Nude Lips

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Ask Kate 02

nude

cosmetic bag

I’ve been hunting for a wearable nude lipstick ever since I mentioned not having one in this post.

I’m rather pale, and between that fact and my blonde hair, I always try to add some color into my face via lipstick and blush.

Typically, anytime I would try on nude lipstick I couldn’t wait to wipe it off and get something coral-y on there stat. But I’m trying to embrace trends and be cool with nude lips now.

The first one I tried, that I have since decided is much too light for me, is Maybelline’s Blushing Beige.

blushing

It looks nude alright, but a little too nude. Like, where are my lips? What I should have done is gone into Mac or Bobbi Brown and had a makeup artist suggest the right nude lipstick for me. But ain’t nobody got time for dat, so I’m doing my best to find the right shade on my own time.

My favorite, thus far, is Naked Dolly by Too Faced. It’s nude with the slightest hint of pink. I still don’t love how pale it is (even though that is kind of the point), so I figured out the perfect “hack” below.

nude3

I applied the lightest swipe of Peony by Albeit across my lips, and layered it with a few strokes of Naked Dolly. The end result? Pale, pale, pale pink lips. And probably the most comfortable I’ll be in nude. Lipstick. Not just nude in general.

nude4

I know, I know, it’s not really nude after all, is it? It’s just light, pale pink? But hey, sometimes you need to bend the trends a little bit. At least that’s what I tell myself.

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Michele says · 09.30.14

I am also extremely pale with very dark hair. I have been struggling with finding a perfect nude lipstick and so far my favorite has been the new Matte collection by Maybelline in 655 Daringly Nude. Tati (Glam Life Guru) reviewed the entire Maybelline Matte collection and this color looked amazing on her so I had to try it out. I found it at Target for $6!

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Geneviève says · 09.30.14

I also have fair skin with dark hair and I love Maybelline Born With it lipstick. It looks perfect with my skin tone and backish hair

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Michaela says · 09.30.14

Thanks both of you for suggesting these! I have fair skin and black hair.

Michaela || The Monogrammed Midwesterner

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Sherry says · 09.30.14

I also am fair and love maybelline’s born with it. It has the lightest pink tinge

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Lisa says · 09.30.14

We have very similar coloring and I like Revlon’s Sugar Frosting(005). It has a pink lid. I like that it is a more pinky nude.

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Jordan says · 09.30.14

You need Mac Patisserie! It’s absolutely the most perfect nude for fair skin.

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Elizabeth Stinebaugh says · 09.30.14

I really love Rimmel’s “To Nude or Not to Nude.” It’s really more of “my lips but better,” but actually more of “my lips.” Definitely has some pink to it (I am also super fair and blonde and nude lips? really?!), but in a lot of ways is just a creamy version of my natural lip color. It’s not quite as pale but still feels understated and on trend to me, particularly when I sheer it out over lip balm. And you can’t beat the price!

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Brianna says · 09.30.14

I have the exact same problem – I’m very fair and blue eyed and true nudes look terrible on me. I really want to get Ilia lipstick in the shade Nobody’s Baby. It looks like a gorgeous sheer pinky nude. I also like the look of Bite Beauty in Fig and Retsina.

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Kelly says · 09.30.14

Such a sweet colour, I love it!

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Ashley B. says · 09.30.14

I’m with you…got to have some pink in there! My favorite is Sonia Kashuk’s satin luxe lipstick in nude pink. I LOVE it! Look into it next time you’re at Target. 🙂

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JNJxn says · 09.30.14

Your fix works! Looks great on you.

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JNJxn says · 09.30.14

And I’d love to know where you got your Bourjois foundation!!! And how you determined your shade without trying it on!!??

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Carrie says · 09.30.14

Love the third pick with the pinky hue added to it, you look great! The first two just look like you did all your makeup but forgot to do your lips. I love the pale pink look better than nude shades.

