The Best Nude Lipsticks for Women of Color

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updated Aug 29, 2017

Felicia Walker Benson has been blogging since 2006, pouring her heart and soul into her passion for beauty. Walker Benson, who serves as editor in chief for top-rated beauty blog ThisThatBeauty, is a highly sought-after authority in the industry. She has appeared on TV programs like the Today show and in beauty publications such as Allure, Ebony, and Marie Claire. Each month, Walker Benson gives Byrdie readers tips and recommendations on the best in hair and beauty for women of color. If it’s happening in beauty, Felicia is on it—with red lips in tow!

Finding the right nude is one of the biggest lip color challenges known to (wo)man. For women of color, picking your perfect nude can be particularly perplexing. What is typically characterized as “nude” appears ashy or too stark against richly pigmented skin tones. Here are seven nudes that work for a wide variety of darker skin tones.

MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Touch $19

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For a paler shade of brown, try MAC Touch. The shade is somewhere between taupe and a pinkish brown. The high-sheen finish is what really makes the shade wearable. The color payoff is not super pigmented, but that’s actually a plus when choosing a slightly paler shade of lipstick.

Urban Decay

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 1993 $19

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This medium brown with orange undertones is both hydrating and creamy. Basically that means it’s the look of the '90s, minus the crumbly matte feeling that none of us want to remember.

BITE Beauty

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Molasses $26

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A peachy-brown with a satin finish, Bite Beauty Molasses is richly pigmented but feels weightless on the lips. Don’t left the supple feel fool you—the coverage lasts all day.

ColourPop

ColourPop Ultra Glossy Lip in Fudg'd $7

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Glisten and glow with a slick nude lip like ColourPop Ultra Glossy Lip in Fudg’d. The sheer, saddle brown shade gives just a touch of color so it’s virtually foolproof. Just swipe and go.

bareMinerals

Bare Minerals Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Icon $19

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More of a mauve-tinted brown, this soft matte applies as a cream but sets to a shine-free finish. For a natural look, apply with a fingertip and gently tap on the color. For a more polished look, shape the lip with a flesh-toned lip pencil.

Marc Jacobs Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in Anais $32

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For a touch of shimmer to your standard nude, this spicy brown with reddish undertones is the perfect pick. The balm-like texture glides onto lips and wears comfortably throughout the day.