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Lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip linersHelping You Find the Best
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Lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip linersHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

Nude lipstick is a classic look that never goes out of style. Although it's subtle, the right shade can work wonders, bringing out your natural features and giving you a healthy glow. You can wear nude lipstick on its own, mix it with other lipstick shades, top it with a gloss, and even use it as a blush if you're feeling creative. However, it's important to pick the right shade to suit your skin tone.  


If you're not sure where to start, we've compiled a list of the 10 best nude lipsticks, as well as a buying guide reviewed by a makeup artist that will walk you through how to choose your next go-to lipstick. For high pigmentation and long-lasting wear, our number one pick is Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. The shade Patina is a gorgeous dusty rose that will enhance your natural lip color. Check out the rest of our picks below!

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Nude Lipsticks

1

Stila

Stay All Day Liquid LipstickPatina
Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

All Day Long-Lasting Lipstick for Medium Skin Tones

2

Revlon

Super Lustrous LipstickChoco-Liscious
Super Lustrous Lipstick

Get the High-End Look With a Drugstore Lipstick

3

MAC

Matte LipstickVelvet Teddy
Matte Lipstick

A Versatile Nude Shade for Any Occasion

4

Marc Jacobs

Le Marc Lip CrèmeKiss Kiss Bang Bang
Le Marc Lip Crème

Luxurious Color and Moisture in One

5

Charlotte Tilbury

Matte Revolution LipstickPillow Talk Original
Matte Revolution Lipstick

A Nude That Suits Multiple Skin Tones

Natalya Lowe
Expert
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.

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mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Nude Lipstick - Buying Guide

Everyone knows that skin tone plays an important role when it comes to choosing a lipstick shade. However, there are many other things that should be considered before making your final decision. Below are some tips that you should know prior to buying.

1

Know Your Skin Tone

Know Your Skin Tone

There are five main skin tone types: fair, light, olive, medium, and deep. If you have fair or light skin tones, your biggest worry is looking washed out by a shade that's too light or too close to your skin color. Look for a lipstick with a hint of pink or peach to add some warmth. 


Olive skin tones have a range of options, from peachy coral shades, which accentuate your skin's golden tones, to caramel and taupe shades. The biggest thing to remember is to go slightly darker than your skin color to avoid looking like you're wearing concealer on your lips.


People with medium skin look great in shades that complement their natural bronze tones. Look for caramel with a bit of pink or a dusty rose. Deep skin tones look great with highly pigmented colors or sheer colors, depending on your preference. Avoid frosty and gray-toned colors and look for chocolate, golden, or mauve hues.

2

Check Your Skin Undertone

Check Your Skin Undertone

Skin undertone also plays an important role when you want to have the perfect nude shade. It's the color underneath your skin's surface. There are three main types of undertone: warm, cool, and neutral. 


How can you determine your skin undertone? There are many ways to check, but the most simple way is to observe the color of your veins. You have warm undertones if your veins look more green. On the other hand, you have cool undertones if your veins look purple or blue. You are neutral if you have a mixture of both.


In general, pick a shade that mimics your undertone. Choose warm shades for warm undertones and cool shades for cool undertones. If you're neutral, you can pick either one! It can be hard to tell the true undertones of a color online, so look for a manufacturer description or check reviews to see what users say.

3

Go One to Two Shades Darker Than Your Natural Lip Color

Go One to Two Shades Darker Than Your Natural Lip Color

To get that perfect natural nude effect, look for a lipstick that's one to two shades darker than your natural lip color. This will give your lips a boost without washing you out. Choosing a lip color that's too light can result in the dreaded corpse look!


To find the right color, think about the color of your cheeks when you blush, the color of your just-bitten lips, or the color of the inside of your lips. The goal isn't to match these colors exactly, but to find one that accentuates them.

