Let me just say that nude lipsticks really don't do it for me and they're like having a plain burger. That being said, I do know how important it is to have at least one or two in your arsenal. Nude lips are great for playing up drama in your eyes, they're great for work, and days when u want a barely there makeup look. The conundrum however, is finding the right nude for your shade. "Nude" in the makeup and fashion world really means white (I'm just keeping it 1-0-0) which means peach or beige. There aren't many makeup lines that recognize that black women exist in more than just two shades. (S/O to Covergirl Queen, Iman Cosmetics, Black Opal, Black Radiance, Fashion Fair, Sacha Cosmetics, and Bobbi Brown just to name a few). So when finding a nude keep the following things in mind:
1) Draw the Line
Regardless of what shades apply to you, you have to use a lip liner. It's non-negotiable. You can be in your feelings all you want about it but that's just the world we live in. A liner close to your color will create a smooth transition between your face and your lipstick. It will also create definition. A nude lip without definition will look like an anus on your face. Sorry not sorry.
2) Be True to Your Shade
Consider the undertones in your skin when looking at nudes, and not just warm or cool but the actual color.
Rosy beiges and warm pinks work well on fair skin
Warm pinks and warm beiges work for light skin with slightly olive undertones
Caramel tones darker than your skin work well for olive complexions with warm undertones
Dark or light nudes can work for olive complexions with cool undertones
Pink tones darker than your actual skin work for medium skin tones
Beige caramels tones work well for caramel colored girls
Warm peach tones work well for medium dark to dark complexions**
**Now let me just get on my soapbox for a minute. In nearly every article I read on this topic (trust me, when I say this white America doesn't know anything about us) the suggestion was that peach lipstick brings brightness to our faces. America, our faces are fine, please know that ignoring us does not make us shadows, black women are very much here and do not require brightening in order for you to see us. Thanks!
3) Give A Lot of Lip
Even when considering your shades still look at the color of your lip. If your lips are two-toned like mine, chances are you have a hard time deciding on a shade because you want them to both work. This is when your liner is going to come in handy because it will help you adjust the amount of color and help you rein it in when it feels like your bottom lip is taking all of the attention from your top.
4) You Gotta Finish!
Finish is important. If you aren't heavy into lipstick a sheer formula is an excellent choice. It'll give you that slight bit of color with that little bit of shine so it looks like something's on your mouth. A glossy finish works really well for a nighttime nude when you've got your updo going and your smoky eye smoldering. Finally, a matte nude lip can be a hit or a miss honestly. You really have to use your lip liner with a matte nude lip to avoid anus mouth. So really think about and play around with it.
I've included a link to a makeup artist I really enjoy and she has some recommendations for actual nude lipsticks you all may want to try! Jackie O/makeupgameonpoint (
Top NUDE Lips for WOC//DO's & DON'Ts! )
