12 Nude-Pink Lipsticks That Are Totally “Worth It”
Everyone needs their perfect nude-pink shade.
Everyone needs their perfect nude-pink shade.
Nude-pink lipstick is what we’d consider a makeup essential. There are a few reasons for this, but ultimately, it boils down to versatility—there’s no makeup look that doesn’t pair well with a soft nude lip. It works for any occasion, from casual days in the office to nights out with friends. Once you find your most flattering match, you may find that your nude lipstick becomes one of the products you reach for most frequently.
Of course, there’s a catch—and in this case, it’s finding the right shade for your skin tone and undertones. That may sound simple, but once you start shopping around, you’ll find that there are more pinkish-nude lipstick shades than you could ever possibly swatch. So, we’re here to help simplify your search.
Here, we’ll offer some tips on how to pick the right nude-pink shade for your skin tone and undertones (and if you don’t know how to find your undertones, we’ll help you with that, too). Then, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite rosy-nude lipsticks for every skin tone. Keep reading to find your new everyday essential.
When reaching for a nude-pink lipstick, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, you should aim to pick a shade that closely matches the color of your natural lips. Avoid going lighter, as a too-light shade can make you look washed out. Also important, however, is choosing a pink lipstick with the right undertones.
While your skin tone refers to how fair or deep your skin is, undertone describes your skin’s underlying tint (warm, neutral, or cool). It can sometimes be tricky to determine your undertone, but here’s a technique that we’ve found useful. First, get yourself into some clear, natural lighting. Then, take a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear purple or blue, you likely have cool undertones, while a greenish tint points to warmer undertones. A mix of the two, meanwhile, typically suggests neutral undertones (meaning you’re neither warm nor cool). If you’re still unsure, we recommend checking out our article Skin Undertones 101: How to Determine If You Have Warm, Neutral, or Cool Undertones for a more in-depth guide on determining your undertones.
One swipe of this classic nude pink shade is all you need for bold, matte color. The dusty rose tones of this lipstick beautifully complement cool fair- and medium-toned skin. We love that the long-lasting lipstick comes in a slim bullet for precise application—and that the velvety color stays in place for hours without feathering or bleeding.
If you’re looking for a dark pink nude lipstick, this soft brick hue is a must-try. On fairer skin tones, it reads as a soft brownish-red, while on deeper skin it’s the perfect pinkish-nude shade. Wear it alone for a soft matte finish, or pair it with clear lip gloss for a high-shine nude lip look.
For the most convincing nude lip look, you’ll want to reach for lipsticks that have the same undertones as your skin (in other words, cool shades for cool skin and warmer tones for warm skin). That’s why this bronzy pink with hints of warm coral is a perfect match for those with warmer skin tones. The summery shade beautifully brings out the underlying gold tones in your skin for an ultra-flattering and natural-looking finish.
Ultra-fair skin pairs beautifully with mauve tones, like this dusty pinkish-nude shade. Pair the velvety matte formula with medium-coverage foundation and concealer for an effortless no-makeup-makeup look, or use it to anchor and ground a bold, smoky eye look—either way, it’ll look flawless.
If you prefer your nude lipstick with a slightly more satiny finish, try this rosy nude shade. The creamy formula offers lasing pigment and shine in a single swipe, while the soft, bronzed pink hue flatters an array of skin tones, from light warms to medium neutrals.
For a matte finish that won’t leave your lips feeling dry, reach for this cool-toned lippie. The soft pink lipstick perfectly straddles the line between pink and nude, with a vibrant rosy finish that still reads natural-looking on those with fairer neutral and cool skin.
If you have olive skin, ditch the cool-toned lipsticks and reach for something a little warmer, like this vivid salmon hue. The shade’s subtle orange hints play beautifully against the warmer tones in your skin, and the formula’s non-drying finish provides a soft, smudge-proof finish.
When you want something a little bit less pink, reach for this rosewood lipstick. With a warm, brown undertone and powdery-matte finish, this creamy lippie is the perfect nude lipstick for warm olive skin.
Customize your nude to your liking with this balm-lipstick hybrid, which offers luminous, buildable color. The unique formula contains 92% natural-origin ingredients*, including pomegranate extract, and helps hydrate the lips for softer, smoother-feeling lips over time.
*We consider an ingredient to be natural-origin if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from its original natural source.
When you can’t decide between a nude lip and a red lip, reach for this indulgent hue. It’s a deep, rich pink with the slightest golden undertones and pairs beautifully with fair and deeper skin tones alike.
If you need proof that nude lipstick can be impactful, this is it. The satiny, cranberry shade offers vibrant color with a natural-looking finish, making it ideal for both soft and bolder makeup looks. We love how this deeper pink shade looks against medium skin tones, but it’s also a match made in heaven for those with fairer warm skin.
In the tube, this satin-finish lipstick looks far more brown than pink. But when paired with deeper skin tones, the buttery shade offers just the right amount of rosy tones to read as the perfect deep pinkish-nude lipstick—which is why it’s a staple in our collections.
Next: The Ultimate L’Oréal Paris Lipstick Guide
Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris
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