Some of the best makeup goes totally unnoticed. Case in point: the nude lipstick. This barely-there nude lip colour provides the look of healthy, plumped-up lips. But, finding the most flattering nude lipstick shade for your skin tone is easier said than done. The look often falls flat because a lot of women tend to use the wrong shade.

Not all nude lipsticks are created equal, and nude lipstick doesn’t mean brown lipstick. What works best is a nude lipstick shade that is slightly deeper then your natural skin tone and has undertones that’ll make your entire face glow. Nude lip shades that are too pale, grey or muddy can make you look more zombie than natural beauty. “Look for a nude lipstick that is similar to your skin tone with an injection of warmth, whether it be a light peach or toffee undertone,” advises celebrity makeup artist Florrie White. “Your nude lipstick should enhance your lips, not make them disappear into your complexion.”

To simplify the search for the perfect nude lipstick for your skin tone, here are all the nude lipstick nuances to look for based on your ideal Clinique foundation shade. If your daily foundation is a perfect fit, then all of these nude lip colours will be too. Pretty easy, right? And since one lipstick can't suit all moods and occasions, there’s a variety of different textures and finishes to consider, from a casual sheer wash of colour to a luxe velvety matte lipstick. 

If you wear a foundation that is considered: Very Fair

Then your most flattering nude lip colours are: “Shades with a flush of peach or coral to enhance your lips and make them subtly stand out from the rest of your features,” says Florrie. 

Best peachy nude lipstick colours to try: Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Beige Pop, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Heaping Hazelnut, Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Bare Pop.

If you wear a foundation that is considered: Fair – Medium

Then your most flattering nude lip colours are: “Nude lipsticks with rosy mauve and warm beige undertones will add fullness and shape to your lips,” says Florrie. “To really enhance your nude lip, bring your foundation slightly over the outer lines of your lips and then apply your nude lipstick to the centre of your mouth for dimension,” says Florrie.

Best nude lip colours to try: (from top to bottom): Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer in Blushing Pop, Even Better™ Pop Lip Colour Foundation in Romanced, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Bountiful Blush.

If you wear a foundation that is considered: Medium

Then your most flattering nude lip colours are: “A shade slightly deeper than your natural lip colour with undertones of cinnamon, caramel and toasted taupe,” says Florrie.

Best nude brown lipstick colours to try: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whole Lotta Honey, Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Curviest Caramel, Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Nude Pop, Even Better™ Pop Lip Colour Foundation in Subtle.

If you wear a foundation that is considered: Deep

Then your most flattering nude lipstick shades are: “Complementary tones of mocha, raisin and berry,” says Florrie. “If you have naturally pigmented lips or discolouration, blend your foundation over your lips first to neutralise them, then layer on your lip colour. The layer of foundation will also help your look last longer and the colour ring true.”

Best nude lip colours to try: Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Cola Pop, Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Chunkiest Chili, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Richer Raisin, Even Better™ Pop Lip Colour Foundation in Luscious, Velour and Woo Me.

If you'd like more help finding the perfect nude lipstick shade to match your skin tone, book a complimentary 1:1 Skin School consultation with one of our specially trained Consultants, or ask a question any time, anywhere via the live chat bubble on the bottom right of your screen. 

Portraits: Christine Hahn | Words: Hilary Presley with celebrity makeup artist Florrie White.