While some brides may opt for bold lips on their big day, the majority tend towards a more subtle, natural look. This can be achieved with the right nude lipstick shade, which is why we’ve curated a list of our favorite options for brides. To cater to different skin tones, we’ve selected brown-toned, peach-toned, and pink-toned nudes, along with a recommended lip liner for each category. After all, no wedding makeup bag is complete without a trusty lip liner!
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But first, a note on finding your shade!
To pinpoint the ideal nude lipstick for you, start by determining whether your skin tone is light, medium or deep. This part’s a breeze! Next, identify the undertones in your complexion, which can be warm, cool, or neutral. To determine your undertone, simply examine the color of your veins on your inner wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you’re cool; if green, you’re warm; and if a mix of both, you’re neutral.
When it comes to lipstick shades, warm undertones pair well with corresponding warm hues, while cool undertones complement similar cool tones. As a general guideline, peach tends towards warmth, brown leans towards coolness, and pink often takes on a cool quality as well. For those with neutral skin tone, the options for nude lipstick become more expansive, requiring a bit more deliberation to find the perfect shade.
The Best Nude Lipsticks for Brides: Light Skin Tones
Brown-Toned Nude: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel
Raquel, a stunning nude shade, is a game-changer for individuals with lighter skin tones. Its rich color payoff and satin finish make it a timeless choice that won’t go out of style anytime soon. With 30 shades to choose from in the Audacious line by NARS, you’re bound to find a perfect match, whether Raquel or another shade, if this one doesn’t quite meet your expectations.
Peach-Toned Nude: Dior Rouge Dior Couture Colour Lipstick in Devilish Nude
Dior’s Rouge Dior lipsticks draw inspiration from the fashion house’s Haute Couture designs, translating the essence of high-end style into a luxurious makeup experience. The Devilish Nude shade is a stunning peachy nude hue with subtle warmth, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a natural yet sophisticated look. What sets this lipstick apart, however, is its innovative blend of pomegranate and peony flowers, which not only provides vibrant colour but also delivers skincare benefits.
Wearing a Dior lipstick on your special day adds a touch of indulgence to the occasion, making it a thoughtful addition to any bridal beauty routine.
Pink-Toned Nude: Hourglass Cosmetics Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick in I Wish
Hourglass’ Confession Ultra Slim 15-piece lipstick collection offers a unique concept – refillable lip colours presented in sleek and slim packaging that pays homage to old Hollywood glamour. This innovative design makes it possible for the lipstick to fit seamlessly into even the smallest of bridal clutches, reminiscent of a pen or cigarette holder.
What’s more, the colour payoff is impressive from each of these lipsticks, with ‘I Wish’ being an exemplary pinky nude shade that perfectly captures the essence of understated elegance.
The Best Lip Liner For Light Skin Tones: KVD Beauty Lip Liner in Bow n’ Arrow
For those seeking a reliable and cruelty-free option, KVD Beauty’s long-wearing vegan lip pencil is an excellent choice. This product seamlessly glides onto the lips and remains in place for extended periods, making it perfect for daily wear or special occasions. If you have lighter skin tones, Bow n’ Arrow is a popular cult favorite that helps to define and shape your lipstick while providing a subtle yet effective hold.
The Best Nude Lipsticks for Brides: Light Skin Tones
Brown-Toned Nude: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Nude Romance
Charlotte Tilbury’s expertise in creating stunning bridal looks is exemplified through her extensive range of lipsticks. Specifically, the K.I.S.S.I.N.G line, which originated from special occasion makeup, offers a beautiful selection of shades perfect for weddings. The Nude Romance shade stands out as an excellent choice for its warm, brown undertones. What’s more, the crystal-encrusted bullet adds a touch of opulence to this already impressive product.
Peach-Toned Nude: Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color in Almost Bare
Bobbi Brown’s Almost Bare shade, retailing at €33, is a game-changer in the world of nudes. This versatile hue boasts subtle peach undertones that complement medium skin tones beautifully. For those seeking a more dramatic look, Luxe offers a highly pigmented and moisturizing formula that provides long-lasting wear without compromising comfort.
Pink-Toned Nude, Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Loyalist
For brides who adore a no-glam, everyday look on their special day, Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink shade ‘Loyalist’ is an excellent option. This long-lasting, intense pink nude formula provides a beautiful matte finish that stays put all day and night, perfect for those who prefer to keep it natural and understated.
Lip Liner For Medium Skin Tones: Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencil in 45 Naked
For a more timeless look, consider opting for a browner lip liner that complements your natural lip color. This shade works well with most nude lipsticks, providing a subtle definition that doesn’t scream ‘I’m wearing makeup.’ Urban Decay’s 45 Naked lip liner is a top pick among beauty enthusiasts, not only because it delivers great definition but also because it serves as a primer, hydrates the lips, and locks in your chosen lip color for a long-lasting finish.
The Best Nude Lipsticks for Brides: Deep Skin Tones
Brown-Toned Nude: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Unveil
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paints boast an impressive combination of high-impact color and long-lasting wearability. Described as the ‘love child’ of these two qualities, the paints have gained a reputation for their remarkable durability, withstanding the rigors of daily life, including meals, beverages, and intimate moments. One notable shade is Unveil, which boasts a rich brown tone that exudes effortless elegance and sophistication.
Peach-Toned Nude: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in Libre
For some brides-to-be, the only lipstick choice is a luxurious Chanel shade. Libre, a peach-toned nude hue, exudes heavenly charm on deeper skin tones. This unique, luminous matte formula stands out with its ultra-thin pearlescent particles and nourishing jojoba oil, providing exceptional comfort and radiance.
Pink-Toned Nude: Huda Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Lipstick in Sweet Nude Amore
Huda Beauty’s inclusive nude lipstick collection boasts 14 stunning shades, delivering a trifecta of benefits: juicy shine, an ultra-comfortable formula, and generous hydration. One standout shade, Sweet Nude Amore, is particularly noteworthy for its glass-like shine that will keep you reaching for it long after the wedding bells have stopped ringing.
Lip Liner For Deep Skin Tones: M·A·C Lip Pencil in Chestnut
When it comes to finding the perfect lip liner for a wedding, M·A·C’s Chestnut shade stands out as a timeless choice for those with deeper skin tones. While it has a warm undertone, it’s surprisingly well-suited for the cooler-toned city of Cork. As you’re deciding on your lipstick hue, be sure to explore both options. What sets this liner apart is its infusion with Vitamin E, ensuring a comfortable application that glides effortlessly across the skin.
