For years, yes YEARS, I’ve been on a biblical scale hunt for the holiest of all lip products. The Nude.
Seems simple right?? Find a lip color aptly named “nude”. Put it on. Look fabulous.
Ha. That’s a fun joke.
Here’s what I’ve learned. Nude lips are harder than or equal to wearing a red lip. If the color doesn’t match you look dead. If the formula is too dry, you look DEAD. Luckily, a little reverse lip liner (getting to that next), some good old hydration, and some highlight can make a nude lip look alive and hot.
-Wear It-
Prep and Prime:
Nude or not, when putting on lips you MUST have the proper canvas. Prep your lips with a scrub like THIS and apply pure vitamin e oil. The vitamin e helps to lock in moisture and can also give a plumping effect.
Line and Define:
Lip liner is oh so necessary. Using a white liner like NYX Wonder Pencil and reverse lining (drawing a white line around the edge of the lips) can really make your nude lip pop while keeping it soft and fun. Also, try drawing a line down the center of your bottom lip to add dimension.
The Color
Finding your nude zen is like finding a dude who will eat vegetarian. Doable but somehow you are always still slightly disappointed. Getting the whole package is hard. Look for a color that is similar to the shade of your lips, only slightly lighter. It’s easy to be drawn to the colors that look pure white but trust me, just don’t. I love THIS line by Essence Cosmetics. 02 Porcelain Doll is my jam right now.
Highlight
Not exclusive to the nude lip, but a definite body booster. Gently swipe a small amount of your favorite highlighter onto the Cupid’s Bow (upper lip curve) to make your lip look crazy defined and inviting. I love THIS by Physician’s Formula.
BLEND FOREVER!
Yes. You can never blend too much. Blot with a finger or sponge until the look is seamless. Throughout the day, reapply the lipcolor and blend some more!
Now go get nude!
♥Liz
ClassicMaggie
Love it! I’m pretty pale and I totally agree with you that nude lips are definitely much harder to pull off than bolder lips, thanks for the great tips!
BTW, you are gorgeous! 😻
Liz ll Inspector Gorgeous
It’s so true! Pale girls know the struggle haha! And thank you, you’re too kind 🙂
Paul
*Raises hand* Question: If you have to apply a certain colour to your lips for them to be nude, does that mean they aren’t nude when no colour is applied? Asking for a friend, as always.
Liz ll Inspector Gorgeous
Is this a makeup question or existentialism question? Ok, here’s both answers-
A nude lip is only nude when the color of the lip is muted to the tone of the skin. A colorless lip is usually a fleshy pink tone, therefore not “nude” but naked.
As for the other answer, existence precedes essence, so yes.
😉
Paul
It’s a both question. Hmm, all my life I thought nude = naked. Thanks for clearing that up! My ‘friend’ will appreciate this info.
Liz ll Inspector Gorgeous
In the makeup world nothing is every what it seems! haha
Chris Gorton
Love your blog!
Liz ll Inspector Gorgeous
Thanks Chris!!!
Anonymous
I want to wear lipstick, but I don’t. Maybe I should start….I like it! Very pretty photos. I wish there was a funny story to go along with the post. I like reading about your life. 🙂
Liz ll Inspector Gorgeous
You should! Next time I promise to delve deep into my personal life and tell you a sordid story of epic proportions. Puns included 😉