All About Berry! Red's Hot Pink Sister

Carnelian lips skip hand-in-hand with the scrumptious updates of 1940s-inspired fashion that’s keeping summer fun, fresh, and campy. But, if red is too bold for you, meet her hot pink sister.

Berries have a wide range of evocations, from punkish magenta to a fresh flush. Berries are fabulous because they have the punch of red without the aggression, and a mellowing of pink without the cloying aspects. Sure, there is a “perfect red” out there for everyone but as my search for that holy grail comes up with the wrong colors (too orange, too bright, too obvious and not in a good way), my go-to lip shades are sweet and inviting.

My picks for a pretty pout

L’Oreal Color Juice in Raspberry Smash, $7.49

This gloss is reminiscent of a slightly brighter version of the just-bitten lip. It’s great for on-the-go beauty due to its ease of application, and a little goes a long way. Its staying power is great for a gloss, and even when the shine is long gone, it leaves a stain of color. Pssst, L’oreal is the same company as Lancome, maker of Juicy Tubes.

Customized color for a pink shade that’s just right for you? That’s what this gloss strives to achieve, using its intuitive formula and your skin chemistry. I tried this out, and had mixed feelings. I love the idea, and in certain lights I got a beautiful blush color. And in other lighting, it looked way too fuschia. Like, wearing-curlers-under-your-shower-cap-while-driving fuschia. Still, this is worth trying out at your nearest Sephora. I’ll be giving it another look when I run out of my current staples.

This is great if you’re looking for long-wearing intensity. It’s got saturated color in MAC’s Amplified Crème finish. Craving flirts with hot pink without crossing the line. A good mix of red and a hint of plum equal a color that is playful and edgy. This is a versatile lipstick because you can wear it true when you want to work a bold color, or use it as a stain with some clear gloss for a softer look.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $14