Sunny Side Up: The Orange Lipstick Review

Okay, so it’s officially spring. But after a long winter, not to mention the lingering chilly weather, we could all use a little pick-me-up. The quickest way to brighten your day: swipe on a radiant orange lipstick. Did you know that wearing orange is said to have an instant uplifting effect? The shade can stimulate creativity and enthusiasm, and we can’t think of an easier way to blow off the last of the winter boo-hoos. We’ve rounded up our favorite citrus-y shades below. C’mon, get happy!

Inglot Cosmetics

Lipstick in #278 Cream | $13 | shop it

Orange served straight up. This lipstick, in a sense, is basic, but it’s anything but bland. The opaque cream formula wears long, feels great on, and screams with statement-making color. If only the orangest orange will do, this is the pick for you.

Too Faced

Sweet Sun Shines Lip Gloss in Papaya Slushie | $16 | shop it

Don’t be scared off by the visible neon pigments in the tube—this gloss goes on sheer, giving a shiny tint to lips that lasts long and conditions like magic. The not-sticky-at-all formula may look much more glittery on the wand, but those bits of shimmer go largely unnoticed on the lips, and mostly serve to up the shine factor. Bring on the Sun Shine!

Armour Beauty

Lip Gloss in Lucy | $21 | shop it

With the hue and flavor of a delicious creamsicle, Armour Beauty’s ultra-rich gloss packs a sweet color punch. A white undertone makes lends a coolness to this orange, but the impact is electrifying nonetheless. We’re hooked on the patent vinyl opaque finish.

ILIA

Tinted Lip Conditioner in Dizzy | $26 | shop it

The softest pale peach, and so perfect for a springtime look. It’s nearly naked, meaning it’s a nice, neutral way to try an orange lip. Traffic-stopping? No. But it could easily become your new favorite daily shade.

Anna Sui

Lipstick in #650 | $30 | shop it

Especially flattering on Asian skin, #650 is a vibrant-yet-sheer tangerine packed with micro-size shimmery bits that lend a shiny—rather than a glittery—finish. The floral scent and the exquisite black enamel case makes it feel a little vampy (in a good way), even though the color is anything but.

Kevyn Aucoin

The Matte Lip Color in Timeless | $33 | shop it

The unmatched creaminess of Kevyn Aucoin lipsticks make them guaranteed to become a favorite in your makeup kit, and this vibrant hue is no exception. Opaque and obsession-worthy, it’s especially flattering on darker skin.

Even More Orange!

Here are nine other orange lipsticks we’re loving right now.

1) Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Mischievous, $6.49
2) TOPSHOP Lips in Charmed, $16
3) OCC Matte Lip Tar in Kimber, $18
4) Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in #40 Satin Bright Orange, $20
5) MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Style Surge, $22
6) Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Clementine, $24
7) Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Kick, $25
8) Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera, $28
9) Kanebo Sensai Lipstick in Rinddou, $55

GOOD TIP! Not sure how to choose an orange that works for you? Sasha Plavsic, who is the founder of ILIA Beauty, suggests first-timers choose an orange with a coral base. “Coral softens the overall tone and brings in some red, which usually works on anyone,” she explains. Try the ILIA in Dizzy or Inglot Cosmetics in 278 Cream from our list!

Check out all of our past lipstick reviews here!