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Sharyn Busick says · 09.30.14

I’m all for trends if they are flattering on me. I have fair to medium skin and pale lipstick makes me look like I could use a medical intervention! 😉
The pink/coral lips you sport most often really bring your gorgeous complexion to life. Just an opinion!

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Jenny says · 09.30.14

I have the blushing beige by Maybelline and it does not look as nice on my lips as it does on yours! I have really dry lips and the formula of this product doesn’t agree with me!

http://www.mishmoshmakeup.com

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Sara w says · 09.30.14

i love the pale pink. I have about 800 tubes of nude that I never wear alone for the same reason. A tiny swipe of pink or coral and it’s pretty. I think some skin tone/hair combinations were just not made to wear nude and that’s okay!

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Katie says · 09.30.14

As a pale person – nudes are so tricky! I’m with you on going with pale pinks. RIght now I’m loving gloMinerals gloss in pink blossom. My go to lipstick is Dior Addict Lipstick in 535 – Tailleur Bar.

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Theresa @ AMomInTheMaking says · 09.30.14

I like the mix… Nude lip stick is a little scary for me 🙂 I already look white as a ghost, I don’t need lipstick adding to that lol

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Rebecca says · 09.30.14

I know you like Tarte, have you tried their lip pigment and gloss in Exposed? I got them as part of a set at Ulta recently when I wanted to buy the blush, and was really surprised at how pretty of a nude they are, especially combined. The pigment is a lovely base for other lip colors as well.

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ailynk says · 09.30.14

looks pretty nice for nude lipstick

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Christen says · 09.30.14

For a nude lip color, I’m totally love the new Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons – my nude shade is Sedona Sands. I’m completely obsessed and they’re just really great (and super affordable!)

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Megan says · 09.30.14

You should try loreal’s lipstick by j lo it’s the perfect nude!

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Amanda says · 09.30.14

i really like when you added the pink to the nude I think it just added color to your face while keeping on trend. I love a nudish lipstick from the NARS collection. It’s nude but also glimmers and is a bit sparkly but completely adds dimension to your lips.

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Beth says · 09.30.14

I’ve never tried nude lipstick before. I was always afraid it would wash me out. I’m loving the last photo with the hint of pink.

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Erica Jacquline says · 09.30.14

I love that color. I like that it still has a pinky hue! pretty

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Sarah C says · 09.30.14

I think the middle one looks great on you! I think you could do that, and it doesn’t look that pale to me…

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Hailey says · 09.30.14

I have the same issue with nude lipstick. I’m just too pale to pull it off. One thing I do use it for (which is similar to the trick you posted), are colors that I’ve bought that end up being too bright and/or dark for me. I’ll layer a nude lipstick with it to lighten it up.

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Karla says · 09.30.14

I’m fair as well & nude shades don’t look good on me. The naked dolly you have on looks really beauty on you. I’m going to put that color in my must try list. 🙂 Thanks for all your tips.

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Lindsay says · 09.30.14

I think it looks great! It’s the “nude” you wish your lips were! Perfect!

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DonnaS says · 09.30.14

I agree with you about nude lipstick. My lips have some color to them naturally and nude lipstick looks terrible on top of them. I always like the look on other people though.

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Kaitlin says · 09.30.14

I really suggest Bite’s lipstick in Retsina, or Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Envy in Desirable. I just did a post recently on Retsina if you want to see what it looks like with fair skin!

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Rachelle S says · 09.30.14

I like it, great hack! Also, I noticed Sephora has the Dior Precious Coral back ~ in case you hadn’t seen it 🙂

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Kate says · 09.30.14

oh I know! I splurged and got 2!!

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Jennifer Smith says · 09.30.14

I’m with you. Just because something is trending, doesn’t mean we all have to do it. I’m a green eyed blonde with very fair skin. Nudes just don’t cut it….I look washed out. So I do the same as you….I always have a little pink going on. I have vowed to never waste my money on a nude lipstick again. Just doesn’t work for blondes.

