7 Nude Lip Colors for Darker Skin
A great nude lipstick is the cornerstone of most makeup collections, but for many women with darker skin it can be a minefield finding the right one. Classically nude products are usually associated with pink or salmon tones, and while these soft pink hues work great for lighter skin, they can be less flattering on darker skin tones.
If all the darker lip hues you’ve tried look ashy or washed out, start with colors that are closer to your natural lip color and complement your skin’s undertone. Think deep pinks, mauves, or honey or brown tones. We’ve listed our favorites below, and don’t be afraid to tweak any tones to best suit you. There’s no one-size-fits-all here, and for darker skin, a flesh colored lip liner blended with lighter nudes can look more natural. You can also add a dab of concealer or foundation to your lips before application to even out two-toned lips or a naturally dark lip line.
1. Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Tansy
If you love liquid lipsticks, the Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip packs a punch. The pigmentation is stunning for the low price and the texture glides on effortlessly, drying to a wearable semi-matte. Tansy, a medium yellow-brown, is one of a few nude options great for both tanned and darker skin.
Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip, $6, colourpop.com
2. Too Faced Melted Chocolate in Metallic Candy Bar
This cocoa-infused liquid lipstick is the ultimate luxe lip color. The shade has a fine gold shimmer, which is almost sheer, creating a shimmery nude hue on an array of skin tones. The formula is also very hydrating, keeping your lips soft and moisturized.
Too Faced Melted Chocolate, $21, toofaced.com
3. NYX Butter Gloss in Ginger Snap
If you prefer gloss but still want a subtle pop of color, try the NYX Butter Gloss in Ginger Snap. It’s a sheer brown that can be worn by a range of skin tones. Pro tip: You can also add a swipe of this over brighter lip colors to tone down the hue.
NYX Butter Gloss, $8, nyxcosmetics
4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coffee Bean
The Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks are creamy and pigmented — ideal for dry lips. The shade Coffee Bean is a bronzed orange-brown with a pearl finish that perfectly suits olive and deep skin tones.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $14, revlon.com
5. MAC Lipstick in Taupe
MAC lipsticks come in a huge range of colors and finishes with so many ideal nudes for darker skin. Taupe has a reddish undertone, which works wonderfully on medium and brown skin, especially if you have a neutral or cool undertone. The texture is creamy with a matte finish.
MAC Lipstick, $17, maccosmetics.com
6. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
If you want to create a fuller-looking lip, try the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks. The finishes are matte, yet hydrating, leaving a luxe look. The shade Birkin Brown is a reddish-brown, made to suit a variety of complexions but it looks like a true nude on darker skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick, $32, charlottetilbury.com/
7. Sleek Makeup True Colour Lipstick in Tweek
This lipstick is richly pigmented and has a soft sheen. Tweek is a deep brown, which can be worn sans-liner on darker skin.
Sleek Makeup True Colour Lipstick, $7.49, sleekmakeup.com
