Nude lipstick alert! Nude lipstick alert!
This one is for my brown girls. Ever decided to avoid a nude lip simply because they ALL seem to make us look ashy and crackheadish?! I've heard quite a few times that "we", meaning us darker women, should avoid the nude lip. We're handed a bunch of clear glosses and deep browns and told this is what works for us. I literally walked into a make up store which shall not be named and asked for some help. Although I already knew what would work for me, the employee did not. Be that as it may, I don't fault her. Face it; facts are, darker women have the hardest time picking up a good nude color. I was offered up a bunch of browns or the palest nudes that she offered me to use a liner with. Just ashy or brown; neither did I want. Hell most of the time we have a tough time picking ANY color. Simply because I love a challenge, I went on the hunt for something that could work. I researched, went into stores and swatched. Trust, there was a lot of "just kill it with a dark brown lip liner" options but I wanted something that I didn't have to go crazy with the liner to get it to work!
From left to right. Touch by Mac, Teddy Bare by Milani & Freshbrew by MAC. Only used a liner with Fresh Brew!
I know this is a long post but I wanted to try to help out the best I can. Keep in mind that what may be a great nude for me, may not work for you and vice versa. Here is what I came up with!
MAC Cork, Mac Chestnut, NYX Expresso & Milani Dark Coffee. Trust and believe that brown liners are ALL heaven sent. They make the colors work for you in ways that you couldn't have imagined! Even if you don't plan on buying a nude color, buy a dark brown lip liner!
All of these are $16.00 USD plus tax!
These are three of my favorites. I use freshbrew ALL the time. Some may feel it it is a bit pale but you can use a brown liner with it just to mute out the color with. Hug me is also a gorgeous color. It is a pretty pinky nude that works wonderful with darker skinned women, although it wasn't a favorite of mine, it looked absolutely gorgeous on others. Also I didn't need a liner with it! Touch is more along the brown end but it isn't a deep brown. It compliments darker skinned women well because of the brownish tone to it.
Honorable mention: Jubilee and Freckletone!
1. Milani - Teddy Bare (Favorite) - $5.99 USD Plus tax
2. NYX Matte Round lipsticks - Maison $4.00 USD plus tax
3. Mochalicious by Wet&Wild $1.99 USD plus tax
I love Milani's Teddy Bare, I can literally slap on and walk out! Maison is a darker nude. It works best with deeper skin toned women! Now Mochalicious is something I have to use with a liner, it's not one of my faves but I have tried it on other brown skin women and it looks great!
Revlon Lip Butter - Pink truffle. If you're looking for something super light this is for you!
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 'Mink' & Maybelline Totally Toffee - so I haven't gotten the chance to try either of these yet but I've seen the recommendation everywhere. I've been feverishly searching but have yet to find them yet! Given all the recommendations I'm sure they're both lovely!
I actually got this suggestion from Tika Sumpter! She's gorgeous deep brown woman that pulls off a nude lip effortlessly. I just pair mine up with a brown liner and a bit of gloss on top. I actually seem to get the most compliments when I wear the Tarte color when I was sure I'd hate it when I purchased it.
1. Tarte - Matte Lip Tint in Exposed $24.00 USD
I kept this list short for a reason. Everyone doesn't want to pay 25 for one color but I thought this one was super worth the mention! If you want more high end suggestions I'll be glad to offer up a few more.
Hopefully this list has helped narrow down your search a bit! Remember that nude is one color that looks different on everyone, try them out! You CAN return drugstore lipsticks! Dark brown liners are your friend! You shouldn't have to do 90% liner, 10% lipstick but do keep in mind that they can help a few colors blend easier. Happy make up hunting!