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Nude lipsticks are full of dichotomies: They can be glam or low-key, unnoticeable or show-stopping, matte or glossy. But they can also have room for individuality: The right nude lipstick will be inherently flattering to your skin tone, and ranging from rich browns to pale pink lipsticks (and every tone in between). After all, nude lipstick is highly personal; your perfect shade is based on your skin tone and undertones, natural lip color, and preference for textures and finishes.
The under-the-radar shade family is increasingly favored by celebrities and their makeup artists for red carpet glam: We’ve seen everyone from Billie Eilish to Cynthia Erivo wear a neutral lip look teamed with statement eyeshadow or simply bare skin. Meanwhile, brands like L’Oréal Paris, Charlotte Tilbury, and Mac Cosmetics — who re-released its iconic, ’90s-favorite Fleshpot and Bubbles nude lipsticks with a campaign featuring the likes of Martha Stewart and Julia Fox — have launched entire lines of lipsticks based on the fleshy color family.
Top Nude Lipsticks, Tested & Reviewed
Why is nude lipstick essential in everyone’s lipstick wardrobe? Versatility, timelessness, and ease of use, notes LA-based makeup artist Nikki DeRoest. “The beauty of a nude lipstick is that you don’t have to be too exact, and it’s also easy to apply without a mirror,” she explains. Unlike with the best red lipsticks, applying nude shades doesn’t require too much precision and care. Plus, “nude lips are universally flattering and can be paired effortlessly with any makeup look, day or night,” says celebrity and editorial makeup artist Dom Della. The hue of nude can be intentionally darker or lighter than your natural lips, and can work with casual, daytime makeup looks and also for special, formal occasions.
The trick to finding your shade of nude lipstick is assessing your natural lip color first. Complimenting your undertone is one of the most important parts of finding a nude lipstick, notes Della. The best nude lipstick should enhance the pigment of your natural lip color — one far too light or in the wrong undertone can wash you out.
With the help of DeRoest, Della, makeup artist Shayna Goldberg, makeup artist and Bobbi Brown global director Marc Reagan, and trendsetting makeup artist Alexandra French, plus endless research and thorough product testing — we’ve uncovered the 12 best lipsticks in a variety of nude hues. From matte and hydrating to tinted and opaque, here are the most flattering nude lipsticks to swipe on.
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Lancôme Lip Idôle Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm in Shade-Throwing Beige
With its silky formula, Lancôme’s Lip Idôle Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm in Shade-Throwing Beige softens the lips while washing them in a light caramel tone. Because it’s slightly sheer, it enhances your natural lip color rather than overpowering it — a win for those who worry about selecting a lipstick with the right undertones (or for anyone shopping for said product online).
Unlike most tinted lip balms, you can actually build up the color payoff for more of a pigmented look. However our tester raved over the effect of just one coat, which created the look of full, well-exfoliated, and highly moisturized lips. Its nourishing squalane will make your lips feel softer and smoother the more you swipe it on too.
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
WWD Shop editors test Lancôme’s Lip Idôle Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm in Shade-Throwing Beige. Captured with the Leica Q2 camera.
WWD/ Adam Mansuroglu
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
An international bestseller and cult-favorite lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk hardly needs an introduction. But ICYMI, the formula enhances your lip’s natural tones to make them appear more plump, full, and sumptuous. The matte, nude-pink shade is super easy to apply with precision via an angled square tip designed to mimic the shape of a lip brush, plus it features nourishing orchid extract for a creamy, hydrated finish. It’s so perfect, in fact, that the brand says it sells a tube of Pillow Talk every two minutes.
It’s also a TikTok-famous beauty product: ‘Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk’ has over 200 million views on the app. But if the original iteration is a tad too light for you, consider Pillow Talk 2 Medium, a warm berry pink, or Pillow Talk 3 Intense, a deep tawny brown that’s one of the best lipsticks for dark skin.
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Pure Hollywood
Apart from a few statement red lipsticks, each of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Lip Velvet lipsticks are done in fair to deep neutrals that suit all skin tones. We’re partial to the Pure Hollywood shade for its touch of mauve and neutral undertones — a great choice for those with fair skin.