4

Understand Lipstick Texture and Lasting Power

Understand Lipstick Texture and Lasting Power

There are six main textures and finishes of lipstick that are popular on the market. They are different in terms of look and lasting power. 


Gloss is the shiniest finish, adding a fresh glow to your look. It doesn't provide a lot of colors, but is often quite moisturizing and can make your lips look fuller. Gloss can be worn on its own for a simple summer look, or layered over more pigmented lipstick.


Sheer lipsticks provide a light wash of color that lets your natural lip color show through. They usually contain a higher oil content than other finishes. While this means that you'll need to reapply more often, they're also moisturizing and add a touch of shine.


A lip stain is designed to give you long-lasting color. They're highly pigmented and easy to layer. Some people find them to be more drying than other types of lipstick, but they can be a great option if you need color that will last all day long.


Cream lipsticks have a smooth texture with a hint of shine. They contain a higher proportion of wax to oil, so they stay on your lips for longer. They're often quite moisturizing and may contain additional nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E.


Matte lipsticks give you intense color without the shine. Due to the lower oil content, they're more likely to dry out your lips, so proper prep is important. However, the high pigmentation and velvety texture make them a classic.


Frosted lipsticks have lots of shimmer and can give your lips an icy or pearly look. Because of the added shimmer, they tend to be drying so definitely moisturize your lips before applying. To avoid frosted lipsticks from looking heavy-handed, try applying a light layer over a cream or matte lipstick.

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

Depending on what event you are going to or what is on the agenda, you should think about the best product to wear. Velvet matte lipsticks are solid wax products that are known to last a while but may have to be reapplied after a drink or dinner. Sheer lipsticks are solid pigmented lipsticks that need to be reapplied after a few hours to bring back that shine. 


Liquid matte lipsticks are known for their long-lasting properties, and they would be best for long days when you don't want to worry about touching up or smearing. If you don't need a lip to last all day and want to add some shine to your look - whether it be for photos, a meeting, a short date, or work - you can reach for a smooth lip product that adds moisture such as a gloss or regular cream lipstick.

5

Consider Lookalike Shades to Try Out New Colors

Consider Lookalike Shades to Try Out New Colors

If you're interested in trying a new shade but don't want to commit to a high-end brand, you can often find drugstore lookalikes. This is a great way to test out a variety of nudes to find your perfect match. Once you've found your ideal shade, you can then invest in a higher-end brand if desired.


You can usually find recommended lookalikes by searching for a product "dupe" on the internet. For example, if a magazine recommends a specific shade of MAC lipstick, do a search for a dupe of that color. 

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

To find the perfect lip shade, it is best to just try and wear the product to see how it looks on you! You don't want to go out and splurge on a ton of lip colors and find out that only one looks right for you.


Buying mini-sized or dupes would save you money when trying to find a perfect shade for your lip. A dupe is a duplicate of a higher-end product. The dupe may not be the best quality, but it's a great way to try new shades and saves us money in the long end. A mini-sized lip product would also be great to test out a certain lip product or color because there is not as much product to waste.

6

Don’t Forget to Check the Shelf Life

Don’t Forget to Check the Shelf Life

Many people don’t know that lipsticks have a shelf life, even if you think you can still use a lipstick you've ignored for years. In general, they have two years of shelf life for regular lipsticks and one year of shelf life for gloss lipsticks.


The United States doesn't require makeup to have an expiration date. However, in the European Union, makeup with a shelf life of fewer than 30 months is required to have an expiration date, so you may be able to find one on your packaging.


The most common indication is a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, which looks like a little open jar. This will contain a number, usually followed by an "M" and indicates how many months the product is good for after it's opened.


If your lipstick doesn't have a PAO symbol or expiration date, you can check for other signs, like a weird smell, chalky texture, and loss of color. 

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

Lipsticks don't contain any water, which means it does take longer for these products to go bad. But, there is a point where our favorite lip shade is not applying as well, lasting as long, or starts to smell. Lip products can start to grow bacteria as well and spoil. These products are applied to the lip daily, after all. 


