We at The Beauty Beat love our head-turning reds, playful pinks and goth purples, but feel that the everyday nude lipstick is a highly underrated thing.
Out of the approximately 10 lip products that are strewn at the bottom of my hand bag at any given time, at least five are plain Jane shades of brown and pink nudes that I can put on blindly and know I will look good.
Here are my favourite tried-and-tested nude shades that will work for most skin tones, and especially for those who are tan-skinned like me.
Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Lip Liner in OG Lolita: In keeping with my one empty-one-newbie goal (only buy a product after you use up one) from earlier this year, I haven’t bought the lipstick version of this lip liner just yet (I wear it as lipstick). However, it’s on my list, as the blush-toned dusty rose is the perfect my-lips-but-better colour on me. It’s not a vivid pink, nor is it too flesh-toned that it makes me look dead. The matte finish is not drying and long-lasting. Even if this shade does not work on you, Kat Von D Beauty makes one of the most inclusive nude lipstick ranges in the industry, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. Dh85 at Sephora.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes: This is one of the only liquid lipstick formulas that I bother to use because it doesn’t wreck my lips and doesn’t get crusty after a few hours of wear. The muted, nude mauve is something I reach for when I have no idea what to pair with my eye make-up look. The shade pulls a little more pink on my skin tone, but it’s not bright so I don’t mind. Dh37 at NYX Professional Makeup.
& Other Stories Lipstick in Imperial Carmine: For ease of wear, this highly moisturising lipstick wins out. No need of careful, accurate application; just swipe and go. This is the darkest nude of the lot, and has a more mature, office-appropriate look to it. The formula is smooth and creamy, and doesn’t really dry down to a true, flat matte. My favourite way to wear it is dabbed lightly over the lip and topped with a nude lip gloss for a fresh, flirty look. Dh85 at & Other Stories.
Colourpop Blotted Lip in Candy Floss: A departure from the pinky tones, the reason why I love this shade is that it plays well with my olive-toned skin. The warm terracotta offers something different and almost understated. However, the formula of this product is unusual; it goes on sheer and very dry. It’s supposed to look like a very light coating of lipstick that has been blotted until it has barely stained the lips. It definitely gives that effect, but has a tendency to look blotchy and uneven. It’s cheap, so I don’t mind that the formula is a little off. Dh18 on colourpop.com
