These 17 Nude Lipsticks Are Ideal for Makeup Minimalists

If we were forced to pick only one lipstick for the rest of our lives (we shudder at the thought), this would hands-down be our choice. We’re not the only ones; one of these is sold every two seconds, and the #pillowtalklipstick hashtag has thousands of posts, where you can also clearly see how well it works on all skin tones. The tawny-nude-pink mix is flattering on pretty much everyone, and despite its subtlety, always elicits ‘what lipstick is that?’ comments.

A flattering pinky nude, a velvety-matte finish, and easy-to-apply liquid formula—check, check, and check. Plus, all it takes is one stroke for complete color payoff that also lasts forever. Annnd you get all of this for a few dollars. Sold.

One of the best options out there for ultra-pale skin, the soft nude is just enough to add pop to your skin without delivering too much color. It’s a favorite of celebrity makeup Bryan Cantor for both the color and, “creamy formula, packed with lip-loving ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin C, and three different oils.”

Cantor also suggests this nude hue; the cinnamon tone is flattering on light complexions and has a beautiful sheen to it, he says. True to its name, you can also expect the formula, a cult-favorite, to last well, all day. 

A power combo of coconut and cocoa butter gives this a balm-like, creamy finish. The entire range is filled with flattering nudes, but for medium complexions, this honey-beige tone can’t be beaten; it has just the right amount of cool and warm undertones.

A search for the perfect nude shade (we can relate) lead the founder of this brand to create this tone, by far the brand’s best-seller. While it definitely works on a large range of complexions, we find it especially pretty on olive complexions. Also nice: Buildable coverage, a triangular tip for precise swiping, and the fact that the brand gives one lipstick to women in need for every purchase.

Darker skin obviously needs darker nudes, which is why this deep rose tone is ideal. The formula is also paraben-free and filled with emollient ingredients to help quench dry lips and ward off the potential for unsightly (and annoying) cracking or feathering.

“This terra cotta color is the perfect nude for deeper skin tones, but also doubles as a great statement lip on lighter skin,” says Cantor. We also appreciate the finish, the perfect satin-matte that’s neither too flat nor too shiny and its comfortable wear.

Take a cue from Jay-Z and rock Tom Ford, namely this ultra-flattering lipstick. It’s a little pricey, but trust us, the neutral pink-nude will go with everything and you’ll reach for it time and time again. Plus, how freaking chic is the packaging?

Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, the matte lip crayon truly could be an exact dupe for much pricier options. It’s smudge-resistant and one swipe delivers complete color payoff. This shade is great for light to medium skin; try Lavender Honey for deeper tones. Oh, and did we mention it has an ah-mazing caramel scent, too?

One of Byrdie editors' all-time favorite MAC lipsticks, this deep-toned beige serves up that super-pigmented, ‘90s-esque nude lip. The matte finish is a true matte, no trace of sheen or shine here. While the color works well on many skin tones, it’s especially flattering on deeper complexions.

Despite the fact that makeup artist Arpy Hovsepian admits that she’s still on the quest for the perfect nude, she still calls this peachy hue one of her favorites out there. The liquid also delivers complete pigment pay-off and has a rounded, doe-foot applicator that makes it super easy to both line and fill in lips.

We heart lip crayons for their easy and precise application, no mirror required. And this one has the added benefit of a built-in sharpener to boot. The paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free formula comes in a nice array of shades, but this toffee tone is a great nude for deeper skin tones.

We said it once, we’ll say it again—not all nudes are created equal. That’s why we appreciate that this line has nine different options to pick from, making it easier than ever to find your perfect match. Natural oils and butters make for a conditioning feel and healthy-looking sheen.

While granted, sometimes long-wearing formulas are best for bolder colors where touch-ups are more of a pain, they can still be nice when you’re wearing a nude shade. Either way, this formula is truly our go-to. It stays on through eating, drinking, and even a make-out sesh (seriously). It now comes in 15 shades, including this beige hue, perfect for super pale skin.

In our book, makeup legend Pat McGrath truly can do no wrong, and this lipstick is no exception. By definition matte formulas aren’t necessarily the most comfortable; they can quickly feel dry and start to crack. But not this one, which has special polymers for flexible wear, and spherical particles that make it nice and creamy, despite the major impact of matte color it packs.