An open wound or infection on the lip would be an example of why you should throw your products out after a certain amount of time. You don't want that bacteria to be applied on a healthy lip. Lip glosses have a higher chance of smelling over time because of the oils included in the ingredients.

7

Read the Ingredients if You're Prone to Skin Reactions

Read the Ingredients if You're Prone to Skin Reactions

Your lips are sensitive and if you're prone to skin irritation or allergic reactions from cosmetics, some lipstick may cause issues for you. Common irritants include fragrances and preservatives like parabens, Phenoxyethanol, and formaldehyde. When in doubt, try testing the lipstick on a discreet patch of skin before wearing it.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Nude Lipsticks

Here are the 10 best nude lipsticks in a variety of colors, formulas, textures, and ingredients. We've included a range of products to suit all skin tones and undertones so you can find your perfect shade!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Stila

Stay All Day Liquid LipstickPatina

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick 1

All Day Long-Lasting Lipstick for Medium Skin Tones

2

Revlon

Super Lustrous LipstickChoco-Liscious

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick 1

Get the High-End Look With a Drugstore Lipstick

3

MAC

Matte LipstickVelvet Teddy

MAC Matte Lipstick 1

A Versatile Nude Shade for Any Occasion

4

Marc Jacobs

Le Marc Lip CrèmeKiss Kiss Bang Bang

Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crème 1

Luxurious Color and Moisture in One

5

Charlotte Tilbury

Matte Revolution LipstickPillow Talk Original

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick 1

A Nude That Suits Multiple Skin Tones

6

NYX

Butter GlossGinger Snap

NYX Butter Gloss 1

Go With a Gloss for Extra Shine

7

Milani

Color Statement LipstickTeddy Bare

Milani Color Statement Lipstick 1

Cruelty-Free and Lightly Scented

8

L'Oreal Paris

Colour Riche LipcolourFairest Nude

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour 1

Bring Out Your Natural Beauty

9

RMS Beauty

Lip2CheekIllusive

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek 1

A Muti-Use Lipstick With Organic Ingredients

10

Honest Beauty

Lip CrayonChestnut

Honest Beauty Lip Crayon 1

Create a Soft and Sheer Look

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Stila
Stay All Day Liquid LipstickPatina

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$18.70
High Mid
Reference price
$18.70
High Mid

All Day Long-Lasting Lipstick for Medium Skin Tones

Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick provides full-coverage color. The formula is lightweight with a creamy feel that dries down to a matte finish. It provides a very long-lasting pigment that can stay put for up to 12 hours. It's infused with vitamin E and avocado oil to help moisturize your lips.


The shade is described as a dusty rose that can be worn by most skin tones. However, it best suits medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. This lipstick is free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 


Some reviewers found the shade to be too purple or gray for their skin. Others warned that the formula is drying; reviewers often paired it with a balm or gloss to help prevent this. For the most part, people love this lipstick, saying that it's super long-lasting and smudge-proof!

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No.2

Revlon
Super Lustrous LipstickChoco-Liscious

Reference price
$4.78
Low Mid

Get the High-End Look With a Drugstore Lipstick

Super Lustrous is one of the best-selling Revlon lipstick lines. The lightweight formula contains moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and avocado oil. The use of microfine color pigments means the lipstick is smooth, creamy, and easy to blend. It's also free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.


Choco-liscious is a brown shade with a pearly finish that suits deeper skin tones. Pair it with a lip liner for extra staying power or add a gloss on top for more shine.


Some reviewers said this lipstick can be streaky. Many wished that it had better staying power. However, most reviewers said this is an excellent product for the price. They found the formula to be moisturizing and said the rich color works beautifully as a nude shade for dark skin.

