Five Perfect Neutral Lipstick Colors for Spring and Summer

Outfit Details:

Asos Dress,  MAC matte lipstick in “Please Me,”

I’m not much of a lipstick wearer — at least bright and bold lip colors. I steer away from most bright pinks, reds, and dark hues, but I love a good neutral color that gives my face just a little pop of color so I look alive and well.

These are a few that I’m loving that are perfect for spring and summer, plus two of my favorite lip products for exfoliating and hydrating!

From Left to Right on my arm above: 

MAC matte lipstick in “Please Me” – This is the one I’m wearing in the photos above. It’s a matte lip color, and it’s the brightest pink of this neutral bunch. I love it if I’m looking for just a slight pop of color without feeling like my lips are the center of attention. It’s also hydrating and goes on super smoothly.

MAC matte lipstick in “Velvet Teddy” – This is a gorgeous darker, warm nude that I like to wear on days that I’m wearing darker hues, like black and gray.

Clinique in “Sugar Plum Pop” – This lipstick has purple undertones, so it goes on as more of a berry color. I always dot it on, rather than swipe, so it doesn’t get too much color on my lips, and it creates such a perfect super light berry tone.

Maybelline in “Beige Babe” – For summer I like to have a really good nude lipstick. I just got this one and it’s so perfect. It’s not the kind of nude that will wash you out, but it’s super subtle and would be perfect with a clean summer face, or with a dark smokey eye.

MAC Liptensity in “Medium Rare” – This one is probably my most worn lip color. It’s about one shade darker than my natural lips, which are already a good color, so if you’re looking for a very natural everyday color, this one is it. It goes on smooth and creamy and lasts pretty well. Definitely recommend.

Exfoliating and Hydrating

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator – the biggest no-no for lipstick is dry, flaking lips. You want to make sure your lips are clean, dry and smooth before applying. There are a lot of different lip scrubs out there, but this exfoliator stick from e.l.f. is so genius. It’s a lip balm with built in exfoliating beads, so just apply it like lipstick, rub those lips together, and then wipe it off with a tissue to reveal super smooth, soft lips.

It Cosmetic’s Je Ne Sais Quoi Perfect Pink – I’m obsessed with this stuff. It’s a chapstick that’s incredibly hydrating (it rivals my beloved Vaseline), but at the same time it somehow magically creates a perfect soft pink color based on your personal lip color. It just flushes them ever so slightly so they’re a subtle, beautiful color. Hydration and color? Yes, please.

Tomorrow on my Instagram stories I’ll try all of these on so you can really see them, so make sure you’re following along (@merricksart) so you can see them!