A Simple Guide to Picking Your Perfect Nude Lipstick

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!