Statement lips are not just about red Hollywood glamor. Nude lipsticks are bought and sold for a subtle hint of something not too noticeable and most lipsticks in shops seem to fall in to this category. This is far from the high fashion origins of the look.
When looking for a natural lip color, one thing to remember is that natural lips are not nude, pale or beige unless a person is seriously ill. Natural lip colors are more likely to be slightly red, rose or brown hued to blend in with real lip color.
Nude Lips the Fashion Way:
Nude lips are a dramatic look where natural color is taken out of the lips and this is often contrasted with a smoky or dramatic eye. The look pays homage to Sixties icons as well as modern high fashion make-up artists such as Francois Nars. This look needs to be striking or it will simply look like the wrong shade of lipstick has been selected.
- Look out for editorial shoots in high fashion magazines for inspiration and to see this look done well.
- Matte lips and skin are usually the key to looking polished with totally nude lips.
- Try different lipsticks until the right formula and color is found. The lipstick needs to be creamy yet matte and opaque.
- Steer away form anything to orange, peach or pink. This nude look is a flesh color so look out for lipsticks that match the skin. For a true fashion nude try Nars or Mac.
- This look is perfect teamed with nude, pale or bronzed cheeks, a flawless foundation and black smoky eyes. Stay away from anything too fresh or colorful which takes away from the hard monochrome feel.
- Take a tip from professional make-up artists and use concealer on the lips, or mix this in with a lip color for a true nude shade. Look for dry concealer pencils to outline the whole lip line blending it back in to the face. This is a very sculptural look which emphasizes the contours of a full pout rather than just painting on color.
- If the matte nature of this look seems a bit extreme then use a cream or beige colored lip gloss. This goes particularly well with a tan.
Natural Lips:
Natural lips do not need to be so fashion focused but neither do they have to rely on a watered down version of the nude lip.
- Everyone has a beautiful natural color to their lips. This could be delicate or strong but always goes perfectly with skin and eye color. To show this off whilst staying subdued, try plain or tinted lip balm. This will keep lips in great shape. Look after lips by exfoliating regularly and keeping moisturized and they will always look their best even without any make-up at all.
- Sheer lipsticks or lip stains in all colors work well to give a hint of flush or polish and can look natural without being dull.
- Clear gloss gives a similar effect to balm but all with a high shine or try a tinted or pearly gloss for extra emphasis.
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