The 4 Best Nude Makeup Products for Every Skin Tone
With the spring shift toward a more natural approach to beauty looming, or maybe because this mopey winter weather has you thinking more about beauty basics, there’s no better time than now to explore which nude makeup is right for you. This goes beyond finding the perfect foundation. The right concealer, highlighter, bronzer and lipstick to match your skin tone are all paramount to achieving that lit-from-within vibrance an all-nude-hued makeup routine can give you. Now that you know the game plan, we’re here to help find your match for each of these essential nude makeup products. Once you’ve mastered this look, it’ll be a go-to for when you want to feel polished but not made up. Scroll down to see the best nude makeup products for each skin tone.
THE BEST NUDE MAKEUP FOR FAIR SKIN TONES
The hardest part about wearing nude makeup colors on fair skin tones is finding hues that aren’t too dark but are also pigmented enough that they actually show up. Find a concealer that comes in a super light shade that still covers up dark circles and imperfections. When you’re looking for bronzer, consider shades that have a light tan tint to them versus anything even slightly deep — otherwise, your skin will look muddy. In the highlighter department, find a shimmer that has honey hues and steer clear from peach or bronze tones. To achieve perfectly nude lips with your fair skin tone, search for apricot-nude hues — it’ll look like your natural lip color, only better.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer + Treatment ($10), Mary Kay Bronzing Powder ($18), theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer ($24), Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lipstick in Topless ($22)
THE BEST NUDE MAKEUP FOR MEDIUM SKIN TONES
Medium skin tones have a little more flexibility when it comes to being able to rock a range of nude makeup shades, but you still should keep in mind that it’s better to go lighter than darker when it comes to muted makeup. A concealer that’s two shades lighter than your foundation will do the trick. Find a bronzer that’s buildable so you can layer more on if you get tan during the summer and a highlighter that has pigment to it (peach works well with medium skin tones). Totally sheer highlighters might get lost on your skin. Snag a golden-brown lipstick that is slightly darker than the normal color of your lips.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Medium ($7), bareMinerals Faux Tan All-Over Face Color in Sunlit Bronze ($21), Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in Peach Nectar ($28), MAC Lipstick in Golden Brown ($17)
THE BEST NUDE MAKEUP FOR TAN SKIN TONES
Tan-toned peeps, the nude makeup routine for you focuses on finding shades that enhance — but don’t compete with — your naturally bronzed skin. Be on the lookout for a concealer that matches your skin tone but isn’t too light (you don’t want reverse raccoon eyes!). Sweep on a bronzer that’s a medium-deep tan shade — avoid bronzers with pink or peachy undertones — and you can use it to lightly contour too. Using a loose brush, apply a coppery bronze highlighter that’ll bring out your cheekbones even more. When you’re on the hunt for a nude lipstick for your skin tone, keep warm-toned brown shades in mind.
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Tan ($25), Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer ($29), Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder in Lit ($30), Tom Ford Lip Color in Warm Sable ($52)
THE BEST NUDE MAKEUP FOR DEEP SKIN TONES
If you have a deep skin tone, find nude makeup products that are richly pigmented and have the ability to be layered — this will give you more control as you find the perfect shade for each product. A concealer that is slightly lighter than your natural skin tone will provide a wash of coverage to smooth out your skin for the rest of your subtle look. Following your concealer, apply a dark, matte bronzer two shades deeper than your skin tone. Highlight with a coppery shimmer that will complement the rich tones of your bronzer. Finally, apply a chocolate brown lipstick with a slightly sheer quality — this shade will pull your whole look together.
Cover FX Cream Concealer ($23), Alima Pure Bronzer in Trinidad ($24), BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Blushed Copper ($38), Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Chocolate ($27)
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