Summer Trend Orange Lips

Yes, it's tricky to pull off. But get it right and the orange lip is a winning summer look. From the shades to wear to the must-do make up tweaks, we've sourced the need-to-know info, to ensure you get a perfectly chic result.

Gorgeous with a tan, striking against a pale complexion, the blood orange lip is fast becoming the chic-est lip look around – as demonstrated at this season's Prada and Paul Smith shows. Here's how to work it.

ONE: Find your skin-flattering shade

There's a full spectrum of orange shades to choose from this summer – from fluoro brights to soft peaches and glamorous blood oranges. The key is to work with your skin tone. "Softer skin tones suit softer make up shades," says make up artist Ciona Johnson-King, who works with Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella McCartney. "If you've got a very dark skin tone, you can take much stronger orange lip colours; punchy colours look amazing on dark skin tones. But if you're fairer or a redhead, go for a softer orangey lip shade," she says. Most flattering of all? This season's glamorous blood-red toned oranges and geranium shades, which have a contemporary, old school glamour feel. "We've seen the red-orange lip on the red carpet recently; it's the most flattering look," says Ciona. To work the look, make 'clean and understated' your make up mantra: flawless skin, groomed brows and minimal eyes.

TWO: Re-jig your make up colours

Orange-toned lips demand a make up rethink. "You have to be careful and keep your other make up neutral," warns Ciona. This season's prettiest looks played a bold orange lip against a seemingly pared down face, so forgo bold blush and opt for brown tones which complement the orange colour family, instead. For cheeks, "Look for browny or bronzy-toned blushers, says Ciona. While for eyes, "keep them bare or choose chocolates and beiges, which work with orange," says Ciona.

THREE: Go sheer to ease yourself in

"A nice sheer tint is the safest way to tread into this trend and is much easier to use," says Ciona. Tints and balms look fresh and summery and give a nod to the catwalk without appearing too bold – create your own tint by patting on your lip colour with fingers for a gentle hint of colour. And if you've already bought that orange lipstick but get cold feet? "If you suddenly get colour shy, you can tone it down by mixing it with a brown-toned lipstick," says Ciona.

Get The Look

Soft Orange/Coral Lipsticks: YSL Fard a Levres Rouge Pur in Silky Apricot Barry M Lip Paint in Coral
Bold and Beautiful: Ruby & Millie Lip Colour in Orange 350 Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick in Marigold Clarins Joli Rouge Long-Wearing Lipstick in Orange Fizz
Geranium and Orange Reds: 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in Hot Chilli Diorific Lipstick in Can Can Orange Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in 104 Orange Fashionista No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium

Read more like this:
A-Z Summer Beauty: Part One
A-Z Summer Beauty: Part Two