The Best Nude Lipsticks For Every Skin Tone
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BYREDO
FAIR
Fairer skin tones tend to have pink undertones – so if this is you, cool-toned pinks will suit you best. Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk in ‘Fair’ is a regular in SL content coordinator Amber Milligan’s make-up bag. Elsewhere, NYX’s satin finish liquid lipsticks are cult favourites for a reason. Affordable and available in various shades for a range of undertones, they make for a reliable handbag lipstick.
REFY
FAIR TO MEDIUM
For everyday nudes, we’d recommend finding a match as close to the natural colour of your lips as possible. Make-up artist Jessica Kell explains: “Never go for a nude that’s visibly lighter than your lips, as this will just look milky and disappear.” Texture is totally down to preference, but for a lightweight, glossy look, the YSL LoveShine lipsticks are perfect. Elsewhere, matte-lovers will rate M·A·C’s newly revamped MACXIMAL shades, while Code 8’s ‘La Piscine’ shade comes highly rated by our marketing director Mia Luckie.
MEDIUM
As a category, ‘Medium’ can be quite broad, and there are several undertones and ranges that sit within this camp. Generally speaking, Jessica suggests: “If you have yellow or deeper undertones in your skin, then peachier nudes are better. I find brown or beige-based nudes tend to suit the widest range of people because they have a much more neutral base to them.” We love shades like ‘Besotted’ by Rose Inc – a favourite of our junior beauty editor Sapna – while the NARS ‘Tolede’ shade is SL content coordinator Mahmuda’s go-to.
MERIT BEAUTY
MERIT BEAUTY
MEDIUM TO DEEP
While there are suggestions out there to help find your perfect match, it’s also important to remember much of it comes down to personal preference. Jessica explains: “The main misconception when it comes to choosing lip colours is that it’s an exact science. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut because you’ve been told to stick to the rules.” For medium to deep skin tones, the Merit Beauty Lipstick in ‘Slip’ is well loved in the SL office, as is Beauty Pie’s ‘Dusky Rose’ – particularly by our lifestyle editor Sherri Andrew.
VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY
DEEP
Jessica also explains that it can be worth paying attention to what colour jewellery looks best on you. “Silver most likely means your skin is cool toned and gold indicates a warm undertone. The colour of your inner lip can also be used as a guide. Ideally, your choice of nude should blend seamlessly with this shade, so avoid a dramatic contrast between those two colours.” When it comes to shade recommendations for deeper skin tones, the Hourglass Volumizing Glossy Balm in ‘Slip’ is subtle and polished. Elsewhere, SL beauty contributor Adeola Gboyega loves Make-up By Mario’s MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum In ‘Mocha Glow’ for its high shine and punchy colour pay-off.
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