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Makeup Blog

A Simple Guide to Picking Your Perfect Nude Lipstick

  • 3 min read

BY CHELSEA SIMMONS

Brown or nude lipstick has been a trend with celebrities and influencers for over a year. The range of browns seen varies from matchy-mannequin to is-it-nude-or-pink. So how do you choose the right nude lipstick for your skin tone?

Content Lip Fixation, Choose the Right Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin

On one side of the spectrum (matchy-mannequin) are the shades that match your skin tone so closely you look like your lips don't even exist. This is the look that most of us want to avoid because we love our lips! Then, on the exact opposite side of the nude spectrum are pinks that are kind of nude but not really. We chatted with Global Makeup Educator Shawn Towne to get his advice on how to choose the right nude lipstick.

What's the Best Brown/Nude Lipstick for My Skin Tone?

While brown or nude is a universal color that can be worn by anyone, to create the most natural look, you should never go for a straight brown. Our lip colors are enhanced with a degree of warmth, that's why pink-browns are always recommended no matter your skin tone or color.

Nude Lipstick for Cool Skin Tones

"If you have a lot of pink in your complexion, a warmer based brown is best," says Shawn. He recommends Craving Lip Fixation or Sharon PureMoist Lipstick.

Nude Lipstick for Warm Skin Tones

"If you have warmer or neutral skin tones (golden undertones), cooler browns are ideal," says Shawn. You'll want to try shades like Luscious PlayOn Lip Crayon or Raspberry PureGloss Lip Gloss.

Best Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Shade

Now that you know the general concept of choosing the right nude lipstick based on your skin's undertone, the next step is whether you should opt for a beige, medium or brown lipstick shade.

Nude Lipstick for Fair Skin

Choose a rosy-beige shade to add a hint of color without washing you out. If you want to take your lip's natural pink down a notch, try a sheer light beige shade.

NYC Just Kissed Lip Plumper
NYC Just Kissed Lip Plumper
$25.00

Blissful Playon Lip Crayon
Blissful PlayOn Lip Crayon
$20.00

Craving Lip Fixation
Craving Lip Fixation Lip Stain/Gloss
$32.00

Martini PureGloss Lip Gloss
Martini PureGloss Lip Gloss
$26.00

Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin

If you have a medium complexion with cool undertones, try a dusky rose shade or a beige that has hints of gold in it, like Tricia PureMoist Lipstick.

puremoist lipstick in tricia light brown color
Tricia PureMoist Lipstick
$25.00

Content Lip Fixation
Content Lip Fixation Lip Stain/Gloss
$32.00

Sarah PureMoist Lipstick
Sarah PureMoist Lipstick
$25.00

Hot Cider PureGloss Lip Gloss
Hot Cider PureGloss Lip Gloss
$26.00

Nude Lipstick for Olive Skin

Women with an olive complexion should avoid any nude that has yellow undertones. Instead, choose a pretty, peachy tan shade like Jamie PureMoist Lipstick.

Jaime PureMoist Lipstick

Jamie PureMoist Lipstick $25.00

Yummy PlayOn Lip Crayon

Yummy PlayOn Lip Crayon $20.00

Sydney Just Kissed Lip Plumper

Sydney Just Kissed Lip Plumper $25.00

puremoist lipstick in sharon light brown color

Sharon PureMoist Lipstick $25.00

Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin

If you have darker skin, stay clear of any shade that looks "nude" in the tube; it will be too light. Instead, opt for a golden chocolate shade, caramel hue or rose-brown.

Luscious PlayOn Lip Crayon

Luscious PlayOn Lip Crayon $20.00

Raspberry PureGloss Lip Gloss

Raspberry PureGloss Lip Gloss $26.00

Jaime PureMoist Lipstick

Jamie PureMoist Lipstick $25.00

Content Lip Fixation

Content Lip Fixation Lip Stain/Gloss $32.00

Can You Wear Nude Lipstick at Any Age?

The short answer is, YES! "When we are younger, many brown shades look beautiful on our skin because we have more natural color. As we age, our skin can fade so using brighter colors is a good idea," says Shawn. "The beauty of brown lipstick is that they allow natural looking color even when a brighter undertone is included. Desire Lip Fixation and Lauren PureMoist Lipstick are two examples of beautiful, vivid browns that give a youthful appearance to the lips." Check out all of our brown lipsticks here.

Share Your #GoodBeautyStories!

In a comment below, tell us which nude jane iredale lipstick is your favorite. Or, use hashtag #GoodBeautyStories to show us your nude lipstick selfies on Instagram!
Chelsea Simmons

Chelsea Simmons

Chelsea began her beauty journey in 2010 as a fashion and beauty freelancer at Ladies’ Home Journal magazine. There she had the chance to test and review hundreds of products while quickly falling for the benefits the clean makeup she tried. After leaving the magazine industry, she worked as a publicist for international fragrance and beauty brands until 2016 when she landed at jane iredale. Here, she has discovered liquid eyeliner doesn’t have to burn her eyes, foundation doesn’t have to feel heavy, and that the jane iredale Global Educators truly have the best beauty hacks. Since then, she’s shared her 10+ years of experience with you on The Good Glow Blog.