No.3

MAC
Matte LipstickVelvet Teddy

Reference price
$19.00
High Mid

A Versatile Nude Shade for Any Occasion

This pinkish brown shade best suits people who have fair skin and warm undertones. The color is highly pigmented and long-wearing. However, since it’s a matte lipstick, the formula may be drying.


Velvet Teddy can be worn for any occasion whether you’re going to the grocery store, meeting up with friends, having job interviews, or even going out to parties. Before applying this lipstick, we suggest that you scrub and moisturize your lips in order to get the perfect finish.


The main complaint reviewers had was that this lipstick is quite drying. Some said it's so dry in the tube that it's hard to apply. On the other hand, many reviewers found the pigmentation to be excellent and said this lipstick lasts a long time. They thought the Velvet Teddy shade was beautiful and flattering.

No.4

Marc Jacobs
Le Marc Lip CrèmeKiss Kiss Bang Bang

Reference price
$38.75
High Mid

Luxurious Color and Moisture in One

The texture of Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crème is very creamy, smooth, and moisturizing. It's a cream lipstick but provides long-lasting wear that can be compared to matte lipsticks. It contains concentrated pigments for vibrant color and nourishing ingredients like seaberry and cocoa butter.


Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a natural rosy pink color with a brown undertone, best suits olive and medium skin tones as well as neutral undertones. Priyanka Chopra wore this lipstick at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, and she looked absolutely stunning. 


This lipstick got consistently high marks from reviewers. They said it has a good color payoff and a creamy texture that applies smoothly. They found that it was super long-lasting, despite its texture, and said it even lasted through drinking!

No.5

Charlotte Tilbury
Matte Revolution LipstickPillow Talk Original

Reference price
$34.00
High Mid

A Nude That Suits Multiple Skin Tones

This classic nude pink shade is the best selling of all Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks! It has become the favorite lipstick of many celebrities, especially those who have fair and light skin like Nicole Kidman, Emma Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow.


The texture is creamy, pigmented, and long-lasting with a velvet matte finish. It's the perfect shade that suits all skin tones and can be used at any age. Pillow Talk Medium, a warm berry-pink shade. was launched after the success of Pillow Talk Original. This shade best suits medium to dark skin tones.


Reviewers who didn't like this lipstick said it was drying or wore off too quickly and got patchy. Some warned that it's orange-toned rather than a true pink. Still, the majority of reviewers said the color was gorgeous and perfect for everyday wear. They liked the formula, which goes on creamy and smooth and dries to a matte finish.

No.6

NYX
Butter GlossGinger Snap

Reference price
$4.97
Low Mid

Go With a Gloss for Extra Shine

NYX's Butter Gloss is a luxurious lip gloss that delivers sheer to medium color. It's smooth and creamy without being sticky and leaves your lips looking shiny and plump. It moisturizes like a balm, smooths like a butter, and last but not least, is cruelty-free.


Ginger snap is a rich chocolate brown color that's well-suited to deeper skin tones. However, since it's a gloss with less coverage than a lipstick, it can also be used on lighter skin tones. Wear it on its own or layer it over your favorite lipstick.


Some reviewers were disappointed in how quickly this lip gloss wears off. Others warned that the color is more brown in real life than in the images online. However, the majority of reviewers loved this gloss, especially people with darker skin. They said it applies smoothly and is very moisturizing!

No.7

Milani
Color Statement LipstickTeddy Bare

Reference price
$4.97
Low Mid

Cruelty-Free and Lightly Scented

This cruelty-free lipstick from Milani has a soft, lightweight feel and creamy texture, so it's easy to swipe on in seconds. The nourishing formula contains vitamin C and vitamin A, which both have antioxidant properties. And it has a sweet scent and taste.


The color is described as a medium brown with a hint of soft pink. It's a perfect nude for people with darker skin tones and warm or neutral undertones. Pair it with a soft eye look for everyday wear or a bold smokey eye for a night out.


