My Top 6 Nude Lipsticks
I hate to call myself a creature of habit, but when it comes to my lipsticks, I definitely seem to go with either a strong red, or a retro nude. However, when your skintone veers a little towards the yellow zone, finding the right nude lipstick can be a nightmare. Some are too pink, others are ashy and others just make you look dead. Here are six of my favourite nude lipsticks plus how to make them even more wearable.
Chanel Rouge Allure Ink in Amoureux worn with MAC Cosmetics Spice Lip Liner
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturising Lip Colour Balm in Curviest Caramel, £18.50
I am not a Clinique fan - never have been - but I think I saw this Chubby Stick in a magazine and I loved how it sounded so creamy and smooth, so I thought I should try it. I absolutely love this shade; although it’s called Curviest Caramel, again, it’s a distinctly pinky nude, so there’s none of that ghoulish glow when it’s on my yellow-toned skin. This is a repeat purchase and I really need to try some other shades. (You’ve probably spotted that it’s missing from the photographs accompanying this blog, but my Chubby Stick is looking super tattered. Still in use, but, she’s a mess!)
Also shown, my favourite YSL lipstick: Rouge Pur Couture in No.10
MAC Spice Lip Pencil, £14
Okay, so it’s not a nude lipstick but this lip liner is perfect for using all over, or with any of your favourite nude lipsticks. It’s got a slight ‘90s vibe to it, as it’s quite a pink/brick-toned nude. I think it’s a liner that pretty much works on every single skintone. Try it solo or check out my finishing touches below.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Hot Gossip, £16
I might be reaching here, but I reckon Charlotte Tilbury’s lip liners are the best liners out there. There’s something about how her Lip Cheats glide on, making it easier to draw outside your natural line when you fancy a fuller lip look. Because of it’s almost creamy formula, it’s a great liner for doing the all-over thing, as it won’t drag your lips or make them look dry. I chose Hot Gossip because it is the perfect warm, rosy nude – a great suits-all tone. Based on this I’m seriously considering investing in all of the other colours. LOVE it.
MDM Flow New Nude Matte, £19
When I need my nude to be matte, this is the go-to. It’s on the cooler side, but I like how it gives me a sixties-glam vibe. Amazing teamed with thick, black winged eyeliner and a retro cut crease. If you want a blend-able matte that works with darker lip liners too, this is definitely a DO.
MAC Cosmetics Patent Polish Lip Pencil in It’s Really Me, £18
This product is pretty similar to the Clinique Chubby Stick; it’s a warm-toned nude that goes on super smooth and makes a 5-minute face a breeze. The colour hugs your lips and leaves them defined with a subtle sheen.
Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour in 140 Amoureux, £31
This is one of those shades that looks like a delicate, pretty pink in the tube, but on my skin, it’s a creamy, just-on-the-right-side-of-cool nude. If I wear it alone, it’s definitely a warmer pale pink, but most of the time I’ll team it with one of my nude-ish MAC Cosmetics Lip Liners – Spice (see below) is a good match for warming it up and Strip Down offers more depth, especially if you want to create a slightly ‘90s lip. (Sorry, I couldn’t find this when I was prepping the shoot. Of course, I found it as soon as I’d finished… DUH.)
Glossier Balm Dotcom in Original, which is fragrance-free
Finishing touches:
Try a shimmering lipgloss over a nude lippy or lip liner – Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow is PERFECT and it smells so good.
If matte nude lipsticks or wearing lip liner all over is a sure way to dry your lips out, try any of Glossier’s Balm Dotcom shades; I love adding a hint of Cherry over nude as the slight red tint warms up the colour, plus the formula is ultra nourishing, especially at this time of year. Birthday is also a good shout as it smells amazing, goes on clear and has the sheerest hint of sparkle.
What’s your fave nude lipstick? Or are you more of a red girl? Let me know in the comments or pop over to my Instagram!