If you’ve not added a nude lipstick to your make-up kit yet, you could be missing a trick. It’s the ultimate beauty bag staple that can easily be dressed up or down. Still searching for your perfect nude hue? We’ve got you…
Can nude lipstick suit all skin tones?
The great thing about nude lipstick is that there are so many different options out there, from blush nude pink shades to gorgeous cocoa hues. That means, with a bit of know-how, you’re sure to find one that suits your skin tone.
How do I choose the right shade of nude lipstick?
First things first, let’s talk tones. The key formula to finding your perfect nude shade is to choose a nude lipstick with undertones that suit your skin tone. Here’s how it works…
For neutral, warm and red skin tones, choose a nude lipstick with beige undertones. Nude lipsticks with pink undertones will suit warm and yellow skin tones, while cocoa nudes compliment black skin or deep complexions. Lipsticks with neutral beige or pink undertones will suit any skin tone.
Another good rule of thumb is to choose a nude lip shade that’s one or two shades darker or lighter than your natural lip colour for a ‘your lips but better’ look.
What are the different nude lipstick finishes?
One of the best things about accentuating your lips with a nude shade is that you can play around and dial your look up or down depending on your mood. Let it never be said that a nude lip can’t make a statement!
Just like other lip colours, you can find nude lip shades in just about any finish imaginable. Keep it low-key with a slick of nude balm for a barely-there look, add a shot of shine with a nude lip gloss or layer it over your fave nude lipstick for real pout power. Alternatively, you can dial up the drama with a matte lippy in a nude hue.
If you’re not sure which finish would work for you, check out our article on the different types of lipstick.
Nude lipsticks you need to know about
Here’s our pick of the nude lip products worth pouting about…
Best matte nude lipstick
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
• Size: 5ml
• Up to 12 hours of wear
Thought a nude lip needed to be low-key? Think again. Level up your lip look with these matte-finish pigments that really go the distance. Choose shade Loyalist for a flesh pink hue that’s perfect for deeper skin tones, or Poet for a perfect rosy pink nude that suits paler skin tones.
Best hydrating nude lipstick
Dior Addict Lip Glow
• 6 subtle shades
Infused with shea butter and cherry oil to hydrate and smooth, it’s no wonder this balm’s one of the industry’s worst-kept beauty secrets. Think a barely-there hint of covetable colour that enhances and revives your natural lip shade.
Best nude lip gloss
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
• Size: 8ml
• 34 super glossy shades
This gorgeous gloss is perfect for wearing alone to add a subtle kiss of colour and shine or layering over your favourite nude lipstick. And with so many shades to choose from, there’s something to suit all skin tones.
Tips for flawless nude lipstick application
Now you’ve chosen your perfect shade, it’s time to make sure your look goes the distance.
If you’re choosing a matte finish lipstick, you might want to apply a lip primer or a small amount of balm first, to help lock in moisture and prevent any dryness or flaking.
Next, define your lips with a nude lip liner. Pick one that’s a shade lighter than your chosen lipstick shade to add depth, as well as preventing any bleeding or feathering.
Alternatively, you can lock in your look with a lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick – buying from the same brand can make this super simple as you just need to match up the shade names.
If you’re layering your look, swipe on a slick of lipstick, blot and then finish with the all-important gloss. Or simply go straight in with the gloss and you’re good to go!
Now you’ve read our guide to the best nude lipsticks, you’re all set to go out there and let your lips do the talking. Mwah!
