9 Foolproof Ways To Discover Your Signature Nude Lipstick

This post is all about how to find your perfect nude lipstick!

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Finding the perfect nude lipstick can feel like searching for the unicorn sometime! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent way too much money on nude shades that looked amazing in the tube or perfect on someone else, but underwhelming on you.

After many trials and errors (and a makeup drawer full of “almost right” options), I’ve learned tips and tricks on how to spot that perfect nude shade that enhances your natural lip while still giving you that polished “I woke up like this but better” glow.

Whether you prefer a matte lipstick that stays put all day or a creamy formula that feels luxurious, these tips will help you find the right nude shade without wasting any more cash on products that just collect dust.

How To Find Your Holy Grail Nude Lipstick

1. Consider Your Skin’s Undertone

The most common lipstick mistake? Ignoring your undertones! If you have warm undertones (yellow/goldenrod ), look for peachy or honey-toned nudes that compliment your natural warmth.

For cool undertones (pink/blue), mauve or rose-tinted nudes work best to enhance your natural coloring. If you have an olive skin tone, try nude shades with subtle beige-brown or terracotta undertones to avoid lipsticks that can make your complexion appear sallow.

Neutral undertones are the lucky ones because you can usually wear a wider range of nude shades successfully. Pay attention to how the formula looks against your skin tone rather than how pretty it looks in the package.

2. Match Your Natural Lip Color, Not Your Skin

The most flattering nude shouldn’t match your skin tone exactly (that’s what gives you that dreaded “concealer lips” look). Instead aim for a shade that’s similar to your natural lip color but slightly enhanced.

Try looking for a lipstick that’s 1-2 shades deeper than your natural lip tone for that “my lips but better” effect. The best nude lipsticks enhance your natural beauty rather mask it completely.

3. Use The Fingertip Test

Not sure where to start? Try this makeup secret! Compare potential nude shades to the color of your pinched fingertips, which often closely resembles your natural lip color.

Press your fingertip until it turns color slightly, then release. That flush of color is a great indicator of what will harmonize with your natural coloring. When a nude lipstick compliments this shade, it tends to look naturally flattering.

4. Try Before You Buy

I know it’s tempting to grab that gorgeous nude shade based on how it looks in its packaging, but whenever possible, test lipsticks directly on your lips rather than your hand or wrist. The pigmentation of your lips significantly affect how colors appear.

Many brands now offer rubbing alcohol and disposable applicators for hygienic testing. The extra few minutes spent testing will save you from adding another “not quite right” lipstick to your collection.

5. Check In Different Lighting

That nude that looks perfect under the store’s fluorescent lighting might appear completely different in natural daylight or evening lighting. When possible, apply a swatch and then step outside or check in a different light source before purchasing.

Many of the best nude lipsticks can shift dramatically depending on lighting conditions. Take a selfie in natural light, warm light, and cool light to see how the shade truly photographs before committing!

6. Consider Your Makeup Style

Your perfect nude lipstick should complement your overall makeup approach. If you typically rock bold eye makeup, you might prefer a more understated nude that doesn’t compete for attention.

For minimal eye looks, you can opt for a slightly more defined nude lip with a bit more punch. In terms of formula, a long-wearing formula isn’t always necessary for every occasion. While it may be perfect for all-day events or when you don’t want to worry about reapplying, they can sometimes feel drying on the lips compared to more hydrating options.

The finish is also something you may want to consider. A satin lipstick provides a subtle sheen that can make lips appear fuller and more hydrated, ideal for everyday wear or when your lips need moisture, while a matte finish creates a more dramatic, polished look that pairs beautifully with glowy skin and can help your nude shade appear more sophisticated for formal occasions.

Whether you gravitate toward creamy or long-lasting formulas, the most important factor is finding the right balance for your personal style and the specific makeup look you’re creating.

7. Layer Different Products

Sometimes the perfect nude comes from combining products rather than finding a single holy grail. Try using a lip liner slightly darker than your lipstick to create definition while maintaining that nude look.

You can also layer different shades or add a complementary gloss to adjust the finish and tone. Many makeup artists create custom shades this way, allowing you to fine-tune exactly how your lips look with products you already own.

8. Adjust For The Season

Did you know you might need a slightly different nude in summer versus winter? As your skin tone subtly changes with the seasons, so should your nude lipstick selection.

Generally, warmer nudes work better with summer tans, while rosier nudes complement winter complexions. The formula might change too. Perhaps a more hydrating option in colder months when lips tend to be drier. Having a small range of nude options allows you to adjust throughout the year.

9. Consider Your Lip Texture And Condition

The perfect nude lipstick isn’t just about color, it’s also about how it interacts with your actual lip texture. If you have dry or lined lips, a highly matte formula might accentuate every crack and flake.

Instead, opt for a cream or satin lipstick with a hydrating formula that will glide smoothly over imperfections. For those with very pigmented lips, you might need a more opaque formula to achieve your desired nude shade.

Pay attention to how different formulations settle into your unique lip texture throughout the day. Some nudes look perfect upon application but can settle into lines or dry patches hours later. The best nude lipsticks maintain their appearance on your lips throughout wear, not just in the first five minutes after application.

Finding your perfect nude might take some experimentation, but once you discover that magical shade that enhances your natural beauty while still looking effortlessly chic, you’ll understand why so many beauty enthusiasts are obsessed with finding “the one.” The right nude lipstick becomes that go-to product you reach for constantly, whether you’re heading to work, going on a date, or just want to feel put-together while running errands.

What’s your favorite nude lipstick? Have you found the perfect shade, or are you still searching? Let me know in the comments!