best of the brights.

From left to right: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 026 Abstract Orange, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 12, MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned, Urban Decay Lipstick in Anarchy, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 440 Cherries in the Snow

Lipstick is one of the easiest accessories out there. It gives you the power to change your look with a single swipe (Ok, more than a single swipe if I'm being honest here). While my tried-and-true lipstick shade will always be red (see my "best of the reds" post), I love to experiment with brighter lipsticks. Summer is the perfect time to make the switch to a fun lip color, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 026 Abstract Orange - $5-8
    I had been a longtime admirer of this color before I finally caved and bought it. The color is a gorgeous burnt orange that works just as well in fall as it does in summer. The only drawback is that it is not incredibly long-lasting. I think it may be because of the lipstick's "Pearl" finish. I'll speak about it more later, but I found that the "Creme" version of the lipstick lasts an incredible amount of time.

2. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 12 - $5-8
    This lipstick was my first foray into the Rimmel by Kate collection. I have since added quite a few reds from the line to my makeup bag. I love this lipstick because it smells exactly like fruit punch. It is also the perfect bright summery coral color. While it doesn't have great lasting power, a few touch-ups after meals are all you need to get that bright hue back on your lips.

3. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned - $16
    It's a MAC lipstick, so obviously it's pretty fantastic. The color payoff is amazing. I would definitely recommend lip liner with this though. The color does bleed without it since it is such a creamy formula. Also, wearing a nude liner underneath makes the color pop even more. It's a warm highlighter pink lipstick that looks lovely in the summertime.
    *Tip: Make sure to exfoliate before you use this because it will highlight any flaky skin or bumps.

4. Urban Decay Lipstick in Anarchy - $22
    While this is the most recent addition to my collection, it is easily one of my new favorites. Urban Decay has one of the best lipstick formulations out there. The colors go on smoothly and don't dry my lips out. They have super lasting power and the pigmentation is amazing. Case in point: Anarchy is one of the brightest shades in the line. I wore this color all day through eating and drinking and it still looked fantastic. An occasional touch-up wouldn't hurt, but it is not essential.

5. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 440 Cherries in the Snow - $5-8
    I didn't know that this color was such a cult favorite until well after I purchased it. This is one of my absolute favorite lipsticks. I don't know why there is such a difference in lasting power between the "Pearl" and the "Creme" finishes, but this one lasts FOREVER. I have no idea how it lasts so long. I wear clear liner with it to prevent bleeding, but that's it. This stuff clings to your lips and lasts through eating and drinking no problem. I would recommend this to everyone.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. Stay tuned for a nude/dark lipstick post coming soon.
PPS. Have you seen my latest CollegeFashionista post? It's about how maxi dresses CAN work for petite girls!