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Rebecca @ Hello Creative Blog says · 09.30.14

Love the Naked Dolly for a true nude, and the addition of Peony for a hint of color…but I still consider it a “nude” lip color. I have used Benefit’s “Lady’s Choice Lana” lip color for several years now (I don’t know if they even still make it), and it’s the perfect nude/pink for me. Even though the nude lip is out of the norm for you, I think it looks great. You could always try playing up the eyes with some deeper brown tones paired with the nude lip – compensate for the lack of a bright lip color!

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Dana says · 09.30.14

Crazy question Kate, what color are your eyes? Sometimes they look blue other times green.

Thanks

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Kate says · 09.30.14

blue 🙂

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Tyana says · 09.30.14

Love this do you have any darker nudes that you like??

Check me Out!!!

xx
Tyana
theluxedition.blogspot.com

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CindyK says · 09.30.14

I just got Loreal number 800 and love it as a nude. I tend to wear more color but this changes it up some.

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Phyllis says · 09.30.14

I spent 3 years looking for a nude lipstick for my fair skin/ auburn hair combination. I discovered Lipstick Queen’s Pinky Nude was a perfect match. I have read, however, that putting foundation and powder on your lips first is the key to sporting nude lipstick.

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allie says · 09.30.14

I like the nudes on you! Just me? Maybe you need a bronze smokey eye to balance out the nude lip, that’s usually the only time I can pull it off (I’m a pale light eyed blonde as well)

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Jill S. says · 09.30.14

I’ve been reading your blog for about 2 months now and a question keeps nagging at me when you review products like in this post. What do you do with the products that you buy and don’t like? I’m often hesitant to try something new because I don’t want to be stuck with something I don’t like.

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Kate says · 09.30.14

I return it!

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Emily says · 09.30.14

I’m sure someone’s already let you know, Kate, but the Coral Dior Addict Lip Glow is back at Sephora!!

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Anita says · 09.30.14

Maybe in person the two look completely different but looking at the pics the Maybelline one and the Two Faced ones look exactly the same.

What is the cost of each? Because if you are having to layer it with something else to get the right color you are wanting then wouldn’t it be better to go with the cheaper one?

I’m not trying to be a hater but who has the money to buy so many different tubes of lipstick and other makeup products to try on a whim? I’m sorry I’ve become more frustrated lately reading blog posts about trying this or that product and all I can see is the $$ being thrown out the window to try and find the perfect lip color or eye shadow. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t have that kind of money to throw away.

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Melissa says · 09.30.14

The “hack” is the best on you. Isn’t this is good lesson for all of us that not all the trends work for everyone and we must learn to love the features God gave to us?

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Abbie says · 09.30.14

I actually like the Naked Dolly on its own, Kate! It looks great with the pink too, but I definitely think you could pull off Naked Dolly without it.

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Natalie says · 09.30.14

Kate I don’t know if you ever buy from Zulliy.com but I thought of you this morning because they have lots of hair products on sale today!

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Emily says · 09.30.14

I love that color – I own a similar one called ‘Creme Brulee’ – a NYX gloss, which I think is also perfect for a nude lip!! Love this post!

http://meowemily.blogspot.com

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Meagan says · 09.30.14

I can’t do nude lips! I’m way too pale for that!
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.com

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Angela says · 09.30.14

My current nudey-pink is tarte’s butter lipstick in angelic nude, it’s really pretty.
http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca/

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Sarah says · 09.30.14

For what it’s worth, the first shade looks really good.

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Lindsay says · 09.30.14

It ironic that I just posted about nude lip colors on my blog. I have the same issue about needing more pinky-nudes. Check out my favorites: http://baltimorebeautiful.blogspot.com/2014/09/beautiful-in-nude.html

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Michaela says · 09.30.14

You look so beautiful! Nude looks great on you!

