girl with pink eyeshadow and nude lipstick
Photo by Vince Mariel Conlu on Unsplash

How to Choose a Nude Lipstick

Nude lipsticks are a must-have item in every woman’s makeup arsenal, as they provide the finishing touch to a minimal look or provide subtle dimension to an eye-catching smoky eye. But with so many shades and finishes to choose from, finding the right one can be daunting.

Prior to anything else, it’s essential to determine your natural lip color and whether or not you have a warm or cool undertone. Skins with cooler undertones tend to be lighter and olive in hue, while those with warmer undertones usually fall somewhere between medium or dark in hue.

Knowing your lips’ undertone can help you decide which nude lipstick shade best fits you. If your natural lip color leans toward pinkish-red, choose a nude with more blue undertones like berry rose or rosy beige.

nude lipstickon the table
Photo by Jakub Chlouba on Unsplash

If your natural lip color is peach or orange, try opting for a deeper nude to add some depth and contrast against your complexion. You could also pair this deeper nude with a sheer gloss in another pinky shade to complete the look.

Keep your nude lipstick looking vibrant by applying it over lip liner. For a more intense effect, choose a lip liner that’s one to two shades darker than your lipstick shade.

When applying lipstick, be sure to blend it smoothly from center of your lips outward. Doing so will prevent your pout from looking too flat or slick. You may want to use a lip brush and swipe across your lips as you apply the color for even better blending.

Nude lipstick with warm undertones such as caramel, beige and orange can complement those with medium or olive skin tones by amplifying their natural yellow undertones. Avoid colors that are too brown; these will wash out any gold highlights you may have.

Darker skin tones look particularly stunning in deep burgundies, reds and plums. If you’re not into the whole berry-rose trend, try a dark brown or chocolate hue with some red or blue undertones for a more organic, warm aesthetic.

Finding the ideal nude lipstick can be tricky, but with these three easy steps you’ll be well on your way to finding a flattering shade that makes you look fresh and gorgeous!

hands with veins on the sand
Photo by Lazar Gugleta on Unsplash

Step #1: Pick Your Ideal Lipstick Color

When it comes to nude lipsticks, the undertone of your skin is just as important as the color itself. To check, rub some paper against your arm that matches the hue of your veins for a hint of your undertone.

If you’re uncertain of your undertones, don’t be afraid to visit a reliable cosmetic store and have it tested by an experienced makeup artist. Many stores even provide samples of lip colors before purchase for added convenience.

Once you’ve selected the shade that looks best on your skin, it’s time to find the ideal texture. From creamy balms with hyaluronic acid to liquid lip glosses, there are various finishes that can affect how your lip color appears once applied to your lips.