4 Advice to Choose a Nude Lipstick

4 minutes read

Forever in search of the best nude lipstick? You’re not alone! Everyone has a different version of ‘nude’ depending on their skin tone, ranging from a pale taupe to a dark, rich brown. But according to the experts, the general rule to keep in mind when selecting your ‘perfect’ nude is to opt for a hue one shade above the natural colour of your lip, with an undertone that best suits your skin. Sound far more complex than you thought? We’ve got a guide that will tell you everything you need to know.  

What is Nude Lipstick?

 

The concept of nude lipstick is a shade that matches or resembles or is close to, your natural lip colour. Nude lipsticks generally act as a product that will give a finishing touch to your make-up instead of creating a statement look. Nude lipstick and lipliner can make your pout appear plumper, defined and chicer. 

How to Choose a Nude Lipstick

 

To find your perfect nude, try and opt for a lip colour that matches the outer edge of your lips, which will often appear darker. It’s essential to choose a shade that matches the tone of your natural lips, too – for example, if your lips naturally have a rosy tone, try a more pinkish-nude or a darker, flatter brown shade if your lips are naturally more brown. 

Your nude lipstick can have a matte, satin, creamy or glossy finish – choose a texture that you love. But if you have dry lips, make sure to exfoliate your lips first to ensure a smooth, even application. Similarly, if you have fine lines above the lip, a blurring lip primer like the Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm, £33, will help.

Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin

 

 

A warmer brown will work wonders for caramel-toned complexions, while deeper skin tones will want a darker, richer hue.  

Look for yummy shades of caramel, toffee, cappuccino or chocolate, along with orangey-based hues of terracotta.  

Nude Lipstick Shades

              

 

Nude lipsticks generally have a pink or brown element to them. If your complexion is fairer, choose lipstick with a warm, rosy tinge. This will ensure that your complexion is subtly warmed up. For medium skin tones, try something a little peachier. When it comes to olive skin, a combination of peach and pink works a treat. If your skin tone is deeper, try a darker brown that will amplify your pout perfectly. 

Nude Pink Lipstick

 

 

Is it a pinky hue for you? Then, take your pick from these perfectly rose-toned shades.  

Clarins Joli Rouge Refill in Soft Berry, £19

Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick in Pout, £34 

Sisley Le Phyto Red No.20 in Rose Portofino, £42 

Nude Peach Lipstick 

 

Thought peachy-toned nudes were hard to find? Think again! These are the perfect shades for anyone with a medium skin tone. 

Huda Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Sweet Nude in Buttercup, £23

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Mischief Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Kitten Mischief, £26 

Nude Brown Lipstick

 

 

Caramel complexions work best with a neutral brown hue. These are our top picks: 

Patrick Ta Monochrome Moment Precision Lip Crayon in She’s Bold, £22 

Suqqu Sheer Matte Lipstick in 07 Koikurumi, £33 

Glossier Ultralip in Walnut Brown, £14 

Nude Deep Brown Lipstick

 

For dark skin, try these beautifully rich shades.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Unveil, £22 

Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Concentrated Matte Lipstick in Tracy, £21.50 

Beauty Pie The Unlipstick in Sheer Mocha, £32 

Nude Lipstick Sets

 

 

Pairing a nude lipliner with lipstick can make for the perfect combination when you want to accentuate your pout, even out your lip area or make them look slightly bigger or smaller. Here are some of the best ones to go for. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Fuller Looking and Sculpted Lip Duo Kit in Toffee Matte, £30 

Vieve Brat Lip Kit, £35 

Illamasqua Brazen Lip Kit, £35

Nude Lip Liners

No lip look is complete without a liner to exaggerate and perfect your natural lip shape. Here are the best universal nude lip liner shades:

Refy Lip Sculpt in Fawn, £18

Clarins Lip Definer in Nude Beige, £19

Too Faced Lady Bold Demi-Matte Long-Wear Lip Liner in Badass, £20

FAQ

 

Do nude lipsticks suit everyone? 

The whole idea of nude lipstick is that it should look natural and perfectly compliment your complexion. Whether your skin is fair or dark, you should be able to find a nude lipstick to suit you.

How do I choose the best nude lipstick? 

This all depends on your personal preferences. If you like sporting a barely-there look, a nude tone that perfectly compliments your skin tone is best. However, there are no rules – and if you want to sport a deeper or paler nude, go for it!

What is the most natural-looking lip colour? 

There are a number of different techniques you can use if you’re still not sure how to find your perfect nude. A quick tip is to always go for a shade that is no darker than two shades below your natural skin tone. But, if all else fails, you can also try and match your lip shade to the natural colour of your nipple. It’s fail-safe, we promise.

Next Read: How To Pick The Perfect Red Lipstick For My Skin Tone

Finding a nude lipstick for your skin tone can be a daunting task. For the days when you want to sport the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look, a nude lipstick the compliments your particular skin tone is essential. Once you find ‘the one’, we can assure you it will earn a place of prestige in your beauty kit. Here is how you can find your perfect shade.

 

Tip # 1

Go for a colour that is slightly darker and warmer than your natural skin tone. This also means do not apply foundation when you go to buy a nude lipstick. This will make the process of finding the right shade much easier for you. A slightly darker shade of lipstick will help you get an even tone and maintain the balance between the neutral shades of your skin and lipstick.

 

Tip # 2

When you want a break from the pinks and reds, it helps to have the perfect nude shade to turn to. Nude lipsticks are perfect for a laid back, casual look.

 

Tip # 3

If you have very light skin then your lips might be naturally pink. In this case, go for a shade of brighter nude lipstick that slightly contrasts your complexion. Add some glossy shine to your lipstick with a lip gloss over this nude shade.

 

Tip # 4

If you are looking for a nude lipstick that is practically invisible when applied you should find a shade that matches your skin tone or your lip colour. Or you could go for a peachy colour that compliments Indian skin tones perfectly. This is a great option for people having neutral or warm undertones.

 

Tip # 5

Choosing a nude lipstick completely depends on your skin tone. People with very fair skin tones should go for lighter shades of nude. People having neutral or slightly darker complexions should go for peach-based nude tones. People having dark or brown skin complexion should opt for brown shades of nude lipsticks.