All winter, we look forward to summer joys: Sandals and sunshine, sangria and string lights, and also things that don't begin with S, like tacos, beach days, and dinners al fresco. Summer makeup is also a unique joy. It's lighter, brighter, sheerer, and more forgiving than makeup from any other season. If there is one consummate summer shade we look forward to year after year, it's that perfect berry, falling at the flattering intersection of red, purple, and pink.
Because of the shade's varying undertones, it's a hue that can work on pretty much every skin tone. Berry is a flirty pop on pale complexions, but can lend a rich vibrancy to deeper ones. Against an olive complexion, berry adds a beguiling contrast. Keep the finish sheer for the daylight hours, then layer on a more opaque formula at night. From liquid liners to cheek stains and polishes, here are the berry products that we’re crushing on this summer — each one juicier and sweeter than the last.
For a cat-eye with major impact, try a berry-hued liner, like Dolce & Gabbana’s liquid version in Dahlia. The waterproof formula has cool, blue undertones, meaning it won't look sickly around the eyes like some pinkish shades; the subtle shimmer adds an alluring sheen.
Dolce & Gabbana Glam Liner Intense Liquid Eyeliner, $38, available at Sephora.com
Deborah Lippmann’s rich merlot polish is an unexpected alternative to summer's go-to brights. Try on your toes — it looks great with leather sandals — for a refined pop.
Deborah Lippmann Roar Collection Nail Polish in Miss Independent, $18, available at DeborahLippmann.com
If rimming the bottom lashline with blue liner is your summer signature, consider mixing things up with a flash of berry from Marc Jacobs’ gel liner in Jazz. The waterproof raspberry pencil is easy to maneuver and gives a bold color payoff.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in Jazz, $25, available at Sephora.com
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Matte lipsticks have somewhat of a reputation. While they're praised for their ability to stick around all day, they can also make your lips feel dry as hell. That's why this product from Buxom Cosmetics is a lipstick unicorn: The whipped texture feels plush right away, while the plumping formula makes lips appear fuller. All the shades (including our new go-to berry, Criminal) dry down to a soft-matte finish without ever feeling cakey.
Buxom Cosmetics Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick in Criminal, $21, available at Ulta Beauty.
Tarte’s Cheek Stain in Flush is aptly named. The sheer berry tint gives cheeks a first-kiss flush with just a few swipes. Since it isn't opaque, you’ll be able to layer on the color without going overboard.
Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush, $30, available at Sephora.com
To add just a glint of color on your lashes, try Almay's berry-hued mascara. It's especially sexy and sophisticated against brown and green eyes.
Almay Intense I-Color Volume Mascara in Plum, $8.49, available at Ulta.com
Becca’s famous Skin Perfector — created to flatter all skin tones — also comes in a deeper, cabernet hue called Dahlia. Try it on top of your everyday blush for a mood-lifting luster.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Dahlia, $34, available at Sephora.com
The tiny flecks of shimmer in Burberry’s Wet & Dry Silk Shadow add eye-catching dimension. Try a light wash of color across the entire lid or wet an angled brush and paint a smoldering line.
Burberry Eye Colour Wet & Dry Silk Shadow in Mulberry, $29, available at Sephora.com
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