Read My Lips

Our lips may be sealed, but what we are saying is loud and clear. After more than two years of bare lips and record-low lipstick sales during the pandemic, lipstick is back in vogue in a big way in 2023. 

The “lipstick index”, an economic indicator term coined by Leonard Lauder, Chairman of Estée Lauder, during the 2001 recession, did not hold up well during the pandemic. Historically, lipstick sales have increased during hard times, as people have opted to buy lipstick in lieu of other cosmetics. But during the pandemic, the lipstick index failed, as lipstick enthusiasts everywhere tried with no avail to wear lipstick under their masks.

Now lipstick is back, and we’re making up for lost time with bold and varied lipstick trends that have one thing in common—expression. While the latest lipstick trends are all over the color palette, they all focus on ways to highlight and luminate those beautiful smiles. 

Va, Va Vinyl

As hot as vinyl records once were, vinyl lipstick is all the rage in 2023. This highly-pigmented, weightless lipstick goes on smooth with a high shine and a multidimensional look that is impossible to miss. The trend is making high-volume waves on Instagram, as makeup artists and bloggers shine bright in vinyl. 

One of the reasons people love vinyl so much is that it stays on all day and can withstand a lot of wear. According to WGSN’s 2022: The Future of Lipstick trend report, people will continue to adapt the way they wear lipstick, opting for formulations that offer long wear and ease of application.

Stains and Ink

Lip stains are also trending in 2023. According to celebrity makeup artist Kate Synnott, lip stains provide a lightweight texture that is ideal for sticky situations, such as workouts or mask wearing. Stains are available in a variety of shades and provide an all-day wear look that doesn’t budge. Similarly, lip ink is becoming popular, offering semi-permanent lip color that will last all day and is 100 percent smear-proof and water proof. 

Classic Nudes

Although the vinyl and stain formulas are huge in 2023, more classic mattes and clear nude glosses are still popular as well. 

The biggest trend for 2023 is what works for you—bright, shiny, bold and classic. We’re all smiles now!