Cool Summer: Lipstick

Cool Summer lipsticks are cool and muted. We're looking at blue-based colours mixed with some softening grey. Think dusty tea roses and soft plums.

In this article, we’ve used a variety of red, pink, orange, purple and brown lipsticks to demonstrate which colours we’d advise for Cool Summer as well as those you should avoid. Affiliate links have been used to provide additional visual examples.  

Please note, this advice is generic for all Cool Summer individuals and recommendations will vary based on your unique colouring. Some trial and error may be required in order to find the best shade for yourself. For personalised advice, we suggest purchasing a Colour Analysis package with the makeup option.

Cool Summer lipsticks are taken from the reds, purples and pinks on the colour chart.

This subtype belongs to a season influenced by light value so colours are both fairer and softer than those we see in Cool Winter.

Those who lean closer to Light Summer will need avoid the deeper and very soft colours in order to maintain balance. However, those flowing further towards Soft Summer may be able to opt for more muted variations of the reds, pinks and purples recommended.

Red Lipstick

When it comes to red lipstick, Cool Summer individuals should opt for the cool and soft variations. Any products described by their brands as 'blue red' are strong candidates!

Example one is a blue-based red that lights up Jasmine's face. It is also softer than classic reds so balances her chroma. A good option would be Pat McGrath LUST: MatteTrance™ Single Lipstick in Elson.

The soft red in example two has a similar effect but is more muted. You could try Sisley Le Phyto Rouge Lipstick in 41 Rouge Miami. This colour may be too deep for Cool Summer individuals leaning towards Light Summer but would be suitable for those flowing into Soft Summer.

Pinker variations such as the raspberry colour shown in example three also work well for Cool Summer. This is a great alternative to blue reds as it maintains the cool tone without darkening the colour. It visibly lightens Jasmine's appearance and makes her eyes sparkle. We like L'Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick in 114 I Represent.

Cool Summer individuals need to avoid warm, bright and dark reds. This includes the orange red shown in example one, which would be better suited to a Bright Spring. It appears to lighten her face but is not as effective as the cool variations shown in the first three examples. This is because it is throwing white on her face and overemphasising her soft chroma rather than balancing it.

The warm red in example five is similar as it is mixed with yellow but this colour is much deeper. This would be suitable for a Dark Autumn individual whereas the dark cool red in example six would work for a Dark Winter.

Pink Lipstick

Cool Summer individuals wear pink very well due to their dominantly cool hue. These colours must be cool and soft with a lighter value.

Example one shows a dusty cool pink similar to Estee Lauder Pure Color Hi-Lustre Lipstick in 420 Rebellious Rose. We see Jasmine before we see the lipstick, which indicates a colour balance.

The cool rose in example two has a similar effect but is slightly brighter than the previous colour. This pink lights up Jasmine's image as its value matches hers. It also has a touch of cooling blue that draws out the rosy glow in her cheeks. You could try By Terry Rogue-Expert Click Stick in N°4 Rose Ease.

In example three, we see a nude pink. This is Jasmine's "my lips but better!" shade. A good option would be Maybelline New York Lip Colour in 110 Awestruck. This is another one that would be better suited to Cool Summer types leaning towards Soft Summer as that is where we start to see more nude pinks due to their dominantly muted chroma.

Cool Summer individuals need to avoid warm, bright and dark pink lipsticks, such as those recommended for Spring and Winter.

The hot pink shown in example four is bright and cool making it better suited to Bright Winter. This hue blanches Jasmine's face as it overpowers her delicate image. Similarly, the candy pink in example six is light and cool enough for her but it is too bright. Due to their secondary characteristic being soft chroma, lipsticks need to be softer in order to maintain balance.

The salmon pink in example five demonstrates why colours need to be cool. This makes her look slightly orange as it is too warm for her cool hue. This would be better suited to a Bright Spring type.

purple Lipstick

Berry and plum lipsticks can be a great choice for Cool Summer individuals due to their cool hue. These must be slightly dusty rather than bright, however.

The berry we have used in example one sharpens and refines Jasmine's image as it balances both her hue and chroma. This can be likened to Pat McGrath Obsessive Opulence: MatteTrance Lipstick in Deep Orchid.

Another great option is the pinky plum shown in example two, which is similar to Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon in Zoe. We see Jasmine before we see this colour, which indicates that it balances her appearance.

Example three shows a dusty violet, which also works really well for Jasmine. You can compare this to the electric violet in the example five, which is a bright variation. Note that the dusty colour looks natural whereas we see example five before we see Jasmine. This demonstrates that it is not suitable for her colouring. A good option would be IMMISSONI Luxury Vegan Lipstick in Violet Dreams.

Cool Summer individuals must avoid the warm and bright purples recommended to Bright Winter such as the magenta in example six. This colour throws white on her face as it is too intense for her delicate image.

The eggplant in example four is also too dark and dramatically ages her. Despite its cool leanings, it would be better suited to a Dark Winter individual.

Other Lipsticks

Lipsticks we do not recommend for Cool Summer include orange and brown neutrals.

We already know that Cool Summer needs a hint of blue to their lipstick products to maintain their hue. The bright orange in example one and the peach in example three are both warm and vibrant, which means they match neither Jasmine's hue nor her soft chroma. These colours blanch her image and give her a yellow tinge.

The burnt orange in example two is muted but is still too warm for her. Due to its depth, it is also ageing. It would work well for a Warm Autumn or Dark Autumn individual.

We have already seen that Cool Summer works well in nude pink lipsticks. However, brown neutrals must be avoided as these are too warm and dark for most Summer subtypes. This is demonstrated in example five as the warm brown removes the rosy glow in her cheeks. The cool brown in example six has a similar effect as it has a touch of warming yellow.

Example four shows a dark brown, which is cool but is still too intense for her delicate appearance. This would work better for a Dark Winter individual.

Lipstick Finishes

Due to Cool Summer's muted chroma, they need soft finishes such as matte, powder and velvet to echo their natural colouring. Anything with a shimmer or shine is unsuitable as it looks jarring and unnatural.

At a push, satin or cream products can be used - especially in Winter when drier conditions call for hydration. However, these should be balanced with matte eye and complexion products to avoid too much shine.

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Cool Summer - Lipstick Chart [Digital Download]

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