Nude lipsticks are a staple in every makeup collection, offering a sophisticated and effortless look for any occasion. However, finding the perfect nude lipstick can be a challenge. The wrong shade can make your lips look washed out, while the right one enhances your natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best nude lipstick for your skin tone and provide top recommendations.

Understanding Your Skin Tone and Undertone

Before selecting a nude lipstick, it’s essential to determine both your skin tone and undertone.

1. Identifying Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone refers to the surface color of your skin, which generally falls into one of the following categories:

• Fair: Very light skin that burns easily.
• Light: Light skin that sometimes burns and sometimes tans.
• Medium: A balanced skin tone that tans more than it burns.
• Olive: A greenish or golden undertone often found in Mediterranean and some Asian skin tones.
• Deep: Rich, dark skin tones that rarely burn.

2. Identifying Your Undertone

Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin, categorized as:

• Cool: Pink, blue, or red undertones. Veins on your wrist appear bluish.
• Warm: Yellow, golden, or peachy undertones. Veins appear greenish.
• Neutral: A mix of both cool and warm tones. Veins may look bluish-green.

Related post: The best nude lipsticks for every skin tone.

How to Choose the Best Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Once you’ve determined your skin tone and undertone, selecting the perfect nude lipstick becomes easier.

Best Nude Lipsticks for Fair Skin Tones

Fair skin tones look best with soft pinks, light beiges, and peachy nudes that add warmth without overpowering the complexion. Avoid shades that are too brown or dark, as they may look harsh.

Recommendations:

• Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in ‘Lead the Way – A soft mauve nude that complements fair skin beautifully.
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in ‘Stockholm’ – A peachy-beige nude that enhances fair complexions.
• MAC Matte Lipstick in ‘Honeylove’ – A light beige tone with a hint of rose for a natural look.

Best Nude Lipsticks for Light Skin Tones

Light skin tones pair well with pinkish-nudes, beige nudes, and peachy-brown hues that add warmth without looking too pale. Avoid extremely light nudes that can make the lips disappear.

Recommendations:

• L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in ‘Fairest Nude’ – A soft, neutral beige that flatters light skin.
• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in ‘Pillow Talk’ – A classic pinky-nude perfect for everyday wear.
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in ‘Nude Attitude’ – A lightweight, warm beige with a creamy finish.

Best Nude Lipsticks for Medium Skin Tones

Medium skin tones can pull off a wider range of nudes, from warm caramel shades to rich rosy nudes. Avoid nudes that are too light, as they may look chalky.

Recommendations:

• Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in ‘Fenty Glow’ – A universal rose-nude gloss that enhances medium skin tones.
• Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in ‘Interview’ – A warm peachy-nude for a natural look.
• Milani Color Statement Lipstick in ‘Teddy Bare’ – A warm brown-nude with a creamy finish.

Best Nude Lipsticks for Olive Skin Tones

Olive skin tones tend to have green or golden undertones, so warm brown, caramel, and terracotta-based nudes work best. Avoid overly pink nudes, as they can clash with olive skin.

Recommendations:

• MAC Satin Lipstick in ‘Mocha’ – A warm peachy-brown that flatters olive skin.
• NYX Lip Lingerie in ‘Cabaret Show’ – A muted rose-brown nude with a velvety finish.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in ‘Stripped’ – A perfect warm beige nude.

Best Nude Lipsticks for Deep Skin Tones

Deep skin tones look best with rich chocolate, cinnamon, or berry-toned nudes. Avoid nudes that are too pale, as they may appear ashy.

Recommendations:

• Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in ‘Unveil’ – A stunning warm brown nude.
• Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in ‘Flesh 3’ – A deep rose-brown that complements deep skin beautifully.
• Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in ‘Mocha Inventor’ – A rich chocolatey-nude perfect for deeper skin tones.

Additional Tips for Choosing Nude Lipsticks

• Test Under Natural Light: Always check lipstick shades in natural light to see how they truly look against your skin.
• Use a Lip Liner: A slightly darker lip liner helps define your lips and adds dimension to nude lipsticks.
• Consider Your Finish: Matte lipsticks give a bold, chic look, while satin and gloss finishes create a softer effect.
• Hydrate Your Lips: Nude lipsticks, especially mattes, can emphasize dryness, so prep your lips with a hydrating balm.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect nude lipstick is all about understanding your skin tone and undertone. By choosing shades that enhance your natural lip color, you can achieve a flawless, effortless nude lip look. Whether you prefer a matte finish or a glossy shine, there’s a nude lipstick out there for you.