Finding the right nude lipstick is as satisfying as pulling on a perfectly fitted pair of jeans – and just about as elusive as that scenario too.
Nude is a spectrum rather than a shade, so when it comes to finding your match there’s plenty to consider. Aside from whether you’re after a matte or glossy finish, liquid lip or classic bullet, your skin tone, undertone and preferred lip look all come into play.
For some, the right nude could be a cooler, chocolatey shade, while others may consider a pinky-beige more ripe for the picking.
To help you on your search, we’ve rounded up a list of the most popular nude lipstick picks, from deep caramel mattes to pearlescent washes of mauve…
NYX Butter Gloss in ‘Gingersnap’
Youtuber Nyma Tang, famously known for her ‘the darkest shade’ series (where she tests the darkest foundation shade available in a brand’s range), named this $10 Priceline steal as one of her favourite nudes of all time.
“This gloss is so pretty, it’s like, the perfect brown gloss for those everyday simple makeup [looks]. Pop it on and you’re good to go.”
$9.95 at priceline.com.au
NARS Dolce Vita
Priyanka Chopra cited this shade as one of her favourite lipsticks in an interview with The New York Times. The shade is borderline plum, with a rosey-brown pigment that looks stunning on both warm and cool tones, standing out in contrast when it comes to the latter.
$42 at mecca.com.au
Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk
There’s a reason this cult-favourite is always a sell-out. It’s pink-to-purple undertone compliments a variety of skin tones, but it’s one that looks different on everyone. A definite try before you buy, but if it’s right, you’ll never need another.
$49 at charlottetilbury.com/au
Tom Ford Sable Smoke
A favourite of model Lily Aldridge, this warm beige is a great choice for olive complexions. Not too dark, not too light and looks great on warm skin tones.
$72 at davidjones.com
CHANEL Rouge Allure 174 Rouge Angélique
Makeup artist Pati Dubroff calls this the ‘perfect shade of natural’ and as such, it’s been worn by Margot Robbie many times. So if you look like the actress, firstly, congrats, secondly, this satin-finish favourite is likely to become your BFF.
$56 at myer.com.au
M.A.C Velvet Teddy
Fans of a ‘90s-esque nude-brown lip will tell you nothing beats Velvet Teddy. The deep-tone beige matte has zero traces of pink, making it a slightly bolder choice for fair skin tones, and a match made in heaven for olive tones.
$30 at maccosmetics.com.au
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in ‘Bombshell’
A favourite among Asian complexions with a golden to yellow undertone, this liquid lip is the just the right shade of pinky-beige. The ultra-pigmented, opaque finish will last you through from coffee to cocktails too.
$35 at sephora.com.au
