The 9 best nude lipsticks for that 'your lips but better' look

The very notion of "nude" lipstick can send a shudder down any beauty buff's spine. It is a fraught reminder of a bygone era when the term was a synonym for a single, pale beige – a shade that, by its very existence, excluded deeper skin tones.

Luckily, today there’s a bounty of barely-there lipstick shades. That's why we've sifted through the market to unearth the finest nude lipsticks, no matter your skin tone. First, we focused on finding superior formulas spanning mattes, balms and long-lasting liquids to name a few. Next, rigorous testing helped us narrow the selection down to specific nude shades across fair, medium, and deep skin tones. After all, "nude" is not a colour, and one nude lipstick certainly does not fit all.

Related: I swatched every pink lipstick to find the most smooch-friendly one for Valentine’s Day

A nude lipstick is essentially a shade that acts as the perfect complement to your natural lip colour and undertones. The aim is to subtly enhance the inherent shape and texture of your lips, offering a look that feels naturally elevated – the ultimate "my lips but better" effect.

While the internet has offered up some truly bizarre methods for finding your perfect nude lipstick (we've all heard the advice to match the shade to your nipples, a truly awkward task when browsing the beauty aisle) the real key lies in understanding your undertones.

To determine yours, examine the veins on your wrist. If they lean toward blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they appear more verdant, then your undertone is warm. Those with cooler complexions should steer clear of warm, orange- or yellow-based lipsticks, which can wash them out. Instead, gravitate towards shades with blue, purple, or pink bases to truly complement your skin. The opposite rule applies to warmer tones.

What it is: A deeply hydrating, sheer-to-buildable lipstick that envelops the lips in a flattering nude hue, taking your pout from softly tinted to more defined with each swipe.

Why we love it: The perfect nude can feel elusive, but this Clinique formula comes impressively close. The sheer colour payoff makes application effortless and forgiving, ideal for a quick swipe without a mirror when you’re on the go.

What it is: A richly pigmented, smooth matte lipstick with impressive wear time.

Why we love it: With impeccable colour payoff, this lipstick stands out for its comfortable, almost balmy wear. A welcome contrast to typically drying matte formulas.

Pillow Talk Original: The cult classic for a reason. On fairer skin tones, it reads as a natural pinky nude that enhances the lips without draining the complexion.

Catwalking: A refined, deeper peach that suits tanned and olive skin particularly well, adding warmth without tipping too orange.

So 90's: A true nude brown and an excellent choice for deeper complexions. It delivers rich pigment and definition while still landing firmly in “your lips but better” territory.

What it is: A heritage matte lipstick known for its saturated pigment and full-coverage payoff. The shade range is extensive, with nuanced undertones that make finding a true nude far easier than expected.

Why we love it: This is matte in its purest form. The finish is plush and velvety, not flat, and it holds its shape for hours without cracking or dragging. It delivers impact without the usual trade-off in comfort.

Yash: Pale, softly beige and deliberately neutral. It brightens fair complexions without turning chalky, making it a reliable choice for those who struggle with nudes pulling too pink or too peach.

Cool Teddy: A deep-toned, cool beige. Despite its subtle blue undertone, this shade is surprisingly ideal for medium skin tones, offering a sophisticated warmth that doesn't wash out the complexion.

Iconic Photo: A truly beautiful golden brown hue, this shade is the secret to an elevated complexion and a flawlessly smooth lip finish for someone with darker skin.

What it is: A nourishing, satin-finish lipstick that deposits rich pigment while keeping lips supple and smooth. It delivers colour with noticeable slip, never dragging or catching on dry patches.

Why we love it: Hourglass has perfected a luxurious, long-wearing formulation that defies the usual trade-off between hydration and staying power. This pigment-rich lipstick keeps lips comfortable and vibrant for hours. A bonus? The brand is famously cruelty-free.

Tide: A soft rosy beige with a satin sheen that flatters fairer skin beautifully. It adds warmth and polish without overpowering delicate complexions.

Oasis: A balanced neutral pink that comes into its own on medium skin tones. It reads refined and understated, offering colour without obvious contrast.

Larch: A sophisticated rosy brown that perfects the pout without fuss. Simply swipe it on, and you're ready to go.

What it is: A velvety, mousse-like formula that delivers lightweight yet intensely saturated colour with impressive staying power.

Why we love it: Liquid lipsticks are notoriously drying, but this formula resists that reputation. It keeps lips feeling hydrated while delivering bold, long-lasting pigment. With a broad spectrum of nude shades, there is genuine range when it comes to undertones and depth.

Peachy Nude: A luminous light nude that strikes a careful balance between warm and cool, making it a reliable option for many fair complexions.

Softy: Though distinctly pink in the tube, it settles into a flattering pink-nude once applied, bringing a subtle warmth and freshness to the face.

Cool Brown: A rich, taupe that works beautifully on deeper skin tones. Press it in for a soft, diffused effect, or layer it for full saturation and a locked-in matte finish.

What it is: A deliciously hydrating lipstick that offers subtle shine and lasting impact

Why we love it: The shade range may be more curated than expansive, but the nuanced wash of pigment makes each nude feel considered. The result is flattering, polished and easy to wear, without overthinking undertones.

Jayne: A barely-there, earthen nude that reads especially well on pale, cooler undertones. On warmer complexions, a more generous swipe brings out its deeper warmth and dimension.

Mae: The ultimate 'just been kissed' look, this delicate pink nude is a subtle yet substantial signature shade, essential for many a medium skin tone.

Pamela: A berry-bitten nude that is the secret weapon to instantly inject warmth and vitality into the complexion. It enhances the lips without overpowering them, delivering colour with restraint.

What it is: A high-shine lipstick that delivers an elegant, glossy veil of colour.

Why we love it: For those ready to step away from matte, Chanel provides a refined alternative. The formula glides on smoothly, catching the light and subtly plumping the lips. A delicate hint of shimmer in many of the shades enhances the gloss effect, leaving lips looking fuller and well hydrated.

Boy: A soft rose tinted shade that gently warms fair complexion, while evening out any lip inconsistencies.

Washed Beige: A caramel-leaning beige that brightens the face with a sheer, polished wash of colour.

Raw Brown: A muted medium brown that delivers depth, adding warmth and definition while maintaining a believable, barely-made-up finish.

What it is: A richly pigmented, creamy lip colour that builds effortlessly to your desired level of intensity.

Why we love it: Proof that everyday luxuries need not come with a hefty price tag. This lipstick is available in an extensive range of nude shades, making it easy to find your perfect match, and perhaps more than one. The refillable design adds a considered element of sustainability to your beauty routine.

Rose Beige: This subtle pink shade applies as a light wash of colour on the lips, perfect for those with fairer skin tones.

Velvet Nude: Slightly deeper and more muted, this mauve-leaning nude translates into a refined, understated wash of colour that works beautifully on medium complexions.

Chocolate Kiss: A richly warming brown that smooths and evens out the appearance of the lips while delivering depth and definition.

What it is: A deeply conditioning lipstick that elevates your colour while fortifying the delicate lip skin barrier.

Why we love it: Consider this a daily indulgence. From the weighty, considered casing to the creamy, pigment-rich formula, everything feels elevated. The colour payoff is bold, the shade range thoughtful, and the finish polished without sacrificing comfort.

Sable Smoke: A warm nude that brings a subtle glow to fairer complexions.

Iconic Nude: This balanced rosy nude lends medium complexions richness and soft definition, enhancing natural lip tone rather than masking it.

Understated: A deeper nude with vivacious warmth. It adds dimension and vitality while still maintaining a refined, wearable finish.