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The Best Nude Lipstick

Last updated on October 25, 2022
Best Nude Lipstick

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Lipsticks come in a nearly infinite range of colors and have many different finishes. When you’re choosing a nude lipstick, it’s important to understand the different types and what look they give.

Classic lipstick is made with a waxy substance that comes in a tube. It uses waxes and oils for the main body or texture, emollients to keep lips moist and pigments to give color. They come in matte or glossy finishes. A matte finish provides depth, definition and volume, while a glossy finish tends to give high-impact color and moisture.

Lip glosses have a dip-style applicator and give sheen, color and plumpness; liquid lip glosses are available in both matte and satin finishes.

Next, there are lip stains. Lip stain is translucent and simply stains your lips rather than adding depth and is usually formulated with water or gel. Lip stains last longer and are generally smudge-proof.

Finally, there are lip crayons. Lip crayons look like a crayon or pencil and need to be sharpened to be used. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including metallics.

With a nude lipstick, the next thing you should consider is your complexion. Whenever possible, sample lipstick before buying it by applying it to the inside of your wrist. Look at it in natural light, as cosmetic counter lighting can be deceptive. Determine if you have a cool or warm skin tone and match the temperature and darkness of your nude lipstick to your skin.

Our Picks For The Top Nude Lipsticks

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Wet n Wild Cruelty-Free Buildable Color Nude Lipstick

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Wet n Wild

Cruelty-Free Buildable Color Nude Lipstick

Start light and gradually go darker with this lipstick that is designed for buildable color. The formula is rich and creamy to keep your lips smooth and soft while you’re wearing. Cruelty-free manufacturing makes this product great for vegans.

Overall Take

Portable OptionThe small format makes this a great nude lipstick to keep in your purse or bag to have handy wherever you go.

 Runner Up

Rimmel Long-Lasting Liquid Nude Lipstick

Rimmel

Long-Lasting Liquid Nude Lipstick

If you're searching for the perfect nude lipstick, this option has you covered. It goes on nice and smooth and lasts a full 8 hours before needing a touch-up. You'll find the color is quite complimentary, no matter what your skin tone.

Overall Take

Attractive PackagingThis nude lipstick is also sold in nine additional shades.

 We Also Like

Maybelline New York Shea Butter Infused Nude Lipstick

Maybelline

New York Shea Butter Infused Nude Lipstick

Infused with shea butter, this creamy nude lipstick hydrates and protects for smooth, supple lips. These lightly shimmering shades look great on a variety of skin tones.

Overall Take

For Thirsty LipsPamper your lips with these brilliant, creamy shades.

 Strong Contender

L’Oreal Paris Omega 3 & Vitamin E Nude Lipstick

L'Oreal Paris

Omega 3 & Vitamin E Nude Lipstick

Hydrate while you look great with this lipstick, which features Omega 3, Vitamin E and Argan Oil to keep your lips soft. You can choose from a variety of colors, including nudes that will go with a variety of clothing colors and styles. If you prefer heavy pigmentation, you can choose matte colors versus creamy colors that prioritize keeping your l...

Overall Take

Extra DurableThis nude lipstick will last for several hours, even with light eating and drinking.

What to Look For

  • When trying different shades of lipstick on your lips, do not sample more than three at a time. Residual buildup from previous shades and textures will throw off the look of subsequent samples.
  • Keep in mind that lighter or darker colors give different effects. While a darker shade can be a rich statement look, a lighter shade can look ethereal.
  • Choose the right texture according to how naturally dry or moist your lips are. Cream lipsticks are better for naturally dry lips, and matte finishes for naturally moist lips.

More to Explore

The first recorded use of lipstick was in Sumer about 5,000 years ago. Surviving records describe Queen Puabi as having colored lips pigmented with crushed gemstones and shells.

Almost 2,000 years later, Cleopatra pioneered makeup among the Ancient Egyptians. Nude shades have a long history in the beauty industry, but for a long time, only light skin tones were color-matched by these so-called nude shades. Changes to make cosmetics shades more inclusive were brought around by the #NotMyNude movement on social media, which took off in the mid-2010s.

More to explore