Minty Gal

Ok beauties hear me out, I understand that berry-toned makeup has a special place next to pumpkin spice and our go-to boots for fall but berry-toned lips, cheeks, and eyes can be fresh all year round. Whether you opt for accentuating one feature, or shoot for a monochromatic look, the juicy shade should be in rotation all year around. If you needed any more convincing, did I mention it looks great paired with denim? Here are some easy ways to add this gorgeous color to your summer makeup bag.

Cheeks

I have to admit, I was pretty late to join the blush train. In my early twenties, I wanted to mimic the bronzed goddesses that adorned all of Victoria’s Secret ads(The Milani baked bronzer still has a special place in my heart!). Now in my late twenties, blush brightens my face while giving subtle contour. My blush collection has expanded over the years but a berry shade is one of my go-to’s year round. Berry tones may be unexpected for the warmer months but it’s sophisticated and fresh. The trick is to make sure you use the right formula with the right undertone. Berry shades tend to have a blue undertone that can become vampy very quickly. Try picking a color that has a red undertone, as this will be more flattering across a wider variety of skin tones, not only that, but it will give a more youthful vibe. Considering the hot summer months, the formula is very important. A gel texture is lightweight and easier to blend than creams, making it a perfect option for summer. The two I recommend are Glossier Cloud Paint in Storm and Merit Beauty Flush Balm Raspberry Beret. 

Lips 

You know a good lip color has a way of making you feel great and there is something about a berry tone that is really stunning. Yes, a berry lip can be vampy and dark, but the right product can enhance lips with a sheer wash of color. With the combination of hot weather and masks, it is best to use a formula that stains the lips. I find that some of the best lip stains are from Korean makeup brands, including 3CE and Etude House. What makes these products special is that the lightweight formula stains the lips and lasts for hours without smudging on your mask or having to make the time for touchups. The 3CE Syrup Layering Tint in Sober Fig and Etude House’s Dear Darling Water Gwel Lip Tint in Sweet Potato Red are great options. The tinted lip oil in Sangria by Merit Beauty and EM Cosmetics Lip Luminizer in Mystic are two berry shades that stay in my current makeup bag. They both are nourishing to the lips and give the prettiest subtle color to lips. 

Remember berry tones look less intense when base makeup is kept light and fresh. For those of us not born with perfect skin, opt for a BB Cream or a concealer close to your natural skin tone to offer some coverage while letting skin shine through. To give berry a summer vibe, glowy skin is the key. So keep base makeup light and a little highlighter will keep you cute all year long.