Let’s talk about a makeup staple that’s as versatile as your favourite pair of jeans and as essential as your morning coffee: the perfect nude lipstick. You know the one we’re talking about—the shade that makes you feel effortlessly chic, goes with any outfit and adds a touch of sophistication to your look. But let’s face it, finding that perfect nude colour lipstick can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many shades and undertones to choose from, where do you even start? Don’t worry, though! We’re here to guide you through the process, sharing some expert tips and tricks to help you find your perfect match. Let’s get started!
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Nude Lipstick
First things first, why is nude lipstick such a must-have in every makeup collection? Well, nude lipsticks are incredibly versatile. They can give you a natural, polished look for everyday wear or provide a subtle balance when you’re rocking bold eye makeup. The right nude can enhance your natural lip colour, making your lips look fuller and more defined without screaming for attention.
Understanding Your Skin Tone
Just like with foundation, understanding your skin tone is crucial when choosing nude lipstick shades. Nude doesn’t mean one shade fits all; it’s about finding a shade that complements your skin tone and undertone.
1. Fair Skin

If you have fair skin, look for nude lipstick shades with a hint of pink or peach. These shades will add a touch of warmth and prevent your lips from looking washed out. Consider a soft rose colour or a light coral colour.
The Lakmē Xtraordin-airy Lip Mousse - First Crush Pink is the perfect nude pink lipstick for fair skin tones. It features a super-soft mousse texture that effortlessly hugs your lips and leaves them feeling oh-so-luxe. Infused with Cocoa Butter, it gives a matte finish yet keeps your lips nourished and moisturized.
2. Medium Skin

For medium skin tones, nudes with beige or caramel undertones work beautifully. These shades blend seamlessly with your natural lip colour, providing a flattering, effortless look. Consider shades like warm taupe or soft mocha.
A perfect nude brown lipstick to try out is the Lakmē Absolute Beyond Matte Lip - Brown Beauty. It comes with a ground-breaking formula with soft-focus technology, it gives a blurring effect to lips and visibly diminishes the look of lip lines. It is super lightweight with a velvety smooth texture that glides on effortlessly and offers high coverage.
3. Tan Skin

Tan skin tones can pull off deeper nudes with rich undertones. Look for shades that have a bit of brown or terracotta. These colours will enhance your natural warmth and add a sophisticated touch to your makeup look.
One nude lipstick for dusky skin to try out is the Lakmē 9to5 Powerplay Priming Matte Lipstick - Red Rust. It glides onto your lips smoothly and feels extremely comfortable and lightweight. The built-in primer ensures that the colour settles onto your lips evenly.
4. Deep Skin

For deeper skin tones, opt for nudes with rich cocoa, mahogany, or berry undertones. These shades will complement your complexion beautifully, giving you a stunning, natural look. You can also consider deep chocolates or plum-infused nudes.
If you are looking for the perfect nude lipstick for dark skin, use the Lakmē 9to5 Primer + Matte Liquid Lip Color - Intense Latte. This revolutionary formula with a built-in primer smoothens your lips to give you a crease-less finish. It is transfer-proof, smudge-proof and waterproof and will last all day long. The intense matte colour glides on easily and stays effortlessly smooth and matte, no matter what.
Tips for Applying Nude Lipstick
Now that you’ve found your perfect nude, let’s talk about how to apply it for the best look:
1. Prep Your Lips
Start with a smooth canvas. Exfoliate your lips to remove any dead skin and follow with a hydrating lip balm. This step ensures that your lipstick goes on smoothly and lasts longer.
2. Use a Lip Liner
A lip liner can define your lips and prevent the lipstick from feathering. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or your natural lip colour. Outline your lips and fill them in slightly for a more defined look.
3. Apply the Lipstick
Apply your nude lipstick directly from the tube or with a lip brush for more precision. Start from the centre of your lips and work outward, ensuring even coverage.
4. Blot and Set
Blot your lips with a tissue after the first application for long-lasting colour, then apply a second layer. This helps the lipstick adhere better and last longer.
5. Highlight and Define
For an extra polished look, you can add a touch of highlighter to your cupid’s bow (the V-shaped area of your upper lip) and the centre of your lower lip. This creates the illusion of fuller lips.
Finding the perfect nude lipstick can be a game-changer in your makeup routine. It’s all about understanding your skin tone and undertone and testing different shades to see what complements you best.
FAQs about Nude Lipsticks
Q1 How can I make my nude lipstick last longer?
Start with exfoliated and moisturised lips to make your nude lipstick last longer. Use a lip liner to define your lips and prevent feathering. Apply the lipstick, blot with a tissue, and then apply a second layer. You can also use a setting spray or powder to help set the lipstick.
Q2 Should I use a lip liner with my nude lipstick?
Using a lip liner can enhance the look of your nude lipstick by defining your lips and preventing the lipstick from feathering. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or natural lip colour for the best results.
Q3 How do I prevent my nude lipstick from looking too pale or washed out?
Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and undertone to prevent nude lipstick from looking too pale. You can also layer the nude lipstick over a lip liner that is slightly darker than your natural lip colour to add depth and dimension.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on 31st May 2024