Think Pink: How to Achieve Summer's Amped Up Pink Lips

A swipe of pink lipstick is the ultimate feminine accessory. This season, however, we’ve seen less of the standard baby pink and more vivid hues–from a Malibu Barbie hot pink to bold purple- and red-tinged shades—that manage to break all kinds of long-held style and beauty rules.

For the New York premiere of Edge of Tomorrow, Emily Blunt’s makeup artist Jenn Streicher went for contrast by applying a bubblegum pink shade (NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Villa Lante, $25; narscosmetics.com). “It was a bit of a risk considering the orange-red Prada dress she was wearing and the fact that we didn't have a lot of time (it was the third premiere in 24 hours)," she says. "But I'm not always into matchy-matchy lip colors, especially with a red dress and I just thought a bright pink lip would really pop without stealing the show.”

On the other hand, Emmy Rossum utilized her bold pout to amp up her simple Stella McCartney dress. As makeup artist Beau Nelson says, “we decided that a bright lip (NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage, $26; narscosmetics.com) would be a nice punch of color for a beautiful spring day." Although there are no rules for this look, both artists added a stain-like finish, and reapplied color after blotting the first coat, ensuring staying power and an ultra bold color.

Both Demi Lovato and Lupita Nyong’o are among the most experimental of celebrities when it comes to employing color in their beauty looks. Although Lovato combined the two of the girliest colors, the singer retained her rocker edge by using them in alternative ways, with a bright matte lip and lavender ombre ends.

Solange Knowles and Jamie Chung paired their pink pouts with relatively low-key looks that included a wispy ponytail and light eye makeup, which allowed the focus to go to the lips.

Watch the video: InStyle Beauty Director Kahlana Barfield gives her tips on achieving the perfect pink lip.

Plus, get the best polish and sandal combos for summer.