A whipped mousse texture creates the sensation of the product hugging the lips, and the pigment fades evenly in the hours after you apply it. You’ll be hard pressed to find a matte nude lipstick that feels as comfortable as this one.
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Marsala
A fair amount of the lipstick applied to lips will naturally be consumed in everyday processes, like eating, drinking, talking, and licking our lips — a fantastic reason to consider clean lipsticks, such as Ilia’s. But the Ilia Color Block Lipstick isn’t just a great lipstick in the clean genre, it’s a fantastic lipstick in any category. The high-impact, full coverage gives you tremendous intensity in just a few swipes. Plus the creamy finish contains organic castor and apricot seed oils, providing supreme hydration and a delightfully smooth feel on lips. The range features ultra-wearable nudes, reds, and berries that are all viral sensations (with over 5 million views on TikTok), but their shades Amberlight and Marsala are particularly popular. The brown nude of Marsala is apt for medium and olive tones, while Amberlight is ideal for fair tones — but feel free to use whatever hue is most flattering to you.
Price upon publish date of this article: $28
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Rose
To mimic the glamorous, dreamy looks associated with famed makeup artist Pat McGrath, grab her bestselling MatteTrance lipstick in Divine Rose. The nude-pink lipstick tone gives intense color saturation in just a single swipe with its revolutionary oil-infused powder formula. The unique texture gives that classic Pat lush, soft-focus effect, while also feeling wonderfully comfortable and weightless. You can apply the vivid lipstick straight from the tube for max saturation, or dab lightly on the lips and blend it out with your fingers for a blurred, subtle look. Plus, that interesting packaging? The unique lip motif is inspired by Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who created a line of lipsticks, fragrances, and nail polishes all with the eccentric lip (or nose for fragrances) symbol.
Price upon publish date of this article: $39
Ami Cole Lip Treatment Oil in Excellence
Formula: Oil
Finish: Shiny
With a fervent fan base, this lip treatment oil is redefining glosses. This multitasking treatment nourishes and hydrates, while also leaving behind a pop of color and a shiny finish. The oil doesn’t just look gorgeous, it’s also enriched with baobab seed, camellia, and passionfruit oils for long-lasting hydration and antioxidant protection. And while the lip glosses of yore included sticky and goopy textures, this modern oil is elegantly slick and comfortable — offering the mirror shine of a lip gloss with the comfort of an intensive lip balm. Perfect for both everyday wear and more formal occasions, consider pairing it with a coordinating lip liner for a glam, ‘90s-inspired lip. This top lip oil comes in six hues, but Excellence is one of their most popular, with a rose brown shade that flatters a vast array of skin tones. The brand is one to watch, too, already taking the beauty industry by storm, focusing on creating high-quality formulations for melanin-rich skin.
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Violette FR Bisou Balm in Calisson
Leave it to French cool-girl Violette to create a perfectly imperfect lip-balm-meets-lipstick. The makeup artist (and Guerlain’s creative director of makeup) crafted Bisou Balm, a brilliant lipstick that simply tints the lips with a natural amount of pigment to give off that flushed, “just been kissed” effect. Feel free to apply on the go, without a mirror, mindlessly swiping on for a muted, matte look (perfectly paired with either a strong smoky eye or a swipe of great mascara). The effortless formula comes in five hues, from a bright raspberry to a soft coral, but the classic Calisson shade in a warm beige is the perfect neutral lip. Plus, it’s buildable if you want additional color payoff, just keep swiping until you’re happy with the intensity. And because it acts more like a tinted balm than a lipstick, the formula is hydrating first and foremost, thanks to botanical seed oils.
Price upon publish date of this article: $28
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick in Spice
Have you heard? Y2K nostalgia is not only back, but in full force. Add to that brewing trend the Netflix multi-part docuseries Beckham, which follows David Beckham’s meteoric rise — but it’s also worth watching alone for Victoria Beckham’s iconic fashion and makeup looks. One of the biggest trends re-emerging this year is ‘90s brown lipsticks, and who knows more about this than Posh Spice herself? Beckham’s eponymous makeup line launched Posh Lipsticks in 2020, calling it the most personal product she’s launched yet. And with the hue Spice, which closely resembles the dark nude lip colors she often wore in the ’90s, it’s not hard to see why. Featuring a complex blend of hydrating superfood ingredients, the dark gingerbread-toned hue delivers a vibrant finish and ultra-creamy feel that makes it a pleasure to wear.
