Summer should be laid-back and easy, right?  That should include makeup and hair styling short-cuts, which means more time to relax and enjoy life and less time fussing in front of the mirror.  I actually like my own lip color and have never been one of those women who will not let anyone ever see them without a full-on lipstick, perfectly placed even without a mirror, the result of many years of applying it on the fly.  I also don’t like glosses that won’t stay in place and end up on my face in areas other than right on my lips, or catch my hair and leaving a shiny streak on my cheek.

No one should look like they are trying too hard in summer, so I am using thick, sheer lip pencil sticks that are neither sticky, overly pigmented, or colorful.  These two shades are both quite close to my own lip color and go on easily and without the need of a lip liner.  They are one step up from a lip balm but with slightly more color which fits perfectly with just about anything you want to wear all summer long, either to work or play, and adds just enough polish.

Bonus: natural plum shades show off a complexion that needs only a BB or CC cream and a swipe of mascara to finish off a perfectly fresh summer look.

My choices:

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien at Sephora

Clinique Chubby Stick in 14 Curvy Candy at Sephora