The elusive “nude” lipstick – a shade that enhances your skin tone without overwhelming it. But what works for one person can leave another looking washed out. The key lies in understanding your skin tone and undertone. Finding the right nude lip shades as per your skin tone is a struggle sometimes and we usually end up buying the wrong shade. A lot of times we get attracted by the recommendations of international influencers and celebrities which ends up as a makeup blunder. If you found your perfect flattering nude lip shade for your undertone you have won half of your battle.

In this read, Beautyspade has provided you with a detailed guide to help you choose the best nude lipsticks for fair, medium, and deep skin tones, ensuring your lips achieve the “my lips but better” look.

Let’s discuss Undertone:

Before diving into specific shades, let’s address undertones. Undertones refer to the subtle color cast beneath your skin’s surface. There are three main categories:

• Cool: Veins appear bluish or purple, and skin burns easily in the sun. Think pink, rosy, or red undertones.
• Warm: Veins appear greenish, and tans easily. Look for golden, yellow, or peachy undertones.
• Neutral: A mix of cool and warm, with veins appearing bluish-green.

Now after you know your undertone, you can move further to know shades as per your skin tones…

Fair Skin Tones:

Fair skin tones come alive with nude lipsticks that complement their delicate features. Here’s how undertones play a role:

• Cool Undertones: Soft pinks and mauves with a hint of lavender or rose flatter cool complexions. These shades add a touch of color without washing you out. Think “dusty rose” or “pink beige.” Avoid nudes with strong brown undertones, as they can appear too harsh.
• Warm Undertones: Warm peaches and light beiges with a touch of gold or apricot bring out the natural warmth in your skin. These nudes create a healthy, sun-kissed look. “Nude peach” and “light coral” are excellent options. Steer clear of cool-toned pinks, which might make your skin look ruddy.

For a fuller, more defined look, use a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade. Line just outside your natural lip line for a subtle plumping effect. Apply a touch of highlighter to your cupid’s bow (the dip in the center of your upper lip) to make your lips appear fuller and more defined.

Beautyspade recommends:

Nykaa MATTE-ilicious Crayon Lipstick Lacy Luck – 10, Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color – Blush Velvet, Essence Longlasting Lipstick Nude – 04 Its Nude Time!, Faces Ultime Pro Longwear Matte Lipstick – Ultime-Lust-On, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimattes Lipstick ‘More Buff’.

• For Cool Undertones: Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in ‘Fighter’, Lakmé Absolute Sheer Lip Mousse in ‘Nude Sensation’, MAC Satin Lipstick in “Whirl,” Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick, Too faced lipstick in ‘My type’, Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Shine Lipstick in ‘Peachy Vibe’.
• For Warm Undertones: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte lipstick in “Breakfast in Bed”, NARS Power Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Walk This Way,” Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in ‘Uncuffed’, Too Faced Melted Matte Nude Lipstick ‘Sell Out’.

Medium Skin Tones:

Medium skin tones have the most versatility when it comes to nude lipsticks. Here’s how to find your perfect match:

• Light-Medium with Cool Undertones: Dusty rose nudes with a hint of mauve or lavender complement your cool undertones beautifully. “Rosewood” or “pink mauve” are excellent choices.
• Light-Medium with Warm Undertones: Soft peachy nudes with a hint of coral or gold enhance your natural warmth. “Nude rose” or “warm beige” are flattering options.
• Medium with Cool Undertones: Mauves and berry nudes with a hint of brown add a touch of sophistication. “Mauve taupe” or “dusty plum” are sophisticated choices.
• Medium with Warm Undertones: Caramel and terracotta nudes with a touch of orange or red bring out the golden hues in your skin. “Bronzed rose” or “terracotta beige” are stunning options.

Medium skin tones can rock a variety of lipstick finishes, from creamy to matte. Creamy formulas offer a more natural look, while matte lipsticks provide long-lasting wear. Experiment to find your preference. For a touch of dimension, add a clear lip gloss to the center of your lips after applying your nude lipstick.

Beautyspade recommends:

Maybelline New York Color Sensational Powder Matte Lipstick – Make Me Blush, Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Feelin’ Pretty – 19, Coloressence Mesmerising Lip Color – Nectar, Blue Heaven Non-Transfer Lip Color – Nude Lips 05, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in ‘Pink in the Afternoon’, MAC Satin Lipstick in ‘Velvet Teddy’, Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in ‘506’, Lakmé Absolute Skin Dew Satin Lipstick in ‘Pink Wine’, Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ‘Makin’ Moves’, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimattes Lipstick ‘More Taupe’.

Deep Skin Tones:

Deep skin tones have a stunning richness that allows for a wider range of nude shades. Here’s how to find your perfect match:

• Rich Undertones: Deep chocolates, plums, and berries with warm red or brown undertones complement your rich complexion beautifully. “Chocolate mauve” or “berry brown” are stunning choices. Avoid overly light or cool-toned nudes, which can make your lips disappear.
• True Undertones: Neutral nude shades with a hint of brown or red flatter your natural skin tone. “Deep rose” or “caramel beige” are excellent options.

A lip liner is essential for creating a polished look with bold nudes. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick shade or is slightly darker for added definition. Darker skin tones should look like rich, chocolatey liners as the base of any nude lip. MAC liner in shade Chestnut or Pat McGrath’s creamy-gel formula in shade Deep Dive is perfect. Don’t shy away from bolder nudes! Deep skin tones can rock deeper shades without appearing overwhelming.

Beautyspade recommends:

Nykaa So Matte Lipstick – Hot Shot Espresso 19 M, Blue Heaven Xpression Lipstick – Cb 042 Scorchy Bronze, Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Lip Color – Buttery Caramel, NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick ‘Honeymoon’, Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ‘Finesse’, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimattes Lipstick ‘More Rust’.

To conclude, Finding the perfect nude shades of lipstick for your skin tone is just the beginning. Here are some additional tips to personalize your look. Consider the occasion and your desired effect. Creamy finishes offer a natural look, while matte finishes provide long-lasting wear. Liquid lipsticks offer a bolder statement, while glosses add shine and dimension. Don’t be afraid to experiment! For a more customized nude, try layering a lip liner with a different shade of lipstick. Nude lipsticks aren’t just for a natural look. Pair a bold nude lipstick with a dramatic eye look for a show-stopping statement.

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