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Lisa Eldridge Velveteen Liquid Lip Color in Affair
Affair, a soft and earthy caramel brown, is rumored to be the hue Dua Lipa has been sporting recently. After all, Eldridge is the superstar’s longtime makeup artist, along with a few other names you might recognize, like Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, and Eva Green. Forget everything you know about liquid lipsticks (and matte formulas, too), this iteration defies all expectations. The feather-light formula lasts perhaps a tad too long, if even possible. For example, I recently swatched the hue on my hand — and that single swatch outlasted 10 hand washes (with a particular enthusiasm toward scrubbing away at it) and a long, ‘everything shower.’ It did melt away instantly when an oil-based makeup remover made contact, but I predict it wouldn’t have budged for 16-plus hours without it. And the color! Such bold, potent hues in delightful ranges, from red to nudes to pinks, but Affair is a showstopper, adaptable to a variety of skin tones. It’s fitting for, say, starring in a music video about being on the go but also just a casual brunch with friends.
Price upon publish date of this article: $27
Sunnies Face Fluffmatte Lipstick in Baby Spice
Filipina brand Sunnies Face only launched in 2018, and just became available in the U.S. in 2022. Yet in that short time, the cult-favorite brand and its hero product, Fluffmatte, have become legends. They’re known for their nude hues that flatter all skin tones, but particularly the often-overlooked medium and dark skin tones. The 24 shades of Fluffmatte are also synonymous with wearability, feeling weightless and breathable on lips for all-day comfort. Plus, the high-impact color delivers bold intensity in just a single swipe. Baby Spice, a cool blush nude, is one of six nude offerings, including options with red, peach, and rose undertones, too.
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
The Best Nude Lipsticks for Different Skin Tones
The best nude lipstick is one that flatters your skin tone and undertones. Here are tips to keep in mind to find the ideal lipstick for you.
- Best Nude Lipstick for Fair Skin: While many nude hues can flatter fair skin, they also run the risk of making you look ghostly pale and washed out. When in doubt, nudes with pink undertones tend to be flattering for fair skin, but just take into consideration whether your undertones are cool, neutral, or warm (most lipsticks should state their undertones when describing the color). A flattering pink, in your corresponding undertone, will give a youthful vibrancy to fair skin.
- Best Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin: For those with medium skin tones, consider a nude with peach, peachy-tan, or pink undertones. But coordinate with your skin tone — the fairer the skin tone, the lighter the nude lipstick, and the deeper the skin tone, the darker the nude lipstick.
For all skin, but particularly medium, olive, and dark skin, consider the lip liner, too. “I recommend finding which shade works best with your skin tone and then pairing a lip liner that’s a shade darker to define the lip,” says Della. This ensures the lips look more plump and the hue doesn’t wash out the skin. - Best Nude Lipstick for Olive Skin: Peach nudes can flatter olive skin, helping to balance and enliven the green undertones. But taupe and caramel hues are also incredibly beautiful on olive skin tones — just take into account your undertones (whether that be cool, warm, or neutral) when selecting your shades. While some skin tones can go a tad lighter than their natural lip color, olive skin tends to be the exception, washing them out — but rules are made to be broken, so play around to find the ideal hue for you.
- Best Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin: Nude can often be translated to just beige or light pink, but that’s not always flattering to deeper skin tones. “Thankfully brands have created more products with deeper skin tones in mind,” says Della. “I always recommend a deep brown or caramel, however, it’s important to consider what compliments your skin tone best,” she adds. They don’t need to be a perfect match to your lip color, but they should match the tone of your complexion.
The Best Way to Apply Nude Lipstick
The beauty of a nude lipstick is that there’s no wrong way to apply it. That said, before you apply lipstick, consider the lip prep. Certain formulas, like a glamorous matte lipstick, can enhance dry flakes on lips, so utilizing a lip scrub and lip balm or lip mask is vital. First, massage a lip scrub into the lips gently but thoroughly, then wash away softly with a washcloth. Immediately follow up with a nourishing lip balm or lip oil to make sure lips are well-hydrated and smooth. Allow that to soak in for at least 10 minutes, then wipe away the excess before applying lipstick — this will ensure an even application for a more believable nude lip.
