Coral Lipstick Is The Instant Pick-Me-Up You Need Now

There’s something about coral lipstick that can instantly lift spirits. And while the shade is typically associated with warm weather, it’s a year-round staple. So wear it to the beach on your summer holiday or to cheer you up on a chilly winter’s day – it’s failproof. 

If you don’t already own a coral lipstick you love, allow us to help you find the one. Below, we share some of our favourites. 

Finding a coral lipstick that suits you

A true coral sits somewhere in between pink and orange, but you can find shades that lean more toward pink and others that have more orange in them. How do you go about finding the right one for you? 

“Think of it in the same way you think of clothes,” explains Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager. “Some people look amazing wearing bright orange. Others may find that the shade washes them out.”  

McHale explains that more orangey corals would flatter people with warm undertones the most. Pinker corals could be for you if you’re on the cooler side. 

If the pinkness in your skin is concentrated in specific areas (from active spots or rosacea, for example), McHale recommends neutralising the redness with some concealer to keep it from clashing with your lip. 

“Or, if you want to go for a more orangey tone, choose a sheer formula, so the pink shows through from your natural lip colour,” she suggests. 

She adds: “if you’ve got a neutral undertone, it may be a good idea to emphasise the warmer tones in your skin. You might have to use a bit of bronzer, for example, to warm up the skin.” 

But the best way to find the shade for you? “Experiment a bit,” says McHale. “That’s the point, right? It’s supposed to be fun. You can take it off if you don’t like it.”

Tip: To make your coral lip pop, make sure to prep your lips correctly. Gently exfoliating with a scrub will help smoothen and plump the lip. If you have fine lines above the lip, try priming your lips with a smoothening balm like the Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm, £33.

The best coral lipsticks to try

Clarins Joli Rouge in Papaya

If you’re looking for a pure coral tone, the Joli Rouge Lipstick in Papaya, £24, could be the one for you. It’s a warm, mid-tone shade that serves as a subtle pop of colour. The formula is loaded with organic Salicornia extract and mango oil that give the lipstick a creamy finish and make it feel super moisturising and comfortable on the lips. 

Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in I Dream

The Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick in I Dream, £35, is a great pick if you’re looking for a coral that has a pink undertone. The formula is creamy and offers a satin finish that lasts long hours. The best part? You don’t have to repurchase the whole product when you run out – you can buy a refill. 

Makeup by Mario Moisture Glow Plumping Lip Serum in Apricot Glow

Makeup by Mario’s Lip Serums, £26, are packaged like lip balms but apply like a gloss. The formula contains moisturising ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter that deliver both hydration and shine. If you want a coral lip that’s slightly sheer and ultra-glossy, reach for the shade Apricot Glow. 

Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Dance Card

Make-up artist Lisa Eldridge’s Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colours, £26, offer buildable, semi-sheer coverage – apply more till you’re happy with the intensity of the colour. The shade Dance Card is a stunning peachy coral that was inspired by the lipsticks from the late ’50s and early ’60s in Eldridge’s vintage make-up collection. 

Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Intense Satin Lipstick in 810 Lucy

The shade Lucy from Dear Dahlia’s Lip Paradise range, £24, is a beautiful light, peachy coral with warm undertones. These lipsticks are packed with pigment and leave you with a lustrous finish. But if you prefer a matte lip, just bot with a tissue.   

Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Glorifier in Coral

A coral lip doesn’t have to be a bold, statement-making choice. If you prefer subtlety, try the Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Glorifier in Coral, £40. The luxurious lip tint is loaded with botanical oils that moisturise the lips while adding a light veil of colour. You can wear it on its own or under a bold lip as a nourishing primer. 

Rouge Hermes Satin Lipstick in Corail Flamingo

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bright, eye-catching coral lip, the Rouge Hermes Satin Lipstick in Corail Flamingo, £62, may be the one for you. With packaging designed by French designer Pierre Hardy, these lipsticks look just as pretty sitting on your dresser as painted on your lips. 

Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in Coral Pop 

The Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipsticks, £26, offer full-coverage colour in a featherlight formula. If you’re after a neon coral, try the shade Coral Pop from the collection. It’s a beautiful, vibrant pinky-orange with a satin finish. 

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Apricot

The Lip Comfort Oil in Apricot, £21.50, is an orangey coral that instantly makes us long for warmer days. But while we wait, we can paint on this juicy lip oil that offers loads of shine and a pop of colour too. The formula contains a trio plant oils (organic sweetbriar rose, hazelnut and jojoba) that hydrate and protect the lips, without feeling sticky.  

Next read: How To Get Rid Of Dry Lips, According To Experts 

Photo used in cover image: Instagram @farahomidi