Some reviewers warned that the color in real life differs from the pictures, while others found the formula to be drying. However, many reviewers said this color is gorgeous and applies smoothly. People with darker skin tones said it's a beautiful nude, while those with lighter skin tones used this as a fall lip color.

No.8

L'Oreal Paris
Colour Riche LipcolourFairest Nude

Reference price
$5.36
Low Mid

Bring Out Your Natural Beauty

L'Oreal Paris' Colour Riche line combines vibrant colors with a hydrating formula. Vitamin E, argan oil, and sesame seed oil work to keep your lips nourished and moisturized. The satin finish falls somewhere between cream and matte, so it's not too shiny and not too flat. And the formula is designed to prevent bleeding and feathering.


Fairest Nude is a pinky beige shade that works well on fair and light skin for a "your lips but better" look. It would make a great everyday lipstick, but can also be amped up with a shimmery gloss for a more eye-catching look.


Some reviewers said this lipstick feels drying or gritty. Others said it doesn't last for very long, so you have to reapply often. On the other hand, many reviewers said this shade is the perfect versatile nude for lighter skin tones. They said it applies smoothly and can be mixed with other lipstick colors to change up your look.

No.9

RMS Beauty
Lip2CheekIllusive

Reference price
$36.00
High Mid

A Muti-Use Lipstick With Organic Ingredients

RMS Beauty's Lip2Cheek is unique in that it can be used on both lips and cheeks to add a flush of color. It's a creamy, buildable formula that works like a stain or tint. It contains organic ingredients including coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. And it's gluten-free and cruelty-free too!


Illusive has a matte finish and is a beautiful burnt rose color with purple hues. It provides a natural finish that looks best with dark skin and cool undertones. RMS Beauty recommends applying it sparingly using your fingers or a brush.


Some reviewers found this lipstick to be quite dry and said it was hard to apply. Others warned that it hardens in cold temperatures and doesn't regain its creaminess. However, many reviewers loved this color, saying that it's super versatile. They said a little product goes a long way. And they appreciated the recyclable packaging!

No.10

Honest Beauty
Lip CrayonChestnut

Reference price
$8.99
Mid

Create a Soft and Sheer Look

This sheer, soft, and lightweight lip crayon provides a natural and satin finish. The co-founder, Jessica Alba, focuses on making cruelty-free and eco-friendly cosmetics, so all products are free from parabens, phthalates, paraffin, silicones, talc, petroleum, and mineral oils.


The key ingredients are murumuru butter, coconut oil, and shea butter, which help moisturize dry lips and are gentle on sensitive skin. The crayon-style design is convenient to throw in a bag and easy to apply.


The main complaint reviewers had about this lip crayon is that it's not very long-lasting and tends to smudge. Some found the color to be too sheer for their liking. Still, many other reviewers said the Chestnut shade gave their natural lip color a boost and wasn't too dark for lighter skin tones. They also appreciated how moisturizing it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer a commonly-asked question about nude lipsticks.

How do I choose a nude lipstick for dusky skin?

Natalya says, "For those with a dark or dusky skin tone, the best nude lip would be a rich brown. You want a nude lip that will make your complexion glow. A nude lip with a orange or warm chocolate brown would also look flattering on the skin. 


You want to drown the natural pink color of your lip with a warmer tone nude lip. A nude lip should never be too pink or too orange, or even too ashy. Dark nudes with beige or a berry tone are great on dusky-colored skin tones. The deeper your skin tone, the deeper your nude lip should be. We want to enhance our natural lip, not drown it out."

Top 5 Nude Lipsticks

No. 1: StilaStay All Day Liquid LipstickPatina

No. 2: RevlonSuper Lustrous LipstickChoco-Liscious

No. 3: MACMatte LipstickVelvet Teddy

No. 4: Marc JacobsLe Marc Lip CrèmeKiss Kiss Bang Bang

No. 5: Charlotte TilburyMatte Revolution LipstickPillow Talk Original

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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