Nude Lips for Skin of Color

by Danielle on Tuesday August 24th 2010



A nude lip color is the perfect companion for heavy eye makeup or just a simple all-around “I’m naturally this good looking” understated look. But “nude” is totally dependent on an individual’s skin tone and not everyone can wear a light creme beige as their nude. I’ve put together a quick guide with a few shade suggestions to help you find your nude. Check it out.

Nude lip color tips:
1. Be sure your lips are properly exfoliated (rub a wet toothbrush over your lips) and moisturized (Chapstick will do, but for super-dry lips try Clinique All About Lips orElizabeth Arden 8 Hour Skin Protectant).
2. Add color somewhere on your face to avoid looking washed out. A natural makeup look with tones that mirror your skin tone is pretty, but add a bright blush or eye color to liven things up.

Bobbi Brown (abbreviated below as BB) is a great line to start with when looking for your perfect nude. Many of Bobbi’s looks are based on “natural” pretty makeup so many nudes across the color spectrum are included in the line.

Light Olive Skin: (think Kim Kardashian) BB Uber Beige, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone
Olive Skin: (think Padma Lakshmi) BB Brownie Pink or Brown, MAC Lipstick in Cherish, MAC Lipstick in Taupe



Tan/Golden Skin: (think Jennifer Lopez to Beyonce) BB Brownie or Beige, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone, MAC Lipstick in Fresh Brew, MAC Lisptick in Velvet Teddy, MAC Lipstick in Half N’ Half
Caramel Skin: (think Halle Berry to Queen Latifah) BB Golden Brown or Heather Mauve, MAC Lipstick in Fresh Brew, MAC Lipstick in Siss, MAC Lipstick in Stay in Touch, MAC Lipstick in Touch


Dark Skin: (think Nia Long to Gabrielle Union) BB Cocoa, MAC Lustreglass in Trance Plant, MAC Lipstick in Icon, MAC Lipstick in Shitaki, NARS Lipgloss in Hustler, MAC Lipstick in Coconutty
Deep Skin: (think Kelly Rowland to Alek Wek) BB Hot Cocoa or Chocolate, MAC Lipstick in Coconutty, MAC Lustreglass in Trance Plant