Now that you’re ready for lipstick, here are a few expert suggestions for trendy nude looks.
- The Natural Nude Lip: Goldberg prefers the natural look, choosing to apply the lipstick with her fingers. And whatever formula is left on them, she dabs onto her cheeks. “I don’t mind the imperfection of smudging outside the lines,” she says. “I think it makes the appearance more natural.”
- The Swipe-And-Go Nude Lip: “Nude lip colors are the easiest to apply — think of them as your no-mirror makeup,” Reagan says. He likes to swipe the lower lip straight from the bullet, then press the lips together for a soft application. If you want to give the illusion of fuller lips, grab a color that is one shade darker than your natural lip color to enhance volume and definition.
- The Glossy Nude Lip: DeRoest employs the “fake it till you make it” technique. “If you’re using a shade that’s an enhancement of your natural lip color, you can also cheat the edges and go slightly outside the lines for a fuller-looking pout,” she says. And if you’re looking for an additional pop, she recommends applying a clear or nude gloss to the center of the lips.
- The Liner-And-Lipstick Nude Lip: If you’re looking for a longer-lasting nude lip, try using a lip liner first, then applying lipstick. French is a huge fan of utilizing lip liners with lipsticks, either matching them with the corresponding sets or using a liner that’s darker than the lipstick for a fuller pout.
How to Find the Best Nude Lipstick Shade
Since nude lipstick shades have varying undertones, they can “range from light to deep in color,” says Reagan. “Choosing a hue all depends on the look you’re trying to achieve,” he adds. “Whether that be a pale nude or an enhancing nude, it’s all relative to your natural lip tone.”
To find which nude hue works best for you, Goldberg suggests comparing each shade to the center of your lips where natural pigment is most prevalent. When selecting the right nude lipstick color for her clients, she usually tries to match their natural lip color exactly to the lipstick shade or go slightly lighter or darker. Some lips have two tones, notes Reagan, and in that case, it’s up to the individual, he says, whether they want to soften the contrast or enhance it using the deeper tone as a guide.
When shopping for the best lipstick, you can also follow DeRoest’s lead and play with undertones depending on your makeup look that day. “For example, if you’re wearing a warm, coral blush, you might want to go with a nude that has more of a peach undertone instead of a brown undertone,” she says. Or, as with French, the process doesn’t even have to be that strict. Instead, she says she likes to alter tones, textures, and hues of nude lipsticks based on her current mood.
Shopping for nude lipsticks online? Not being able to swatch lipstick on your skin can make the process difficult, but Della says to know ahead of time your most flattering shade and undertone. (If this is difficult to self-diagnose, consult an expert at a makeup counter or test out a digital lipstick try-on application.) Zero in on whether you’re looking for a pink, brown, or peach shade with cool, warm, or neutral undertones and then it should be much easier to narrow down what works best for you, she notes.
What to Consider When Choosing Nude Lipsticks
- Coverage Level: Nude lipstick coverage can vary from full to medium to sheer (and anywhere in between). Full coverage can be beneficial if you’re looking for opaque coverage with your nude lipstick for a bold, showstopping look. Medium coverage is less intimidating, as it tends to be more moisturizing and conditioning and has less intense coverage. Sheer is ideal for anyone looking for a balm-like texture that is foolproof and hydrating.
- Formula: When narrowing down your ideal formula, consider your preferences and lifestyle. If you want a high impact without much upkeep, consider a long-lasting formula, like liquid lipstick. They give a bold look without the need for frequent reapplication. (They can also stick on lips all day long with proper application, so prep lips with a scrub and mask ahead of time.) If low maintenance is preferred, consider a sheer formula, which can be swiped on without glancing at a mirror. Fine with regular reapplication? A traditional lipstick is a great choice, just zero in on your ideal finish, whether that be glossy, satin, or matte.