Michaela || The Monogrammed Midwesterner

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Lana says · 10.01.14

I love what you did in the last photo!
I find I have the same problem finding a good nude lipstick…I have slightly olive skin and light brown hair but my lips are nearly the same colour as my face so I always tend to go for something slightly darker… Will definitely have to try layering my lipstick now, the effect you got was so pretty x

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Kitty says · 10.01.14

Oh there you are! My feedly account hasn’t included your posts since ‘Just a minute’ in mid-August. Not sure if it’s just me. Glad to see you’re well!
Love your interpretation of nude. I have an olive complexion with reasonably dark lips, so feel like I’m wearing zinc cream when I attempt a nude lip.

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Agoprime says · 10.01.14

nice make up!!
http://www.agoprime.it

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Kacie says · 10.01.14

I love Revlon “Nude Attitude” for nude lips… but it’s hard to find! I am still on the hunt for the perfect pink nude, so I have been doing like you did and combining 2 colors to get the effect.

Naked Dolly looks pretty good, so that might be something I might try – and pair it with something a little brighter.

I just ordered a couple Bobbi Brown colors, after your last post with theirs in Shell (which I ordered and returned, wasn’t my shade unfortunately)… so I’m hoping those will be a hit and can wear one for my wedding in a couple weeks.

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demie says · 10.01.14

love this lipstick, as I only tend to wear a nude lip! thanks for the suggestion x

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Jessica says · 10.01.14

I do almost the exact same thing, using different colors of course. Nude lipstick just doesn’t do well on my skin. My skin is light with tons of red/pink. I always add a light pink lipstick or gloss over the nude lipstick. I love how subtly classy it looks! I really like your combination!

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Caitlin says · 10.02.14

Hey Kate! I’m a blonde like you with fairly pale skin in the winter time! My all time favorite nude lipstick is “Mauve It Over” by Revlon. It has just a touch of pink in it to look like lipstick, but the matte finish makes it look oh so natural! You should definitely give it a try! I bought mine on Amazon…much easier than digging around at Target and the drug store, plus I got it for super cheap! Happy Lipstick Hunting!

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Song says · 10.02.14

I am almost exactly opposite! I always put on very pigmented colors then wipe it off for something nude or subtle. I’ve picked up Naked Dolly at Sephora so many times but I haven’t purchased it yet.. I’m definitely purchasing that soon!

songsberry.blogspot.com

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Ava says · 10.02.14

Have you tried Revlon’s Lip Butters?

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Kit says · 10.03.14

You know, I’ve learned something important this past year about the nude lip trend and what suits me best. We tend, I think, to consider “nude” as a neutral beige-type shade and for people with certain undertones to their skin, that warm color works well. “Nude”, though, can be a pale pink, as well. In my case, I was inspired by a shade of nude lipstick that had pink undertones in it that was muted and not too bright. As a result, I have two t-shirts in my wardrobe now that are a combo pink and flesh tone and they look great on me, and they don’t show up as a color of pink at all. It’s amazing! I use Dior Addict Lip Balm as my nude lipstick because the color adjusts to my own skin tone, so it looks natural and it enhances my skin color and hair. You combo of Peony and Naked Baby is the perfect nude color for you; and as you demonstrated, it had to be a pink tone to work for you!

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Sanna says · 10.05.14

Love MAC:s Underaged! Give it a try if you can find it.

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Mary says · 10.08.14

I love Lancôme Rich Cashmere. It’s a little pricy at $30 but I keep going back to it. Julia Roberts wore it in the Lancôme ads when she was the spokesperson for the company. She and I have similar coloring (reddish brown hair, fair skin and brown eyes). I think it’s the most flattering color for me and the quality of the coverage is exceptional. I try to find something cheaper and am never happy with how they look (either settle into lines, are too greasy/sheer, or cakey).

I also have the Naked Dolly, and it’s ok but a little “cool” looking on my lips. I find that if a specific lipstick comes across a touch too dark, I lighten it up with a more opaque lipgloss – someone mentioned MAC’s Underage – that is what I use also. Nudes are difficult and really, there’s so many skin tones out there, what works for one person might not work for another. It really is trial and error, but worth it when you find the right one.

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