Beauty

10 Timeless Nude Lipsticks for Women of Color

The best nude lipstick shade for you is one that closely resembles your skin. However, shopping for a nude lipstick that compliments dark skin women can be challenging. That’s because often, nude lip color comes in different shades of beige. This may be very close to the skin color of Caucasian and most Asian women, but on women of color, they tend to look somewhat ashy, pasty, and fake.

As a woman of color, I know exactly how frustrating this can be. That’s why I took it upon myself to try several nude lipstick shades from different brands to find those that best complement colored women’s skin, depending on your skin tone. Keep reading for 10 nude lipsticks for women of color, tested by yours truly.

Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in Ashton

This nude lipstick works great if your skin is on the slightly paler brown side. What I like about this is that it's got a thick consistency, so it covers your lip really well with just one application. It's also long-lasting, so you don't have to keep on retouching it throughout the day.

Since this has a matte finish, it has a tendency to enhance fine lines and dryness on your lips. That said, make sure that you first exfoliate your lips before applying for a smooth finish.

Shop now
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Chai

If your skin has an amber undertone, the Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Chai would be an excellent option to consider. This creamy nude lipstick has a gold tone, giving it just enough glow that lips appear natural and healthy.

Shop now
La Creme Color Drenched Lipstick in Honey Bear

La Creme Color Drenched Lipstick in Honey Bear works well for women of color with a warmer skin tone. This toasted mauve lipstick has a hint of a shimmer which makes your lips appear plump. At the same time, it's formulated with white lotus flower extract that hydrates and moisturizes your lips to keep it dewy.

Shop now
Bareminerals Gen Nude Buttercream Lip Gloss in Minx

I admit that this nude lipstick falls short if you're looking for something that's long-wearing since this is really more of a gloss than a liquid lipstick. Still, its vibrant color and creamy, moisturizing feel make it an excellent choice for medium-dark skinned women looking for something that they can use every day. Oh, and that hint of vanilla scent makes this even more enjoyable to wear.

Shop now
Bareminerals Gen Nude Buttercream Lip Gloss in Flirt

If you're looking for something that you can wear every day and you're a woman of color with medium skin tone, this is the answer. Although it's a bit sheer, you can layer to intensify the color. This makes it ideal to use from day to night.

Shop now
Source: @kyliejenner
NYX Lip Lingerie in Beauty Mark

Beauty Mark has a beautiful chocolate brown shade that's perfect for darker colored Asian and African American women. The light, mousse-like texture gives you a matte finish without having to worry about that dry, sticky feeling once it dries. I have to admit that it's got a bit of a funky smell, but it's not so strong that it is unpleasant to wear.

Shop now
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Maison

This richly colored nude lipstick has a matte finish and does an excellent job lasting all day long. If you've got dry lips, I would recommend exfoliating your lips first before applying it since it can exaggerate unsightly fine lines and chapped lips.

Shop now
Anastasia Lip Gloss in Kristen

Although it's called a lip gloss, the creamy and thick formulation makes it work just as well as a liquid lipstick. It applies very smooth and isn't sticky. Also, for a matte finish lipstick, it doesn't feel or look dry on your lips. The rosy pink tint gives your lips just a tiny bit of youthful blush.

Shop now
Anastasia Lip Gloss in Tara

The Tara shade has a deeper pigment than Kristien, which makes it perfect if you got a warmer skin tone or are looking for something a bit bolder to use at night while still keeping things natural.

Shop now
Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lipstick in Scandal

There's hardly anything scandalous in the shade of this last nude lipstick in the list. It works absolutely great for you women of color with a medium to dark skin tone. I also love the paddle-shaped applicator because it makes it very easy to apply regardless if you have thin or full lips.

Shop now

Do you have a favorite nude lipstick? Share it with us in the comments below!