How to Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Nude lipstick is one of the most versatile lip colors in the world. In fact, this beauty staple has made its mark and has rightfully secured a place in just about everyone’s makeup bag. In a recent consumer study it was voted the most popular lipstick color amongst women — no wonder it’s sometimes called the little black dress of lipstick. But finding the best nude lipstick shade for your skin tone isn’t always easy.

While nude lips in the perfect hue can tie together just about any makeup look, choose the wrong shade, and it can make your complexion look washed out or ashy. And if you don’t have a long-wearing formula on hand, you run the risk of your lip makeup fading. We know how frustrating this whole process can be, which is why we’re breaking down how to find the best nude lipstick for fair, medium, olive and dark skin tones, below.

How to Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Fair Skin Tones 

Those of you with fair skin tones should pay close attention when choosing a nude lipstick because you run the risk of looking extra pale (like ghostly pale) when wearing one. To avoid that, reach for a lipstick shade that has light pink undertones. Going for a touch of color and wearing a pink nude lipstick can help warm up your complexion without taking you into porcelain doll territory.

There are also a couple of lip colors you should steer clear of if you have fair skin, including nude lipsticks that have yellow undertones, as these can wash you out and make your skin look lackluster and dull. You should also avoid nude lipstick shades that have an orange tinge because they can make pale complexions look sallow.

One of the best ways to narrow down the best nude lipstick for your fair skin is to take your favorite finish into consideration. Whether you’re obsessed with matte lipsticks or prefer a more subtle finish, have your pick from the nude lip options below.

If you prefer a matte finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-Cademia.

If you prefer a natural finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Fairest Nude or Peach Fuzz.

If you prefer a glossy finish, top off your lipstick of choice with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Nude Twinkle.

How to Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin Tones 

When choosing a nude lipstick for medium skin tones, look for a shimmery shade with peach or pink undertones. Make sure whatever nude lipstick shade you choose is slightly lighter or darker than your natural complexion to hit that sweet spot. 

Do not, we repeat, do not choose 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. Also consider using a long-wearing formula to help your look go the distance, sans multiple touch-ups throughout the day.

Keep things simple and try one of the following nude lipsticks. Each is ultra-flattering for medium skin tones, so it all comes down to personal preference, meaning you can’t go wrong.

If you prefer a matte finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Empower.

If you prefer a natural finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick in Nu Intense.

If you prefer a glossy finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Shining Peach.

How to Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Olive Skin Tones 

When it comes to finding a natural-looking nude lipstick for olive skin tones, you have many options. Peachy nude lipsticks can help balance the green undertones in olive skin tones and add warmth to your look, while a light golden beige nude lipstick can complement your olive complexion. 

Both peachy and golden beige nudes are beautiful choices for olive skin, but it's also true that some of the best colors for an olive skin tone are caramel and taupe shades. The only rule is to stay away from nude lipsticks that are much lighter than your complexion — you don’t want to look like you’re wearing concealer on your lips instead of an actual lipstick hue.

If you’re not sure how to find a golden beige nude, have your pick from the following nude lipsticks for olive skin.

When you prefer a matte finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick in Sweet Tooth.

If a natural finish is more your thing, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Caramel Latte.

If you prefer a glossy finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Glossy Fawn. Or top off your favorite golden beige nude with the Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract in Luminous Coral to deepen the shade.

How to Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin Tones 

When shopping for a nude lipstick for dark skin tones, there are so many options, including caramel nude, mauve nude, chocolate nude and more. If you have a deeper skin tone with red or blue undertones, go for darker nude lips. 

You can also choose a sheer, shiny nude that will let your natural lip color show. Steer clear of lipsticks with tones too gray and you’ll be in the clear. No matter your skin tone, there’s a nude out there for everyone. Play up your pout with one of our favorite nude lipsticks for dark skin, below. 

If you prefer a matte finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick in Box O Chocolate.

If you prefer a natural finish, try the Age Perfect Makeup Luminous Hydrating Lipstick + Nourishing Serum in Brilliant Brown or the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Ginger Spice.

If you prefer a glossy finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Dazzling Doe or Age Perfect Makeup Satin Lipstick with Precious Oils in Cinnamon Spice.

The Best Nude Lip Liners 

Once you’ve chosen the best nude lipstick for your skin tone, it’s time to apply it — which means you need a great nude lip liner to complete your look. Choose from any of these favorites below to line your lips, create a base for your nude lipstick and give you lip color a long-wearing boost. 

For a natural finish, reach for the Color Riche Lip Liner in Eternal Mauve, Au Naturale, More Chocolate or Nudes for Life.  

If you prefer a matte finish, go for the Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner in Matte-Ing Call.

And if you have mature lips that require a special touch, opt for the Age Perfect Makeup Anti-Feathering Lip Liner in the nude shades Dark Chocolate and Nude Pink.

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

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Design: Crystal Simone