What lipstick is in style 2022?

Like our clothes and skincare ritual, our lip color approach shifts with the summer-to-fall transition. Many people use the start of a new season as an opportunity to experiment with different hues and try trends. “Moving into fall, it’s common to see darker, deeper colors coming out to play. Summer was all about the Hailey Bieber-esque, glossy/shiny lip, but fall is the perfect time to move back into the classic autumn lip colors,” says Manuel Espinoza, a StyleSeat and celebrity makeup artist.

In addition, your lips have different needs in drier, cooler weather. Drier lips can tend to lose color more quickly than hydrated, moisturized lips, and the cold weather can also play a role in your natural lip color changing, he says.

Plus, however you feel about mask mandates being lifted, at least it gives us an opportunity to show off our lipsticks again. And it seems like many of us are already participating in the lipstick resurgence: As mask guidances get lifted, lipstick sales have been leading the way, and we’re here for how a swipe of lip color always manages to give us a confidence boost.

Meet the Experts

Manuel Espinoza is a StyleSeat and celebrity makeup artist.

Nicole Cudzilo is the national makeup artist for Vapour Beauty.

Natasha Moor is a global makeup artist and entrepreneur.

Below is your essential guide to lip color this season with the top trends for fall 2022.

Clean and minimal.

While fall is the time to move into bolder colors, Espinoza says we’ll likely still see some remnants of the simple glossy look that took over spring and summer.

“A good way to transition this look into fall is with a gloss that still has a bit of pigment,” he recommends. “This lip oil adds a hint of color, but also moisturizes and protects the lips, a bonus we should always be looking for in the fall/winter months as the temps get colder and the air gets dryer.”

The tonal or gradient lip. 

Nicole Cudzilo, the national makeup artist for Vapour Beauty, says the tonal or gradient lip is coming back into style this fall season. So what does it look like? Just like it sounds: the outer lip line is a bit deeper in color and fades gradually to a brighter or bolder shade towards the center of the lips.

“It looks great in a matte formula, but it looks exceptionally striking when done in high gloss,” she says. “To make a glossy lip wear all day, use a lip liner under your lipstick and a gloss specifically formulated as a topcoat for a high shine finish that won’t smear your underlying products.”

1990s brown.

This 90s-inspired look will make a comeback this fall season, according to Espinoza. We’ve seen remnants of grunge throughout 2022, with spring and summer seasons bringing us winged liners, clean skin, and bold eyes. “Because brown is a warm, universal earth tone, it can suit anyone looking for a retro look,” he says. But, of course, your best bet is a long-lasting, natural-looking formula that stays on all day, but doesn’t dry out lips.

Extremes in texture.

Like the political climate, lip trends have no middle ground this season. Cudzilo says these extremes can be vinyl-like shine or petal-soft cushiony velvet mattes for stand-out lips. “Let your pout be the focal point and keep the rest of your makeup dialed down for a modern approach with super-natural skin using just a touch of concealer where needed, brushed-up brows, and curled lashes,” she recommends.

Classic bold red.

Every fall, without a doubt, the classic bold red lip comes back. And 2022 is no exception since this tried-and-true trend offers different variations of red to compliment every skin tone, Espinoza says. So whether you go bright, firetruck red, or deep burgundy, the idea is to allow your lips to pop, and the rest of your makeup approach focuses on warm colors and hues. 

How to find your perfect fall lip color

You want to try what’s trending on Instagram and TikTok — but you also want to look like yourself. That’s why it’s important to follow some master tips and tricks from makeup artists who work with various skin tones and skin needs.

• Search for a shade that compliments your skin tone. Rather than going extremely out of the box, stick to what you already know — but take it in the autumn direction. As Espinoza recommends, if you have a spring or summer shade that works well for you, try going a few shades warmer for fall. For example, try a deep, orange-toned red if you have warmer undertones. For cooler undertones, I’d recommend looking for shades with blue hues like mauve or plum, he suggests.
• Think in terms of tone, texture, and shine for your lips — just like your clothes. Global makeup artist and entrepreneur Natasha Moor says color goes warmer in the fall, reflecting the golden, red, and brown hues in the leaves. And darker clothes with more textured fabrics come into style, as well as a personalized amount of bling. So as you research the lip color that works for you, Moor says to keep the natural transition of fall in mind — as well as your natural beauty. “Even if you opt for a natural shade that matches or complements your natural lip tone, line your lips with a shade that matches your natural lip color, swipe on a creamy lipstick in the same shade, then add natural shine with a gloss or an oil to give a textured, polish finish,” she says. Depending on your preference and the rest of your look, you can also pick a creamy, shiny, or matte finish for your lips. “To place the focus on your lips, line them and fill them in, then glaze them up to the max while providing softening benefits,” she adds.

A change in seasons is a great time to try something new — or experiment with shades you already know look great.

• Test colors without applying. To figure out if a shade is right for your lips, you need to apply it, right? Nope, Cudzilo says. Suppose you’re in a store searching for your perfect shade but don’t want to try colors on physically. In that case, she recommends skipping swatching on the back of your hand and trying this trick instead.“Twist up the bullet, so most of the lipstick is exposed and hold it sideways — approximately six inches in front of your mouth — so that it obscures your lips entirely when looking in the mirror,” she says. “Squint or gently close one eye to quickly and easily determine how the color will look against your complexion.”
• Experiment — but stay true to yourself, too. A change in seasons is a great time to try something new — or experiment with shades you already know look great, Espinoza says. “If a darker, bolder lip isn’t your vibe, then try going for a subtle lip tint or balm that will give you a pop of color without overpowering your look,” he says. “These products will keep your lips moisturized and protected against cooling temperatures.”

We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.

Counting down to the end of summer doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Who is ready to welcome in cooler temperatures (hello, sweater weather) and all the foliage your heart desires? But another exciting thing that a new season brings is a whole new mood board for our beauty routines — especially makeup. It’s a great time to play with darker and cooler colors fall 2022 lipstick colors with matte and satin finishes.

“Transitioning the season always calls for paying attention to hydration, especially when it comes to your lips,” celebrity makeup artist and CTZN Cosmetics Chief Creative Officer Sir John tells Bustle. “I loved the popsicles lip trend from this summer; glass-like shine without being too sticky. A great way to transition this to the fall is to pick a warmer shade with staying power like a lip tint.”

Switching over to fall lipstick colors is pretty simple. Sir John says all you’ve got to do is choose a warmer shade that compliments your skin tone and viola — he says you have the perfect fall lip. If you’re wanting to do something a little moodier and different, there are a few bold color choices you can opt for. Below he and celebrity makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran break down the top fall 2022 lipstick colors they predict will be huge, along with some product recs.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Purple Vamp

Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in Forever Night

Sephora

Sir John is all about the vampy lip shades for fall. Think plum, purple, violet — these are kind of your evergreen staple for when it gets cooler. “They always add a mystic and edgy energy to any look,” he says.

A dark hue like Dior’s new Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in Forever Night is a deep berry black that is rich and bold. As a bonus, it won’t come off on your wine glass.

Glossy Plum

Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick in No Restraints

Sephora

Urban Decay’s latest liquid lipstick is a highly-pigmented lip product to give you the boldest lip looks. This bright purple is in your face (in the best way possible) and provides instant shine. The best part? Color will last for hours, which is all you want from a bold lip.

Red Resurgence

Lipstick in Legend of Rouge

Clé de Peau Beauté

The classic red lip is a year-long (and most importantly universal) shade, but it’s especially perfect for the fall. “We’re going to see a resurgence of rich red tones this fall,” says Jaikaran. “Red lends itself to being both classic and edgy.”

Opt for something like Clé de Peau’s newest collection of lipsticks. In collaboration with celebrity makeup artist and its global color director Benjamin Puckey, these lipsticks come in different textures and finishes and boast 30 new shades. The classic red here goes on velvet smooth and gives off bright color that lasts for hours.

Classic Red

Yves Saint Laurent The Bold High Pigment Lipstick in 1971 Rouge Provocation

Sephora

YSL’s latest launch is a bold pigmented lipstick that provides full coverage in just one swipe. This classic red goes on smoothly and has buildable shine with staying power.

Warm Rust

Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip

Ulta

Want to put a fun spin on the classic red? Sir John recommends going towards a rusty red shade for your fall lip color. Consider a shade like Beauty Bakerie’s deep warm rust that has a pretty matte finish to really define your pout.

Sunset Rust

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist For Ever Matte 24HR Longwear Liquid Lipstick in 342 Infinite Sunset

Sephora

This latest from Make Up For Ever is a liquid lipstick that boasts an impressive 24 hours of staying power. Infinite Sunset is a warm rusty red to feels lightweight on the lips and gives a matte finish.

Brick Red

Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Matte Lipstick in Brique

Sephora

Sir John also likes a brick red shade if you want something a little different than a classic red. Givenchy’s latest lipstick is a sheer matte that is buildable. Aptly named Brique, this brick red is super pretty on.

Dark Red

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Omi 107

Sephora

The Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick is a staple for many pro MUAs, but this brick rose red is perfect for fall. It has a lightweight formula with a smooth, matte finish.

Blue-Based Red

Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick in Scarlet Red

Mary Kay

If you’ve got a cooler or neutral undertone, Jaikaran likes blue-based red lipsticks. Her pick is Mary Kay’s Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick in Scarlet Red, which has a long-lasting wear time and delivers bright red pigment with a slightly satin-y sheen.

Really Red

Lip Blur Soft-Matte Hydrating Lipstick in Classic

Sephora

Saie’s newest product is a hydrating matte lipstick that gives great color and is packed with nourishing skin care ingredients. You’ll find hyaluronic acid, olive oil, and berry fruit wax hydrate lips and give them a soft-focus effect to blur any lines and cracks.

Burgundy

Code Red: Rooi

CTZN Cosmetics

Sir John also recommends burgundy. “[It] adds a sultry dimension to classic red lip shades,” he says. His pick is the CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Rooi. It’s a super creamy and highly-pigmented lipstick that gives off the rich burgundy shade in a velvet matte finish.

Deep Burgundy

Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Brenda

UOMA Beauty

Highly pigmented but still lightweight, UOMA’s matte lipstick in Brenda gives a stunning burgundy shade to lips.

‘90s Brown

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Kind Words Matte Lipstick

Sephora

Sir John says that 1990s-inspired brown lips are a chic classic that suits everyone, and can be dressed up or worn for an everyday look.

This new lipstick from Rare Beauty is a rich chocolate shade with a matte finish. It’s also buildable, super hydrating, and long-lasting.

Haute Chocolate

L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick + Nourishing Serum in Brilliant Brown

Target

Who doesn’t love a good two-in-one product? This lipstick not only gives you a gorgeous brown shade with a shiny finish, but it also contains vitamin B5 to provide intense moisture. Dry lips be damned.

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