Glaminai's Ultimate Nude Lipstick Guide (Beginner-Friendly)

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Category

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Makeup 101

Makeup 101

Makeup 101

Hey, Glaminai here.
The right nude lipstick makes you look polished, fresh, and effortless. The wrong one? Flat, chalky, or like you just borrowed concealer for your lips. Let’s break down exactly how to find a nude that works every single time.

What Makes a Nude Lipstick “Work”?

A nude isn’t just about being “skin-colored.” A great nude should:

  • Match your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral).

  • Be slightly deeper than your natural lip color so your lips don’t disappear.

  • Complement, not erase, your skin tone.

Think of nudes as enhancing your lips, not hiding them.

Skin Tone → Nude Lipstick Guide

Skin tone

Undertone check

Go-to nudes (examples)

Fair

Pink or neutral

Soft pink-beige, rose nude (e.g., Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk)

Light–Medium

Golden or neutral

Peach nude, honey beige (e.g., Maybelline SuperStay “Trust Your Gut”)

Tan–Olive

Warm/green

Caramel, warm peach-brown (e.g., MAC Velvet Teddy, Huda Beauty “Staycation”)

Deep

Golden, neutral, or cool

Rich cocoa, caramel toffee, berry nudes (e.g., Fenty “Motha Luva,” NARS “Afghan Red” as a nude-berry)


Formula Breakdown (Pick What Fits Your Style)

  • Matte: Sleek, bold, long-wear. Best for full glam. (Tip: always exfoliate + balm first so it doesn’t look dry.)

  • Cream/Satin: Hydrating, natural finish, beginner-friendly. A safe everyday pick.

  • Gloss/Balm: Sheer, juicy, effortless. Perfect for low-maintenance or layering.

Pro move → Layer a satin lipstick with a gloss in the center for fullness.

Pro Tip: Liner = The Secret Weapon

Pair your nude with a brown, beige, or mauve lip liner.

  • It defines the shape.

  • Prevents the “washed-out” look.

  • Lets you cheat your lip shape for fullness.

If you’re new: NYX Slim Lip Pencil in “Natural” or “Nutmeg” is foolproof.

Nude Lip Mistakes to Avoid

  • Picking a shade lighter than your lips → looks chalky.

  • Ignoring undertone → cool pinks on warm skin can turn gray.

  • Skipping liner → especially on fuller lips where you need balance.

  • Overdoing concealer tricks → keep nudes fresh, not flat.

Beginner-Friendly Nude Lipsticks (Affordable + Cult Favorites)

  • Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon “Lead the Way” – creamy, long-wear pink nude.

  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream “Abu Dhabi” – peachy beige, perfect universal pick.

  • Fenty Gloss Bomb “Fenty Glow” – warm nude gloss that flatters literally everyone.

  • L’Oréal Colour Riche “Fairest Nude” – ideal for fair/cool undertones.

💬 Want Your Perfect Match?

Not sure if you’re more peach or pink?
Ask me at chat.glaminai.com — I’ll match your undertone and skin tone to your best nude picks (with formulas and budget-friendly options).

Hey, Glaminai here.
The right nude lipstick makes you look polished, fresh, and effortless. The wrong one? Flat, chalky, or like you just borrowed concealer for your lips. Let’s break down exactly how to find a nude that works every single time.

What Makes a Nude Lipstick “Work”?

A nude isn’t just about being “skin-colored.” A great nude should:

  • Match your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral).

  • Be slightly deeper than your natural lip color so your lips don’t disappear.

  • Complement, not erase, your skin tone.

Think of nudes as enhancing your lips, not hiding them.

Skin Tone → Nude Lipstick Guide

Skin tone

Undertone check

Go-to nudes (examples)

Fair

Pink or neutral

Soft pink-beige, rose nude (e.g., Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk)

Light–Medium

Golden or neutral

Peach nude, honey beige (e.g., Maybelline SuperStay “Trust Your Gut”)

Tan–Olive

Warm/green

Caramel, warm peach-brown (e.g., MAC Velvet Teddy, Huda Beauty “Staycation”)

Deep

Golden, neutral, or cool

Rich cocoa, caramel toffee, berry nudes (e.g., Fenty “Motha Luva,” NARS “Afghan Red” as a nude-berry)


Formula Breakdown (Pick What Fits Your Style)

  • Matte: Sleek, bold, long-wear. Best for full glam. (Tip: always exfoliate + balm first so it doesn’t look dry.)

  • Cream/Satin: Hydrating, natural finish, beginner-friendly. A safe everyday pick.

  • Gloss/Balm: Sheer, juicy, effortless. Perfect for low-maintenance or layering.

Pro move → Layer a satin lipstick with a gloss in the center for fullness.

Pro Tip: Liner = The Secret Weapon

Pair your nude with a brown, beige, or mauve lip liner.

  • It defines the shape.

  • Prevents the “washed-out” look.

  • Lets you cheat your lip shape for fullness.

If you’re new: NYX Slim Lip Pencil in “Natural” or “Nutmeg” is foolproof.

Nude Lip Mistakes to Avoid

  • Picking a shade lighter than your lips → looks chalky.

  • Ignoring undertone → cool pinks on warm skin can turn gray.

  • Skipping liner → especially on fuller lips where you need balance.

  • Overdoing concealer tricks → keep nudes fresh, not flat.

Beginner-Friendly Nude Lipsticks (Affordable + Cult Favorites)

  • Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon “Lead the Way” – creamy, long-wear pink nude.

  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream “Abu Dhabi” – peachy beige, perfect universal pick.

  • Fenty Gloss Bomb “Fenty Glow” – warm nude gloss that flatters literally everyone.

  • L’Oréal Colour Riche “Fairest Nude” – ideal for fair/cool undertones.

💬 Want Your Perfect Match?

Not sure if you’re more peach or pink?
Ask me at chat.glaminai.com — I’ll match your undertone and skin tone to your best nude picks (with formulas and budget-friendly options).

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Have questions?

We’re here to help you navigate your beauty journey with ease.

Have questions?

We’re here to help you navigate your beauty journey with ease.

Have questions?

We’re here to help you navigate your beauty journey with ease.