Proving that nude never means boring, each of these bestselling lipsticks does far more than provide the perfect compliment to our ever-changing makeup looks. Packed with pigment, infused with moisturising ingredients and unique in each of their tones, textures and finishes, it’s easy to see why our love affair with nude shades lasted way beyond their Nineties resurgence. Now with nude lipstick shades to suit every single skin tone, there’s no denying how integral the perfect match is in our daily routines - whether we’re baring all come day or night.
The rumours are true: the best nude lipstick for dark skin probably won’t be the best nude lipstick for fair skin. With each skin tone on the spectrum boasting a unique undertone, it’s likely you’ll need to select your perfect nude based on this. You might see the words warm, cool and neutral used a lot to help you narrow down your undertone, but what does it mean? Those with cooler undertones are likely to suit silver jewellery more, and their visible veins might look more blue or purple through the skin, while warmer toned people suit gold jewellery more. Their visible veins may also be more on the green side. Neutral? A mix of both.
When you’re looking for any lipstick - not just nude - aim for shades that compliment your undertone. For example, deeper skins with a warm undertone, nude browns are your best shout, whereas paler complexions may suit a more rosy nude.
Power Bullet Matte Lipstick
Shade: Prom Night
Best for: Staying power
Our go-to nude matte lipstick. With creamy application and a bold matte finish, Huda takes us from desk to dancefloor in seconds - all with ultra comfortable wear thanks to a hydrating hit of Sweet Almond Oil. Helping us leave our chapsticks at home, we can still count on this smudge-proof and bleed-proof formula to last the whole night long. With a host of cool and warm-toned shades to choose from, every skin tone is covered.
In your words: “Absolutely love these lipsticks. The formula, look and feel are all spot on. They’re not drying at all and are intensely pigmented.” - Ambrin, Customer Review
I Need Nude Lipstick
Shade: Claudia
Best for: A hydration hit
Not just the queen of eyeshadow palettes, Natasha Denona’s lipsticks are also a makeup bag must-have. Enter this creamy nude lipstick, which promises a perfect match for all skin tones. Packing in the pigment and hydration, there’s no dry lip in the house whenever we apply (or reapply). To make this beautiful formula last even longer, we recommend using one of Natasha Denona’s lip liners for locking your look in.
In your words: “I have a very fair complexion and so struggle to find nudes that work for me, but this colour is beautiful and, on the occasions I’ve worn it, I’ve received lots of compliments. The formula is very easy wearing, very comfortable. After a long time of wear I do notice some gathering of product on the inner lip, but nothing abnormal. Will be purchasing more shades soon!” - Evangeline, Customer Review
Cream Lip Stain Matte Liquid Lipstick
Shade: Warm Kiss
Best for: Long-lasting colour payoff
There’s no brand we trust more to deliver high quality, high impact colour than our very own Sephora Collection - and this nude matte lipstick is no exception. Although you might usually turn to these bestselling stains for your bright and bold lip, each nude shade boasts the same velvety, plush finish that lasts all day long. Taking us from day to night in a flash, we recommend Warm Kiss for everyday, topping up with a deeper rose shade like Vintage Rosewood for a more vampy, nighttime payoff.
In your words: “Love this product!!! Tints my lips a beautiful neutral colour that’s stays then I’ll use chapstick to help hydrate when needed. Colour stays on a long time!! Love this!!!!” - Customer Review
The Look of Love K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
Shade: Nude Romance
Best for: Creamy application
We might all know Charlotte Tilbury for her iconic Pillow Talk lippie, but this beautifully formulated nude shade is just as impressive. Touted as a universally flattering peachy nude, we find it works well with just about any skin tone, but those on the paler side might find the finish a little richer. Whenever we’re getting ready for Sunday brunches and summer weddings, this is our go-to nude. Just make sure you have one in your bag, at work, and at home - just like Sara.
In your words: “I’ve purchased three just so I can have one at work, one in my bag, and one in my house. I can’t be without it! It’s definitely a brown like the description says but there’s a little berry in there too that goes really well with my cool, clear skin tone.” - Sara, Customer Review
Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
Shade: Bubblerum 09
Best for: Lip care - lipstick hybrid
If you’re a fan of the Fenty gloss family, then you’ll love this nourishing nude lipstick. Made to feel as comfortable as your favourite pair of jeans, this sheer shade is an effortless way to add more volume to your lips. The best part? You’ll never need a mirror for application, but you’ll always look cool and collected. Each swipe is also infused with the nourishing ingredients of a lip balm - like Pomegranate Oil - making it the perfect handbag essential. Whatever your plans, keep this handy for a mesmerising shine.
In your words: “Best lipstick I’ve had in years! Colour is fabulous. Can build to make it brighter, perfect amount of shine, ingredients are moisturising, and it lasts!” - Lisa, Customer Review
Original Me Clean High Performance Matte Lipstick
Shade: Loveable Me
Best for: Feeling comfortable
There’s nothing more iconic than Gwen Stefani’s red lip, but her nude shade, Loveable Me, has quickly become a fan favourite for its super comfortable, pigmented formula. Powered by the highest quality, vegan ingredients that don’t fade or feather, one swipe application is all you need to enjoy a long-lasting colour impact. The brand’s top tip? Start in the centre of your lips - not the edge - for the most even coverage.
In your words: “I am absolutely in love with the formula of these lipsticks. I would consider them a comfort matte because that’s what they are, the most comfortable matte you could possibly wear. You get a beautiful opaque colour without having to try and build it up. And the application is super easy as well. The lasting power is great, too! I love that they have extended the shade range because Loveable Me is my new favourite nude shade.” - Customer Review
Rouge a Levres Mat
Shade: They Met in Argentina
Best for: A touch of luxe
Gucci creates, and we love. At the top of our list? This nude brown lipstick that brings the classic back into beauty. Housed in packaging we’d never want to throw away, first impressions are accurate here. Timelessly formulated, every shade from this matte, high impact line is inspired by iconic Hollywood movies and characters - including each ultra pigmented nude. And if you’re looking for a nude that we wear for *extra* special occasions, look no further than here.
In your words: “I must say this is one of the best traditional lipsticks I’ve ever tried! I normally am a liquid matte lipstick kinda girl, however these are extremely long wear for a bullet lipstick. This stays very well even through eating and drinking with no lip primer underneath. I recently wore this to a wedding and only touched up my lips once after eating and to be honest I probably didn’t even need that. Also the packaging is beautiful as to be expected from Gucci. Overall, definitely worth the money!” - Larissa, Customer Review