- Finish: Choosing a matte, satin, or glossy look is usually up to personal preference. Matte lipsticks are incredibly glamorous and luxurious, giving ‘old Hollywood’ vibes. They can be a tad more drying, so ensure that you’re prepping lips properly ahead of time with lip scrubs and balms. Satin finishes tend to have more hydration in the formula, making them more comfortable to wear. But satin lipsticks will wear a bit quicker than matte formulas traditionally, so reapplication might be needed more frequently. Glossy lipsticks have a modern, high-shine appearance that make them more fun and comfortable to wear — but they also tend to have the highest transfer and least longevity.
How We Selected and Tested the Best Nude Lipsticks
To compile this list of the best nude lipsticks, we spent countless hours researching, interviewing top makeup artists, comparing customer reviews, and extensively testing 57 nude lipsticks to narrow down the very best. A panel of four testers across skin tones and lip shapes conducted this firsthand testing to evaluate the best formulas based on shades, color payoff, longevity, undertones, finish, and overall wearability. Each nude lipstick was tested for a duration of five to 12 hours, during which our testers noted how the product applied and if it transferred or smeared during wear time. We also took note of the number of touch-ups needed throughout wear time. After compiling testing data and expert input, we selected the 12 best nude lipsticks for all skin tones. Ahead, our the criteria we considered while testing nude lipsticks:
- Ease of application: Nude lipsticks range from matte liquids to balmy cream formulas, and their applicators vary as well. The neutral lipsticks we tested featured bullets and wands, and our testers made sure that the application method aligned with the formula for an easy-to-apply result. We also made sure that each lipstick on our list allows you to coat the thinner corners of lips with precision, and gave high marks to formulas that easily coat thin to full lip shapes.
- Texture: The beauty of a nude lip is that, unlike a red lipstick, the payoff is designed to be so natural that you might forget you’re wearing it, and the best nude lipsticks should have a texture that aligns with that. We sought out formulas with featherweight consistencies, noting how long liquid formulas took to dry down and evaluating the glide of cream formulas.
- Color payoff: Buildable coverage is an ideal feature in nude lipsticks, so you can go from barely-there pigments to something more statement-making with a few quick swipes. Our testers gave extra points to formulas that allow plenty of layering without pilling or smearing on our lips. On top of concentrated color payoff, we also noted if the lipsticks applied evenly (any that streaked on application didn’t make the cut). Our panel of testers evaluated the wear time of the colors, too, checking in on the look of the lipstick after one, two, and three hours of wear without touch-up
- Potential to transfer: Nude lipsticks range from balmy creams to matte liquid formulas, with the former being more likely to transfer to glasses and mugs while you’re sipping. Many nude lipsticks claim to be smudge-proof, so our testers put those formulas to the test, assessing if the formula stayed put while eating and drinking, and also blotting our lips with a single-ply tissue to assess any transferring.
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Meet the Experts
Nikki DeRoest is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Ciele Cosmetics, a makeup brand focused on clean, acne-safe formulations. She’s known for her ‘it-girl’ clients and their undone, cool makeup looks.
Dom Della is a celebrity and editorial makeup artist who specializes in forward-thinking looks. Her celebrity clientele includes Becky G, Paris Jackson, Bebe Rexha, Noah Cyrus, Kris Jenner, and Demi Lovato, just to name a few.
Shayna Goldberg is known for her ‘cool girl’ clientele and her even cooler makeup looks. She’s synonymous with glowing skin and avant garde eye and lip choices.
Marc Reagan is a makeup artist and the executive director of global artistry and consumer experience at Bobbi Brown. He’s known for his passion for education and also his celebrity and editorial makeup looks.
Alexandra French is a groundbreaking makeup artist that has worked in editorial, runway, and television. She is known for her work on season two of HBO’s “Euphoria,” working with department head Donni Davy.
Meet the Authors
Kristin Limoges is a seasoned beauty writer specializing in skincare, haircare, fragrance, and makeup. With nearly a decade of expertise, she’s known for her thoughtful and thorough point of view. Her work can be seen at Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, InStyle, Byrdie, Bustle, Departures, and more. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Domino magazine, where she created and crafted the wellness vertical. Limoges’ extensive expertise in covering the beauty market informed the product selections on this list of the best nude lipsticks.
Writer Kristin Limoges tests nude lipstick to assess the finish, longevity, and wearability of the formula.
Kristin Limoges
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends. Sullivan contributed to the February 2025 update of this article on the best nude lipsticks.
