How to Choose the Perfect Brown & Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Brown and nude lipsticks have been trending among celebrities and influencers for over a year. The brown lipstick family offers an extensive range of shades, from true browns that match the model’s skin tone to brown-nude hybrids that sit between nude and pink. So how do you choose the right nude lipstick for your skin tone?

A detailed close-up of a woman applying pink lipstick with a brush.

Lip Perfection: How to Pick the Right Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin

On one end of the nude lipstick spectrum are shades that blend almost completely into the skin, making lips barely visible—an effect most people want to avoid, since we want to enhance our lips, not hide them. On the opposite end are soft pinkish nude shades that create a natural, polished look. We spoke with Sean Tann, Global Makeup Educator, to share his expert tips on finding your ideal nude lipstick.

Which Brown or Nude Lipstick Suits My Skin Tone?

While brown and nude are universally flattering shades, a flat, plain brown is not ideal for the most natural finish. All our lipsticks feature warm undertones, so we recommend pink-brown shades for every skin tone.

Nude Lipsticks for Cool Skin Tones

“If you have pink-toned, cool skin, warm brown-based lipsticks work best,” says Sean. He recommends the Craving Lip Fixation or Sharon PureMoist Lipstick.

Nude Lipsticks for Warm Skin Tones

“If your skin is warm or neutral with golden undertones, cool brown shades are perfect,” Sean explains. Try shades like Luscious PlayOn Lip Crayon or Raspberry PureGloss for a balanced, flattering look.

The Best Nude Lipstick Shades for Your Skin Tone

Now that you understand the basics of choosing nude lipstick based on skin tone, the next step is selecting between beige, medium, or brown lipstick.

Nude Lipsticks for Fair Skin

Opt for a rose beige shade that adds subtle color without washing you out. For a softer, lighter finish than your natural lip color, try a light beige nude.