You know you’re obsessed with lipstick when you justify buying a color that’s similar to five you already own because “this one has different undertones.” We're right there with you — and you're going to want to make room for one (or four) more when you see the top trends coming out of L.A. They're everything we want right now: cool and edgy, flattering and pretty, and so easy to wear.
So what shades and finishes are L.A. locals loving right now? To find out, we checked in with the coolest salons, hottest on-demand apps, and 'in the know' stores that cater to our raddest residents. Think: Striiiike, Blushington, Violet Grey, 901 Salon, and Glamsquad.
Turns out, the trends were very easy to spot, with the brand's top experts reporting that customers are requesting and buying similar products. L.A.’s lip secrets, ahead.
Gloss
While 2016 was, without a doubt, the year of the matte lip, our experts are predicting a big return of gloss in L.A. — a trend that started picking up last year.
“Juicy, glossy lips are making a comeback,” says Chauntal Lewis, head makeup artist at 901 Salon. “[It] will keep you looking healthy, youthful, and vibrant.” Translation: Stow your Sahara Desert-level matte formulas for now. One of the best aspects of glosses is that they come in multiple finishes, giving you the freedom to play around.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Gilded, $16, available at Sephora.
True reds are a highly-requested color, says Stephi Maron, Founder and CCO of Blushington. Choose a bright red gloss for a moisturized take on the shade that checks two trend boxes.
NARS Lip Gloss in Eternal Red, $26, available at Lord and Taylor.
Embrace a throwback look with a simple, clear gloss. Shiny and minimal, this gloss can be worn alone or over your favorite lippie when you’re looking for some sheen.
NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Clear, $5, available at Ulta Beauty.
Deep, Dark Purples
Let go of your safety net and embrace dark and sultry vibes for the upcoming year. “Reddish purples are in,”says Kelli J. Bartlett, Glamsquad Director of Makeup Artistry. “From bright, goji berry-inspired fuchsia, to the blackest plum-violet, these colors are taking over in 2017, and they're perfect for your winter-to-spring transition.”
In fact, Striiiike’s number one selling shade is a sheer eggplant color from Rodin. “Clients often have to be talked into darker and deeper shades,” makeup artist Jenn Streicher, one third of the sister team behind the cult beauty haven, says. “This color goes on sheer, and it’s not matte, so it’s been really safe. It’s an in between shade, but still gives that rich berry finish without being super obvious.”
Rodin Luxury Lipstick in Billie on the Bike, $38, available at Rodin Olio Lusso.
Lewis encourages her clients to step outside of their comfort zones and try bold shades, too. She’s partial to this vampy color from Smashbox, a deep hue for winter that will stick around even after it starts to warm up.
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Witchy, $21, available at Smashbox.
Go bold with Bartlett’s deep, pure purple pick here. This color is creamy and hydrating, important for safeguarding against L.A's dry, Santa Ana winter winds.
BITE Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Jam-Rich Merlot, $26, available at Sephora.
If you were waiting for the right time to dabble in the black lipstick trend, 2017 is your year — just go a touch warmer. The deepest purples allow you to take a walk on the wild side without going all the way over the edge.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Potion $20, available at Sephora.
Glitter & Metallic Finishes
No frill, matte lip color kept things on the straight and narrow last year, but 2017 is all about amping things up with slight shimmer. The finish — glitter or metallic — is up to you.
“At Blushington there's no doubt that shimmer and glitter have been all the rage and continue to be a trend," says Maron. "For award shows, our clients usually like a pop of color on the lips, think reds and pinks, with Jouer Skinny Dip on top to add extra glam to the overall look.”
Maron notes that L.A. clients stockpile the product, which adds shimmer over any hue or to bare lips. “Add a touch with your pinky finger in just the center of your lips for that extra sparkle and shine,” she says.
“Metallics are also having a comeback for that statement, edgy moment,” says Bartlett. Tip: Choose a classic color, like beige or pink, to easily pull off the metal trend.
Jouer Skinny Dip Long-Wear Lip Topper, $16, available at Nordstrom.
Lewis is a fan of the limited-edition Revlon Colorburst Gloss in All That Glitters (available at some drugstores). If you can get your hands on it, it could be the only shimmer gloss you need. If you’re not so lucky, try this similar formula for a punch of icy shimmer.
BUXOM Full-On Lip Polish in Dominque, $20, available at Ulta Beauty.
When choosing a shimmery lipstick, opt for a faint glimmer, rather than full-on glitter, for an everyday look. This shade by Lipstick Queen looks intimidating, but goes on translucent and wearable. “I tend to stay away from shimmer, but this one gives a subtle hint that looks really beautiful on the lips,” Streicher says.
Lipstick Queen Bête Noire Lipstick in Pressed Metal, $40, available at Nordstrom.
Prefer to go down the metallic road? This formula will get you there — for less than a afternoon pick-me-up at Alfred Coffee.
ColourPop Metallic Ultra Metallic Lip in 3-Way, $6, available at ColourPop.
Brown-Based Neutrals
It goes without saying that everyone is reaching for barely-there nudes that perfectly match their skin tone. “The L.A. woman is a creature of habit and neutral-toned lip shades, one that best matches their natural lip color, reigns supreme,” says Christina Han, Violet Grey head of development for special projects. (And a former beauty editor at Vogue and The Cut, to boot.) Brown-based nudes are an easy way to heed her advice.
For definition, look to Han's top pick: "This Bardot-inspired favorite is courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat in Pillowtalk, a velvet-y-smooth lip liner that can, and should, be layered over balmed lips," she says, noting that Sisley's formula is a client favorite.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillowtalk, $22, available at Violet Grey.
One of Lewis’ 2017 picks, this lip color, marries the moisture of gloss and the creaminess of a brown hue, for an essential daytime color.
NARS Lip Glide in Stripped, $26, available at Nordstrom.
Another neutral favorite with the Violet Grey client is this formula from Charlotte Tilbury, which Han notes delivers "serious '90s vibes."
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Bond Girl, $32, available at Charlotte Tilbury.
Bartlett sees cafe au lait and hazelnut shades making a name for themselves in 2017 for their slightly sexier feel. Try this cool-toned formula.
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Fresh Brew, $17, available at MAC Cosmetics.
The final 2017 pick from Lewis, this hazelnut color, complements every skin tone and is the perfect addition to completely transform your (almost) makeup-free mornings.
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Hepburn Honey, $32, available at Charlotte Tilbury.
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