Summer is officially in full swing, which means cold iced tea, balmy evenings – and glossy, feel-good lip color everywhere you look. To celebrate, I bribed my best friend Laura (retired digital designer, fashion maven, and lifelong “one-lipstick” woman) with coffee and convinced her to let me film a three-look tutorial starring the plumping lip balms I cannot stop raving about.
They’re silky, hydrating, non-feathering, and – bonus – kind to sensitive lips. Together we created three vibe-shifting moments: No-Makeup Makeup, Effortless Daytime, and Going-Out Glam. Grab a mirror, cue the video, and let’s play.
No-Makeup Makeup
Glossy formulas are a double-edged sword: they can make lips look juicy, but many drip south faster than a popsicle in August. Not these balms. For Look #1 I kept Laura’s base super sheer – think satin skin, fluffy brows, a whisper of bronze shadow – then traced her lips with a neutral pencil for subtle definition. One swipe of Soft Petal, a peach-kissed pink, instantly made her complexion look rested and fresh.
Hot tip: Consider this your insurance layer. Because we start lightweight, you can ramp things up later without removing a single stitch of makeup. Watch the first chapter of the video for every brushstroke. For a more detailed explanation of this look, go here.
Effortless Daytime
Next, we swapped Laura’s T-shirt for an oatmeal button-down and lofted soft waves at her crown. A stroke of emerald liner along the waterline brightened her eyes and echoed summer foliage. Then came Velvet Rose – a rich, shiny rose that has practically taken up residency in my purse. When your outfit skews neutral (greys, whites, beiges), a vivid lip acts like built-in color-correcting lighting; it pulls warmth back into your mature skin and makes your hair look brighter.
Note: If bold hues intimidate you, dab the balm on with a fingertip for a stained effect, then layer until the mirror smiles back.
Going-Out Glam
Cue the sparkle top! Laura unearthed a black, glitter-threaded blouse that basically begged for a “dress me up” moment. I smoked a slate pencil along her upper lash line, curled every strand, and crowned the look with Cherry Noir, a lush, black-cherry glaze.
The glossy finish keeps the shade from feeling harsh; instead, it reads modern, confident, and decidedly party-ready. Dark lips on mature skin? Absolutely. The trick is balance: sleek liner, clean lower lash line, and hair with movement.
Suddenly, Rose Petal feels bridal, Velvet Rose feels brunchy, and Cherry Noir feels like ringing the doorbell with a bottle of Prosecco.
Lip-Loving Tricks We Swear by
- Outline first, fill second: A neutral liner frames the lips and adds style.
- Pop of highlight: Tap a pearl shadow on the Cupid’s bow for instant lift.
- Exfoliate (gently): A damp washcloth and circular motions keep balms gleaming, not clinging.
- Purse math: one nude, one bright, one deep. Day saved.
As summer invites weddings, rooftop dinners, and spontaneous patio dates, why not refresh your makeup wardrobe the same way you rotate sandals? Tell me – are you Team Rose Petal, Team Velvet Rose, or riding shotgun with Cherry Noir? Drop your pick (and any questions) in the comments, then click play on the tutorial to see every step in real time. Happy glossing, beauties!
Take 10% off your purchase with code THEBEAUTYSHAMAN at PrimePrometics.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What’s your favorite lip color for the summer months? Has it changed through the years? Which product do you prefer – lip gloss or lipstick?
