The 11 Best Nude Lipsticks, According To Makeup Artists

What’s notable: This lipstick comes in five nude shades and provides intense color payoff. It’s also infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamins E and A.

What could be better: Due to the creaminess, the pigment can bleed slightly if used without a lip liner.

This Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lipstick is my top pick for several reasons. The slim design ensures precise application, and the lipstick has rich color payoff. Another bonus: It’s made with nourishing ingredients, including vitamins E and A, to protect and condition your pout. The addition of beeswax helps the formula glide over lips and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

What’s notable: This product is very affordable, and the conditioning formula can help lips look fuller.

What could be better: Some say that the lighter shades require several coats to be noticeable.

Over the past year, I’ve used this Revlon lipstick at least a few times weekly. For $11, it doesn’t feel too precious to save for special occasions, yet it still looks luxe. The creamy formula glides smoothly onto lips, leaving them feeling conditioned and soft. It also minimizes lip lines and gives your mouth a subtly plumped look. In terms of shades, there’s a wide range of nude hues, so you’re likely to find an option that matches your skin tone.

What’s notable: It leaves your lips looking supple and soft. The packaging is gorgeous and makes application feel luxurious, right down to the satisfying magnetic click to secure the cap.

What could be better: There are only two nude shades to choose from, and this lipstick is on the pricier side.

This luxurious pick has a comfortable, satin finish and looks like an art object, whether displayed on your bathroom vanity or pulled out of your purse. The tube is refillable, so you can add a fresh bullet for under $50. “This lipstick has a nice creamy texture and feels comfortable on,” says Sung. “It doesn’t necessarily last too long since it’s a satin formula, but the nude versions wear off in a subtle, flattering way.” Although there are only two nude hues (Beige Kalahari and Beige D’Automne), the shades do not disappoint.

What’s notable: Dior’s transfer-proof lipstick is ultra-pigmented, lasts up to 16 hours and comes in several nude colors.

What could be better: Some reviewers say the colors don’t exactly match the online photos, and the formula can be a tad drying.

This long-lasting lipstick from Dior has a transfer-proof formula (resistant even to fabrics) and lasts up to 16 hours for a full day of wear. Key ingredients include red peony extract for hydration and jojoba seed oil for a comfortable feel. There are various browns, beiges and rosy hues to choose from, and even the paler shades are nicely pigmented. If you tend to have dry lips, you might want to apply a light balm on top for extra hydration throughout the day.

What’s notable: This creamy, highly pigmented formula gives you the best of both worlds—a velvet matte finish with a slight sheen.

What could be better: There are limited nude shades to choose from. 

If you’re looking for something with a velvet finish that’s long-lasting but still has a subtle sheen, you can’t go wrong with Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Lip Color. Celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette is a fan of this lipstick in the color Velvet Fawn: “It gives the feel of Brigitte Bardot and chic French girls back in the day. If you want a dramatic nude look, it’s highly pigmented with a 3D finish.” Robinette recommends pairing the Velvet Fawn shade with the Victoria Beckham Beauty No. 1 Lip Definer to have more dimension.

What’s notable: This silky matte lipstick is non-feathering and gives up to 12 hours of wear.

What could be better: A few reviewers noted that several old, beloved shades are unavailable. Some users say it can be a little drying on lips over time.

If you’re constantly on the go or want to avoid touching up your lips throughout the day, this non-feathering and non-bleeding lipstick is for you—the color is designed to last up to 12 hours. What’s more, it instantly makes lips look fuller with each swipe. The formula also stands out because it’s non-caking and layers well, which is especially important with nude hues that might need several coats for more impact. There are 38 colors in total, including pinky nudes and soft browns.

What’s notable: This satin lipstick has a very lightweight formula that has a sheer satin finish. It also contains stabilized vitamin C that helps diffuse the appearance of fine lip lines.

What could be better: Some say the product can bleed.

You might just forget you’re wearing lipstick with Merit’s lightweight lipstick; but if you look in the mirror, you’ll be reminded that you swiped on a nude lipstick that subtly levels up your lips. Sung recommends this pick, and it’s easy to see why. The color is buildable so that you can layer on several coats for a bolder look. It’s also worth noting that the formula contains squalane, sunflower seed oil, papaya fruit extract and raspberry oil to nourish and hydrate.

What’s notable: This highly pigmented lipstick requires only one swipe, and has a smooth, matte finish.

What could be better: It can feel dry on the lips, according to some reviewers.

Ideal for those seeking a true matte finish, this cream-to-matte listick lasts for up to 10 hours and gives lips a beautiful wash of color. Plus, it’s transfer-resistant, so it’s less likely to require reapplication through the day. Choose between several nude shades, such as Sweet Disposition (a pink-beige) for a your-lips-but-better look.

What’s notable: This formula gives a noticeable dewy effect and keeps lips soft and moisturized.

What could be better: Some reviewers say this lipstick tends to transfer through the day.

This lipstick has a luxe satin finish and gives buildable color that never feels cakey. Plus, there are several nude options to choose from to suit a variety of skin tones. Key ingredients like botanical collagen and passion fruit extract are helpful for hydrating, conditioning and nourishing lips.

What’s notable: This hybrid formula contains nourishing oils for a smooth application and comfortable wear.

What could be better: Reviewers say that this pick is not long-lasting.

Both Guerra and Robinette recommend the YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick, which is a hybrid lipstick and lip oil. Guerra’s favorite nude in the collection is the Melted Honey. “It’s a rich, beige nude with a glossy finish that hydrates the lips while providing a burst of color that’s both vibrant and understated,” he says. Robinette is a fan of the Rosy Sand shade (a light peach nude), saying, “It’s a creamy formula that’s not cakey.”

What’s notable: It contains conditioning ingredients like orchid extract and vitamin E to give lips a soft, silky texture.

What could be better: Although it has staying power, it can transfer if you eat and drink with it on.

I’m impressed every time I swipe on Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick in the signature Pillow Talk shade. The brand’s 3D glow pigments help to make my lips look fuller and more defined. And this nude pink is a great shade in particular because it doesn’t make me look washed out. Even with a matte finish, the ingredients help keep my lips feeling hydrated even after hours of wear. Although I have this lipstick in other shades, I keep returning to Pillow Talk, as it goes with every look and occasion.