How To Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

A wear-anywhere nude lipstick is one of the few products we’d argue that every beauty enthusiast should have in their makeup bag. A nude lip is incredibly versatile—it pairs as well with a natural daytime look as it does with a sultry smokey eye. But finding the best nude lipstick for your skin can feel tricky, especially when there are so many similar-looking shades to choose from. We’re here to help. Ahead, we’ll share a look at some of our favorite neutral lipstick colors for every skin tone and explain what to look for (and avoid) when shopping for nude lipstick.

Nude Lipstick for Fair Skin Tones

Finding a natural-looking nude lipstick for light skin can be challenging, as shades that lean more beige or taupe can easily wash you out. Instead, try to look for a lipstick that matches your natural lip color (which is usually more pinkish). 

Best colors

Lipsticks with soft pinkish undertones are typically the best nude lipsticks for fair skin. These shades will look natural but won't wash you out the way lighter brown and beige shades might. Soft coral, pinky-beige, and rose are all great options that beautifully flatter fair skin. For a classic lip look, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Worth It, a soft, pinkish-nude lipstick with a flattering satiny finish. If you’re looking for a nude matte lipstick to add to your collection, this flattering hue can also be found in the L’Oréal Paris Intense Volume Matte Lipstick and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick collections.

Colors to avoid 

If you’re looking for a natural-looking nude lipstick for pale skin, steer clear of anything too dark—ideally, your lipstick should closely match your natural lip color. A darker pink hue can be flattering, but it won’t read as “nude.” Similarly, it’s generally best to steer clear of nude lipsticks that have prominent yellow undertones, as these hues can wash you out. That’s not to say you can’t rock warmer shades—just that you need to be choosy when you do. We’re big fans of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Unstoppable for a warmer nude lip look.

Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin Tones 

When looking for the best nude lipstick for medium skin, you have plenty of options—soft pinks, beiges, and toffee tones can all work well on you. The key is to select a lipstick that’s a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone—anything lighter won’t provide the effect you’re looking for.

Best colors

Dusty rose hues are among the most flattering (and natural-looking) nude lipsticks for medium skin, as they tend to mirror the lips’ natural color. For a satiny, healthy-looking finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Worth It Medium—the mid-toned rose hue is a perfect pick for medium skin. Like the original Worth It, it’s also available as a matte cream lipstick and as a matte liquid lipstick, so you can choose your favorite formula. Deeper corals, warm browns, and sandy beiges can also be great shades to consider.

Colors to avoid

As a general rule, it’s best to avoid wearing a nude lipstick color that’s too similar to your skin tone, as you don’t want your nude lips to completely blend in with your skin. One great idea to make your lips pop within the nude range is to apply a semi-sheer lip gloss or oil for a subtle wash of color. The L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in La Nuit Sparkle is an excellent option. It looks dark brown in the tube but sheers out on the lips to an ultra-flattering warm raisin hue. Plus, the hyaluronic acid-infused formula provides up to 24 hours of hydration without a sticky or tacky feel.

Nude Lipstick for Olive Skin Tones 

Olive skin is unique because it can be fair, medium, or deep in tone—it always, however, has a subtle greenish or gold cast. Those with this skin tone have plenty of options for nude lipsticks, from soft peachy hues to bolder almond tones. Again, you’ll get the most flattering results if you pick a color a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone.

Best colors

If you want to accentuate your skin and score a natural lip look, we suggest trying a caramel or golden beige tone. These warmer hues will help balance out the green in your skin instead of washing you out the way a cool pink or taupe might. If you tend to favor a matte lip, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Liquid Lipstick in Le Nude Defiant or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Snooze Your Alarm. For those who prefer a satiny finish, we’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick in Nu Irreverent.

Colors to avoid

The main rule of thumb for olive skin is to avoid any lipstick that’s too cool or light—you don’t want to look like you’re wearing concealer on your lips instead of nude lipstick. If you’re having trouble nailing down a shade that looks natural on your skin, try a tinted gloss (we love the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in Nude Macaron) or use our virtual try-on tool to test-drive different shades until you find your fit. 

Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin Tones 

Those with deep skin tones should typically steer clear of anything labeled “nude,” as these tend to be too light and too beige for darker skin. Instead, look for something in the caramel or brown family to help enhance your natural lip color.

Best colors

Dark brown lipstick is incredibly flattering for those with deeper skin tones, as it draws attention to the lips without overpowering them. For a luminous, natural lip look, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Worth It Intense. The deep chocolate brown hue boasts a subtle plummy undertone for just the right amount of color. If you prefer matte lipsticks, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in the same shade.

If you have warm-toned skin, you’ll fare best with a hue that leans slightly redder. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Lazy Sunday is an excellent pick. Wear it alone or top it with the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in Wine O’ Clock for a flattering, high-shine finish. 

Colors to avoid 

If you have deep skin, steer clear of anything too light or too vibrant. Lighter shades can make your lips appear chalky, while vibrant shades—while pretty—aren’t ideal for a nude lip look. 

How To Find the Best Nude Lip Liner for Your Lip Look 

Once you’ve found the best nude lipstick for your skin tone, it’s time to apply it—and finding a lip liner to match can help ensure your nude lip look lasts. Browse some of our top picks below. 

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lip Liner in Worth It

If you have fair skin, use this pinky-nude pencil to define your lips prior to applying your lipstick. The rosy shade is designed to pair with our Worth It lipsticks, so you can easily create a cohesive lip look without having to shop around for a shade match.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lip Liner in Au Naturale

Whether you simply want to accent your natural lip shape or are looking to give your pout a subtle boost, this nude lip liner is a great one to add to your arsenal. The soft pinkish-brown shade works particularly well for those with medium skin tones. 

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lip Liner in Toffee to Be

Before swiping on your brown lipstick, trace your lip line with this creamy lip liner. The soft caramel hue is an excellent choice for those with olive skin, as it boasts a subtle warmth that’ll pair perfectly with your nude lip.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lip Liner in Worth It Intense

Last but definitely not least is this satiny, chocolatey plum liner. It’s made to pair with our Worth It Intense lipstick shades and glides on effortlessly to help define the lips. As a darker shade, it’s an excellent choice for those with deep skin looking for a natural-looking nude lip liner.

Next Up: How To Find the Best Red Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris