The boldest and brightest lips compete on Instagram for the most likes, but in real life, we’re always on the quest to find the perfect natural-looking lipstick. The ideal my-lips-but-better shade is not quite pink, but it’s softer than a neutral lip. It’s a perfect combination of the two that gives your lips just a hint of color without looking too obviously done up. It’s the lipstick that you will reach for when you want a no-makeup makeup look or to look (and feel) a bit more polished on a lazy weekend.
Just like finding the right red lipstick, this isn’t a one-shade-fits-all deal. The right me-but-enhanced shade often seems to be the color of the inside of your bottom lip. (If you don’t believe us, grab your lipsticks and go have a look in the mirror.) While that color is undoubtedly 100 percent unique to you, there are similarities between those with light, medium and dark skin. To make your quest for the ultimate natural lip color easier, we’ve rounded up the most flattering products for different skin tones.
[ Next: Found: The Best Nude Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone ]
15 Natural Me-But-Enhanced Lip Colors
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15 Natural Me-But-Enhanced Lip Colors #1
For those times when you want just a kiss of color, we've rounded up the most flattering natural lipstick shades for light, medium and dark skin tones.
Images: Imaxtree
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Light Skin
Coat your lips in this understated rose lipstick when you want to add some color to your face, but don't want to add too much. The lipstick has a soft shimmer that will make your pout look fuller. No tingly lip plumpers necessary.
Ulta Nude Lipstick in Rosey Glow 254, $8.50 at Ulta
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Light Skin
With hundreds of colors to choose from in MAC's range alone, it can be difficult to find the right shade. Those with fairer skin will want to tag this pale peachy beige. It's muted, but it won't give you a ghoulish finish the way some nude lipsticks can. You don't even need to wear blush to balance it out.
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Crème D'Nude, $17 at MAC Cosmetics
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Light Skin
Don't let that pink bullet fool you. When you apply the lipstick, you get a barely-there pink instead of a bold bubble gum. In fact, most people may not even realize you're wearing makeup. We'll keep it a secret, if you want.
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Nude Lipcolour in Doutzen's Nude, $8.99 at Ulta
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Light Skin
You don't need to be intimidated because there's nothing that intense about this lip crayon. After all, it is still a balm. The formula isn't quite sheer, but it's not opaque, either. It's a perfect translucent finish that allows your own lip color to come through for a very natural result.
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in 01 Curviest Caramel, $17 at Nordstrom
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Light Skin
"Nude" isn't one shade. It's about whatever works best with your skin tone. Pale girls will want to reach for this innovative gel lipstick. The soft pink shade will bring out the pink tones in your complexion. Plus, the gel formula goes on sheer to provide a naturally glossy finish.
Marc Jacobs Beauty New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in Strange Magic 102, $30 at Sephora
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Medium Skin
Not all liquid lipsticks need to be dramatic. This natural lipstick color won't jump out at you, instead, it will subtly enhance your entire face. The formula also helps to naturally plump and moisturize your lips thanks to antioxidant-rich green tea extract.
Nuance Salma Hayek True Color Plumping Liquid Lipstick in Nude Nectar, $9.99 at CVS
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Medium Skin
This shade really is a delight for your lips. The "dusky nude" gives your pout definition, while the warm undertone won't wash out your complexion. Unlike some liquid lipsticks, it's comfortable to wear thanks to the hyaluronic acid formula and the creamy finish.
Ciaté London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick in Delight, $19 at Sephora
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Medium Skin
Bobbi Brown launched her company with 10 flattering neutral lipsticks and the brand continues to deliver after over 25 years in the biz. The latest addition to the family is this lipstick. Squeeze the tube and you will get a beautiful semi-matte finish. The formula is super pigmented, but the neutral shade won't take over your face.
Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip in Honey Bare, $28 at Bobbi Brown
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Medium Skin
Get a hint of color and treat your lips at the same time with this multitasking lippie. The formula plumps up your pout while depositing a soft wash of matte color that will bring out light and medium skin tones. When you're craving a bit more drama, try layering it on top of your favorite lipstick.
GLAMGLOW PLUMPRAGEOUS Nudes Collection Lip Treatment in Stacked, $24 at Sephora
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Medium Skin
Go bare...almost. This lip gloss is the next step up from au naturel lips. It deposits a kiss of color that brings out the natural hue of your pout. You can also adjust the shine depending on your mood. Apply a few dots of the gloss for a natural finish or layer it on for a glassy look.
Osmosis Colour Hydrating Mineral Lip Gloss in Bare, $19 at Osmosis Colour
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Dark Skin
The brand bareMinerals isn't just about amazing mineral foundations. The GEN NUDE range is all about flattering neutral lip colors for all skin tones. This deep pink-peach is perfect for dark-skinned girls. Unlike some pinks, the darker tones in this one bring out your skin tone as opposed to making it look ashy. The cream-to-matte finish is also very flattering. And you cannot forget about the delectable vanilla scent.
bareMinerals GEN NUDE Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Weekend, $18 at Sephora
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Dark Skin
Finding a flattering neutral lipstick can be tricky for those with darker skin. Thankfully, you don't have to look any further than IMAN Cosmetics. The brand is dedicated to creating flattering products for women of color and this lipstick is no exception. The copper undertones brighten dark skin without the need for blush.
IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick in Iman Nude, $10.49 at Walgreens
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Dark Skin
This isn't your average lipstick. It's an easy-to-apply lip cream. This deep brown shade has a flattering warm pink undertone, so it will not wash out darker complexions. You also can't beat the price.
NYX Cosmetics Simply Nude Lip Cream in Sable, $6.50 at NYX Cosmetics
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Dark Skin
Sometimes it's good to be a bit naughty. That definitely applies to this lippie. Tarte's Naughty Nudes collection features deeper, moodier browns and neutral shades. The result is a collection that is brilliant for dark-skinned ladies. Paint on the pigmented formula for a creamy matte finish. And once it's on, you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying it. It's not going anywhere.
Tarte Naughty Nudes Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint Collection in Choker, $20 at Ulta
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Dark Skin
Combine a lip color, gloss and lip liner and the result is this chubby pencil. It has all of the best qualities of each product, so you get a hint of shine, great color payoff and long wear. And when we say long wear, we mean it. The waterproof formula really is like a magnet for your lips. As for the color, it's in keeping with NUDESTIX's philosophy of enhancing your natural assets. The warm brown is especially good on dark skin tones.
NUDESTIX Magnetic Matte Lip Color in Boho, $24 at Sephora
