I really just mix up my lip shades ever so slightly with the change in season. So what are the 3 must have shades in everyone’s makeup kit? Coral, pink, and red. Simple and easy. I have found I just deepen these shades for fall and winter, but keep these three basic color families on rotation.

Here are the three shades that have been in my makeup bag the last few months…

CORAL
Nine times out of ten I’m wearing Esteé Lauder’s “Defiant Coral“. It was one of those shades I bought on a whim one day and since then it’s been my go-to. Esteé Lauder is probably one of my favorite makeup lines. I’ve been using their foundation for more years than I can count, and their products just never fail me. Their lipsticks are smooth and never drying. They also have a magnetic closure, so there’s no mess if it gets loose in your bag. If you like more of a liquid lipstick, stilla’s liquid lipstick in “Carina” is a great coral choice too.

PINK
Not too long ago I tried Sephora’s liquid lipsticks for the first time and I was hooked. For some reason I never expect much from a store’s personal line, but the shade “Petal” is so soft and pretty. It also has great lasting power. Looking for something a bit more moisturizing? tarte’s Amazonian Butter lipsticks are like jelly and surprisingly super pigmented. “Tulip” is my favorite for a rosy natural look.

RED
e.l.f. makes a great orangey red,  called “Velvet Rope“. I wore this one a lot when we were in Paris and it’s a much more wearable red for day time. If you’re looking for something a bit deeper, Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick in “Outlaw” is a classic red that seems to compliment all skin tones.

Sanctuary Clothing top | Topshop jeans

Shop the lip colors below:

What are some of you favorite lipstick shades? Do you mix up your makeup with the change in season?