Choosing the perfect Nude Lipstick for the Indian skin tone

Nude lipstick has been a trend for a while now, one that can never go away, because of its versatility. Whether it is adding a subtle hint of colour to your face or softening the effect of the bold smokey eyes, nude lipstick can be a game changer. Yet, so many of us often find ourselves struggling to pick the right shade, end up looking too washed out and thinking “Eh! it’s not meant for me”. This is especially the case with the beautifully complex and varied Indian skin tones.

The truth is that there is a perfect nude lipstick out there for every skin tone and finding that right shade starts with first understanding what exactly “nude” refers to. There is no one nude lipstick colour that will work universally on all skin colours. So the word “nude” for every skin is different from the other. Having said that, let’s begin the journey of finding “your nude lippie that’s meant to be”!

When choosing nude lipsticks, it is easier to think of it as picking foundation. As the skin gets deeper, the colour of the foundation deepens and vice-versa. Likewise, the colour of the nude lipstick deepens as the
complexion deepens.

Pick a shade that is slightly deeper than your skin. So, if you have been using lipsticks that have turned your lips pale, it means that it’s too light for you and your perfect “nude lippie” is a shade or two deeper than that. But then, how do you know if it’s “nude” enough? What if you end up with something really dark, far from subtle? Well, the right colour should be able to bring life to your face while neither making it too bright nor too dull.

Observe your natural lip colour and try to mimic it with the nude lipstick. Picking a shade that is closest to your lip colour will work naturally with your skin and is the simplest way to go about creating the perfect no makeup
look.

Also, match the undertone of your lipstick to the undertone of your skin. If you have a warm undertone, as is the case with most Indians, then pick shades that are warm to neutral. This is why wearing a cool pink lipstick
seldom complements the Indian skin. Naturally, certain colours go really well with the Indian skin.

For skin that is light (by Indian standards, of course) steer clear of overly brown colours as it can look too dark on your lips.

Instead, opt for pale pinks and neutrals such as:

– Mac Kinda Sexy
– Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Sugar Mama and Wifey
– Lakme 9-5 Toffee Nexus

For medium to wheatish skin, colours such as Peach, Mauve and Earthy, Soft Brown colours work like magic

– MAC Spice, Taupe, Mehr
– PAC retro matte in shade Nutty Doodle, Rose Tea
– Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Venus

For dusky, deep and chocolatey skin, colours like Deep Brown, Orange Brown, Deep Berry and Plum are the perfect nudes as they complement the richness of deeper skin tones

– MAC Plum, Mocha, Film Noir
– PAC Auto Lip Liner Mauve
– Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Trendsetter
– Nykaa Liquid Lipstick Madras Kaapi

Finally, every skin tone is unique in its own way and there are so many flattery nude lippies to choose from. With these tips in mind, you are already on your way to “Your Perfect Nude Lipstick”!