Understanding Skin Undertones
Before we dive into the best nude lipstick shades for every skin tone, it's important to understand the concept of skin undertones. Skin undertones are the underlying hues that can be seen beneath the top layer of skin. There are three main undertones: cool, warm, and neutral.
Cool undertones have a pink, red, or blue tint to the skin. If you have cool undertones, your veins will appear blue or purple, and you may burn easily in the sun. On the other hand, warm undertones have a yellow, peach, or golden tint to the skin. If you have warm undertones, your veins will appear green, and you may tan easily in the sun. Lastly, neutral undertones have a mix of both cool and warm undertones, and the veins on your wrist may appear blue-green.
Knowing your undertone is crucial when selecting the perfect nude lipstick shade. If you have warm undertones, you'll want to opt for a nude shade with warm, peachy undertones. If you have cool undertones, look for a nude with pink or mauve undertones. If you have neutral undertones, you can rock both warm and cool-toned nudes.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Nude Lipstick Shade
Choosing the right nude lipstick shade can make all the difference in your makeup look. Not only can it enhance your natural beauty, but it can also help to create symmetry and balance in your face. A well-chosen nude lipstick can also make your lips appear fuller and more defined, giving you that perfect pout.
When selecting a nude lipstick shade, it's important to take into consideration your skin tone, as well as your lip color. If you have darker lips, you may want to opt for a more pigmented nude shade to avoid your natural lip color showing through. Alternatively, if you have lighter lips, you can go for a sheer or more subtle nude shade.
Top 5 Neutral Lipstick Shades for Fair Skin Tones
If you have fair skin, you'll want to opt for a nude shade that's not too overpowering. Lighter, more subtle shades are perfect for fair skin tones, as they won't wash you out. Here are our top 5 picks for neutral lipstick shades for fair skin tones:
1. MAC Lipstick in "Honeylove" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for fair skin tones with warm undertones. It has a matte finish and is highly pigmented, so it will last all day.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Pillow Talk" - This cult-favorite lipstick is a gorgeous pinky-nude shade that flatters fair skin tones with cool undertones. It's creamy and hydrating, making it perfect for everyday wear.
3. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Bahama" - This warm, rosy-brown nude shade is perfect for fair skin tones with neutral undertones. It has a velvety matte finish and is easy to apply.
4. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in "Driver" - This warm, peachy nude shade is perfect for fair skin tones with warm undertones. It's long-lasting and won't budge, making it perfect for all-day wear.
5. Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color in "Uber Beige" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for fair skin tones with warm undertones. It's creamy, hydrating, and has a luxurious satin finish.
Top 5 Neutral Lipstick Shades for Light Skin Tones
If you have light skin, you'll want to opt for a nude shade that's a bit more pigmented than those for fair skin tones. Lighter shades may wash you out, so opt for something with a bit more depth. Here are our top 5 picks for neutral lipstick shades for light skin tones:
1. Dior Addict Lipstick in "Beige Casual" - This cool-toned nude shade is perfect for light skin tones with cool undertones. It has a glossy finish and is hydrating on the lips.
2. NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Stockholm" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for light skin tones with warm undertones. It has a velvety matte finish and lasts for hours.
3. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in "Joyride" - This warm, peachy nude shade is perfect for light skin tones with warm undertones. It has a creamy, matte finish and is highly pigmented.
4. Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in "Christy" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for light skin tones with neutral undertones. It has a velvety matte finish and is long-lasting.
5. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Sandstorm" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for light skin tones with warm undertones. It's creamy, hydrating, and has a satin finish.
Top 5 Neutral Lipstick Shades for Medium Skin Tones
If you have medium skin, you'll want to opt for a nude shade that's a bit richer in color. Medium skin tones can handle shades with a bit more depth and warmth. Here are our top 5 picks for neutral lipstick shades for medium skin tones:
1. Tom Ford Lip Color Matte in "First Time" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for medium skin tones with warm undertones. It has a matte finish and is highly pigmented.
2. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in "Unbutton" - This cool-toned nude shade is perfect for medium skin tones with cool undertones. It has a soft matte finish and is long-lasting.
3. Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in "Penelope Pink" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for medium skin tones with neutral undertones. It's creamy and hydrating, with a satin finish.
4. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in "Interview" - This cool-toned nude shade is perfect for medium skin tones with cool undertones. It's highly pigmented and has a matte finish.
5. MAC Lipstick in "Velvet Teddy" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for medium skin tones with warm undertones. It's creamy, highly pigmented, and has a matte finish.
Top 5 Neutral Lipstick Shades for Tan Skin Tones
If you have tan skin, you'll want to opt for a nude shade with a bit more warmth and depth. Tan skin tones can handle richer, bolder shades without looking too overpowering. Here are our top 5 picks for neutral lipstick shades for tan skin tones:
1. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in "Promotion Day" - This warm, cinnamon-brown nude shade is perfect for tan skin tones with warm undertones. It's highly pigmented and has a matte finish.
2. NARS Audacious Lipstick in "Barbara" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for tan skin tones with neutral undertones. It's creamy, hydrating, and has a satin finish.
3. MAC Lipstick in "Velvet Teddy" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for tan skin tones with warm undertones. It's creamy, highly pigmented, and has a matte finish.
4. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Very Victoria" - This cool-toned nude shade is perfect for tan skin tones with cool undertones. It's creamy and hydrating, with a matte finish.
5. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in "Unbutton" - This cool-toned nude shade is perfect for tan skin tones with cool undertones. It has a soft matte finish and is long-lasting.
Top 5 Neutral Lipstick Shades for Deep Skin Tones
If you have deep skin, you'll want to opt for a nude shade with a bit more richness and depth. Deep skin tones can handle bold, statement-making shades without looking too overpowering. Here are our top 5 picks for neutral lipstick shades for deep skin tones:
1. MAC Lipstick in "Whirl" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for deep skin tones with warm undertones. It's highly pigmented and has a matte finish.
2. Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in "Femmebot" - This warm-toned nude shade is perfect for deep skin tones with warm undertones. It has a velvety matte finish and is long-lasting.
3. NARS Audacious Lipstick in "Raquel" - This warm, pinky-beige nude shade is perfect for deep skin tones with neutral undertones. It's creamy, hydrating, and has a satin finish.
4. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in "Staycation" - This cool-toned nude shade is perfect for deep skin tones with cool undertones. It's highly pigmented and has a matte finish.
5. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in "Driver" - This warm, peachy nude shade is perfect for deep skin tones with warm undertones. It's long-lasting and won't budge, making it perfect for all-day wear.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Nude Lipstick Shade
1. Consider your skin undertones and lip color when selecting a nude shade.
2. Test the shade on your lips before purchasing to ensure it complements your skin tone.
3. Don't be afraid to try different shades and finishes to find your perfect nude.
4. Use a lip liner in a similar shade to your lipstick to create a more defined lip shape.
5. Experiment with different makeup looks to complement your nude lipstick shade.