Because ‘nude’ means a different thing for everyone there is no one shade fits all. You want your lips to look natural-looking, so the most important thing to consider when shopping is obviously your skin tone.
Different skin tones need to consider different factors when choosing a nude lipstick. If you’re fair, it is recommended that you match your nude lippie to the natural colour of your actual lips. Don’t go any lighter because lipsticks in these tones can easily make you look washed out and ghostly.
Dark skin tones, however, should actually go for a shade slightly lighter than their foundation, and colours that look similar to chocolate or deep berry tones. Medium skin tones should go for shades that sound delicious too - think caramels and toffees - and opt for a colour slightly lighter or darker than their skin tone.
Know Your Undertones
Knowing your undertone can also help you avoid looking like you’ve simply covered your lips in concealer. If you have warm undertones then stick to nudes that have rosy, chocolatey or caramel hues in them. And if your undertones are cool then go for nudes that have more taupe, frosty pinks or purple tones.
Prepare Your Canvas
Nude lips can be unforgiving to chapped and dry lips so be sure to exfoliate and moisturise your lips before attempting this look. Some people like to paint foundation over their lips when applying so that their lipstick colour really pops when applied. This is fine to do, as long as you aren’t too heavy-handed with the foundation and it doesn’t have a mattifying effect.
Consider Your Whole Look
It is crucial to balance the rest of your make up carefully when wearing a nude lip as it can be easy to look washed out. If your nude lip is on the pale side then be sure to define your eyes well with mascara and/or eyeliner so that your features don’t get lost. Or if your nude lip has hints of blush to it then choose a blush for your cheeks in the same colour family. There are no set rules for your makeup, just try to create a sense of balance.
Read More. Skin Undertones: Making It Super Easy To Choose The Right Makeup Shades For You