A soft pink lip for spring? That’s about as groundbreaking as florals. But for those days when you’re not feeling a statement shade, a girl’s gotta have a fuss-free, swipe-on-and-go lippie on hand. So, allow us to make the case for why mauve should be your go-to neutral hue this season.
Reason 1: It’s nude, but not too nude. We all know a nude lip is the de facto complement to a smoky eye, but oftentimes—and especially for fair-skinned ladies—nude hues can wash out your complexion to the point of veering a tad Corpse Bride. Thanks to its lilac-leaning undertones, mauve successfully sidesteps the dreaded ashy lips territory.
Reason 2: It’s sophisticated with a side of sass. Pink can be too precious; beige can be too blah. Mauve strikes the perfect balance of chic and cool.
Reason 3: It’s unexpected. How many people would hear “neutral” and think “pale purple”? Exactly.
Click through for our favorite mauve lip shades, broken down by formula for your convenience. From a lush crème to a silky gloss, your springtime go-to hue awaits.
Must-Have Mauve Shades
Cream
Matte
Stain
Gloss
