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Let’s talk about getting naked. No, not like that. I mean nude lipsticks. It’s an essential that every woman needs in her makeup bag—and in just the right shade for her. A simple swipe of nude lipstick will have you looking instantly put together and polished with minimal effort.
But there is a tricky part: Finding that right shade. Go too light or beige and you might look like you came back from the dead; go too dark and it could age you. So here’s a little cheat sheet: Those with fair to light skin are flattered best by nudes with pink and rose in them; medium and olive tones look best in beiges, browns and mauves; and people with dark and deep tones should look for caramels and cocoas. To take even more guess work out, I’ve narrowed it down to the best nude lipsticks for every skin tone:
BEST FOR FAIR SKIN
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
One of the most beloved pink nudes of all time, this lipstick by British makeup artist and entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury works on a range of skin tones—not just the fair-skinned. The matte formula contains 3D glow pigments to fake fuller, wider lips, as well as orchid extract to pamper your pucker. The unique shape of the bullet is designed to mimic a lip brush so that it goes on perfectly every time.
NARS Audacious Lipstick in Barbara
A cool-toned nude is always pretty on pale skin, like this option from NARS. Packed with pigment, the satin finish only needs one swipe to deliver color payoff. It also has staying power, and the rich formula will stay smooth and nourish your lips.
BEST FOR MEDIUM SKIN
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in Nuance
Matte but moisturizing, this pale tan hue has just enough shades of a dusty rose to bring life to your lips. No balm is needed under this lipstick, since it is packed with shea butter and jojoba oil to hydrate your pucker through long wear.
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Backtalk
This mauve-nude pink is so popular and perfect that the shade even inspired Urban Decay to make an entire palette around it—and it’s now the brand’s bestselling lipstick hue. The matte formula conditions lips with aloe vera, jojoba, avocado and babassu oils. (And in case you’re wondering, the Backtalk Palette features eight nude-mauve, berry and rose eyeshadow shades on one side and four matching shades of blush and highlighter on the other.)
BEST FOR DARK SKIN
Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Rouge Volupté Shine
Let your lips shimmer in this finish that is meant to gleam. A hint of berry adds a touch of pink to an otherwise nude hue. Your lips will love the formula—it contains hyaluronic acid microspheres to hydrate for up to eight hours and antioxidants and emollients to soften.
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Joyride
A muted rose can do wonders for dark skin. Packed with serious pigment, it won’t budge—but it won’t dry out your pucker either.
BEST FOR DEEP SKIN
Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge D’Armani Matte Lipstick
Coffee-toned hues suit darker skin, just like this one with a tinge of berry. The full-coverage formula lasts for up to eight hours but feels light as a feather.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolat Lipstick
Truly a sweet treat, this liquid matte lipstick has an intoxicating chocolate scent. The nude is ideal on deep skin tones and just one stroke delivers enough pigment. The long-wear formula lasts for up to 16 hours and stays smooth the entire time.
