How to find the perfect nude lipstick for your skin tone: Our step-by-step guide to pout-perfect lips

Finding a perfect nude lipstick is not as easy as it looks. Here is our guide on how to pick a right nude shade as per your skin tone.

When it comes to makeup essentials, a nude lipstick is like a little black dress—timeless, versatile, and a must-have in every beauty kit. However, just like a dress-wherein one size does not fit all, there is no ‘perfect nude’ shade that suits every woman. In fact, a right nude lipstick should flatter your natural lip tone, enhance your features, and bring balance to your overall look. And to help you find the right nude lipstick shade as per your skin tone, we have curated this guide.

How to find the perfect nude lipstick for your skin tone

Understanding what “Nude” really means

Many people assume nude means beige or pale, but that’s not true. Nude lipstick is meant to give your lips a natural look, neither too dark, nor too light. Depending on your complexion, your nude could be peachy, brown, rosy, or even caramel-toned. The idea is to choose a shade that complements your skin undertone while adding subtle warmth and dimension.

Here is our step-by-step guide on the same:

Determine your skin undertone

Before picking a shade, it’s important to identify whether your undertone is cool, warm, or neutral. For this, you need to check your wrist and veins.

Cool undertones: Veins on your wrist look bluish, and silver jewellery suits you better. Opt for nudes with pink, mauve, or rosy hints.

Warm undertones: Veins look greenish, and gold jewellery enhances your look. Go for nudes with peach, caramel, or warm brown tones.

Neutral undertones: A mix of blue and green veins, and both gold and silver jewellery look good on you. You’re lucky, most nude shades will suit you, from beige to rose-browns.

Knowing your undertone ensures that the nude lipstick doesn’t look too dull or too ashy.

Nude lipstick for fair skin

If you have a fair complexion, pale beige or brown shades may make you look washed out. Instead, you can go for shades of pink and peaches. These shades add just the right blush without overpowering your look. A pink-based nude is especially flattering for fair skin, as it mimics your natural lip colour while keeping things subtle.

Nude lipstick for medium or wheatish skin

Medium or wheatish skin tones have the flexibility to experiment with both pinks and browns. The ideal choices include warm peach nudes, caramel beige shades, and rosy browns. These tones balance the warmth in your skin without making your lips look too pale. A peachy nude can brighten your face, while a caramel nude adds depth for a chic everyday look.

Nude lipstick for olive skin

Olive skin often has a natural golden-green undertone, which pairs beautifully with earthy nudes. The best shades are warm mocha shades, terracotta nudes, and soft caramel browns. These shades complement olive tones and prevent your lips from looking dull. Rosy-brown nudes also add a flattering contrast, perfect for day-to-night transitions.

Nude lipstick for deep or dark skin

For deep skin tones, the wrong nude can look chalky, but the right one will be stunning. Go for rich chocolate browns, caramel or coffee tones, deep mauve or berry-infused nudes. These shades enhance natural richness without looking too stark. A hint of gloss over darker nude shades can also add dimension and prevent a flat appearance.

Consider your natural lip colour

Even within the same skin tone, natural lip colours vary—some have pink lips, while others have brown or purple undertones. Always swatch the lipstick on your lips (not just your hand) to see how it interacts with your natural pigment.

Matte vs. glossy nude lipsticks

Matte Nudes: Perfect for long-lasting wear and a chic, modern look. However, they can sometimes make lips appear dry.

Glossy or Creamy Nudes: Great for adding fullness and a soft, natural shine, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Choose the finish based on the occasion and your personal comfort.

Balance with the rest of Your Makeup

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