Some makeup rules are made to be broken.
But others? They’ve been passed down from seasoned artists, exhausted bridesmaids, and anyone who’s ever worn lipstick in 90-degree heat and instantly regretted it.
So let’s talk about the lip color that makeup pros quietly beg you to avoid when the temperature spikes.
Because yes — some shades just don’t vibe with summer.
So What’s the Lip Color You Should Skip?
Deep, matte, ultra-dark lipsticks — especially in shades like:
Oxblood
Deep plum
Brick red
Brown-toned wine
They might be moody and gorgeous in fall…
But in summer? They tend to look — and feel — like a mistake.
Why Makeup Artists Say “No Thanks” to Dark Lips in Summer
1. They Feel Heavy
You know that claustrophobic feeling when you’re wearing too much in hot weather? Dark lips do that. Matte formulas feel dry and thick when your skin is begging to breathe. It’s not cute.
“It’s not just the heat — it’s the mood. Dark lips in summer feel out of sync, like wearing a leather jacket to the beach.”
— Jamie K., LA-based pro artist
2. They Smudge... Like, a Lot
Sweat, ice cream, sunscreen, poolside humidity — they all attack your lipstick.
And darker colors are way less forgiving when they start smearing or feathering.
One bite of a burger and suddenly you’ve got vampire mouth.
Light shades? You can reapply casually. Deep shades? You need a mirror, lip liner, and a full prayer circle.
3. They Can Age the Face (Especially in Daylight)
Harsh sunlight doesn’t play nice with deep pigments — especially on dry lips.
It emphasizes texture, cracks, and can make your whole face look heavier and more severe. Which, again, not really a summer vibe.
What to Wear Instead (Still Bold, Still Fun)
Summer doesn’t mean you have to stick to baby pinks and sheer gloss — unless that’s your thing.
Here are the lip colors makeup artists love for hot weather:
Bright coral – universally flattering and playful
Peachy nudes – soft, fresh, never overpowering
Popsicle red – think: bitten lip, not full-glam
Warm rose – looks like your natural lip, just boosted
Glossy berry tints – way easier to maintain than matte plums
Pro tip: A tinted balm with SPF keeps your lips hydrated and protects from sun damage — something most people forget.
Real-Life Reminder:
Last summer, I wore a matte plum lipstick to an outdoor event in Miami (bad call). Within an hour, it had faded weird, settled into lines, and made my already-dehydrated lips look withered. The kicker? My friend in a coral gloss looked fresh all day — no mirror, no fuss.
That was my last “dark lip in July” moment.
Final Word
If you love your deep wine shades — save them for fall.
Summer is for light, breathable, low-effort beauty.
You want lip color that melts into your skin, not melts off your face.
So skip the drama lips. Go sheer, go bright, or go bare — and your whole face will thank you.
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