The Return of the Statement Lipstick

Swiping on our favorite lipstick has the power to make us feel our best. In a recent survey of 784 Review2Coupon Beauty Collective members, 61% said they wear makeup like lipstick to feel more confident. 37% described their makeup application as an act of self-care. And there’s further research that supports this line of thought. According to a study conducted by LVMH, “Makeup application can be considered as a daily routine to decrease negative affects and/or increase positive affects related to self-image and one’s relation to the social environment.” 

This theory proved to be especially true throughout the pandemic. At the onset, many people pared down their daily makeup application rituals because we no longer had to venture out of the house every day for work or school. Mask mandates also stifled our ability to publicly wear and showcase the sheeny lip glosses and bold lipsticks we’d typically apply. “At the height of the pandemic, I noticed that people were more concerned with skincare and less interested in makeup,” TLB creative director Rosco Spears says. “It was rare that I saw anyone in a bright and bold lip.”

But as time wore on, there was a noticeable shift in our pandemic approach to beauty. Many of us began wanting to wear some makeup again—particularly lipstick—to help us feel and look good at home. 23% of Review2Coupon Beauty Collective members surveyed reported they currently wear makeup as frequently as they did before the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, we actually saw our lip product sales increase, because suddenly all anyone could focus on [during virtual] work was your face, and a pop of lip color was an easy way to stand out on Zoom,” Mented Cosmetics co-founder KJ Miller adds. “A great lippie always puts me in a good mood, and I know a lot of people feel similarly. It can help perk up your day and increase your confidence.”

With many offices and schools resuming in-person operations this fall, people will be heading out into the world wearing lipsticks and glosses once again. And that brings endless possibilities of what lip makeup will look like in the coming months. “This fall will definitely be the return of a statement lip, be it a bold, bright color or sultry nude,” Spears points out. Ahead, beauty experts share their thoughts on the lip colors and finishes that will dominate the season.

Colors 

Chocolate Brown

We’ll not only be playing around with lip colors this season but finishes as well. And whether worn alone or on top of lipstick, there’s nothing quite like a slick, glossy pout. During the pandemic, we quickly learned glosses and masks don’t mix. But now it’s time to pull your lip glosses out of retirement. “I especially think glosses will be big, because who doesn’t want to add a bit of glam to their routine?” Miller says. A shiny lip can instantly elevate any look. And today’s lip gloss options run the gamut—from clear to ultra-pigmented colors. Looking for a few new picks to try? No.7’s High Shine Lip Gloss ($10) and Tower28’s ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss ($14) are worth adding to your collection.

Sheer Stains and Tints

Editorial makeup artist and Review2Coupon beauty and wellness review board member Kenneth Soh thinks sheer stains and tints will see a rise in popularity. “I believe the lip tints coming up will be dewy, but also have more of an underlying staining quality, so even when the glossiness wears off you will still be left with a gorgeous colored stain,” he says. We recommend adding Clinique’s Almost Lipstick ($20) or Uoma by Sharon C’s It’s Complicated Lip Tint ($7) to your makeup bag.

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