8.28.2012

Best Drugstore Nude Lipsticks


So yesterday I had a dentist appointment. I have such a strong tolerance for pain, but not when it comes to dental cleanings--I'm a weepy wimp. I decided a trip to ULTA was in order to make me feel better. A salesperson commented on my nude lipstick, and it prompted me to finish this post from eons ago. I'm sharing a variety of shades to suit just about every skin tone, as well as some bonus shades. I didn't swatch these since what looks awful on my skin may look better on you, but I will gladly update this if you want to see a particular shade. Check out my Favorite Drugstore Nude Lipsticks:


I'm starting with the lightest pink to an almost-mauve.



Revlon Colorburst in Pink Sugar--very light pink nude. Revlon has some great MAC lipstick dupes.
Maybelline ColorSational in Nude Nuances--a lighter pink
Revlon Colorburst in Soft Nude--a creamy pink


Rimmel Kate Moss 03--traditional nude
Wet N Wild in Bare It All--another traditional nude shade, similar to 03, but about $1
Rimmel Kate Moss 08--almost a mauve, but with brown


I thought I'd include shades for those that want a sheer wash of color.

Revlon Lip Butter in Creme Brulee--Try adding this over a nude lipstick for shine. Sometimes matte shades can be so drying, so I like adding this on top.
Maybelline Babylips Peach--This is very sheer and can be worn over lipstick or just as a moisturizer. I happen to adore the scent of peach, but some may not.
L'Oreal ColourRiche Le Balm in Caring Coral and Rose Elixir--These aren't traditional nudes, but are sheer enough to look gorgeous on certain skin tones.
Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait--More of a sparkly sheer

Drugstore and high end lip glosses/lip stain, for those that aren't fans of lipstick.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Bellini--very light pink apricot
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm--a little bit darker than the Bellini shade, but with great staying power
Makeup Forever in S2--super sparkly and glossy light nude
Buxom in Leslie--golden light nude sparkly gloss
Nars in Orgasm--the infamous peachy gold gloss that I can only wear over a lipstick. It doesn't show up on me otherwise.
Revlon ColorBurst in Sunset Peach--a sparkly peach that looks great alone or over lipstick.

T I P S
  • Nude lipsticks look great with smokey eyes.
  • The darker the lips, the lighter the nude is the rule of thumb, but wear what looks best on you. 
  • Color and shine help to keep lips from cadaver territory.
  • Have a shade that doesn't work for you? Try using the lipstick to lighten a darker lipstick. For example, I was able to turn a red into a coral just by mixing with a light nude shade.
  • Depending on the shade/texture, concealer and clear lip gloss can be used as a nude shade in a pinch.

Wearing Rimmel 03 and Revlon in Sunset Peach

Update:
Revlon Soft Nude, Revlon Pink Sugar, Maybelline Nude Nuances, Rimmel 08, WNW Bare It All, Revlon Lip Butters in Creme Brulee & Peach Parfait, Rimmel 03, Le Balm Coral

34 comments:

  1. Pretty! I'm a bright-color kind of gal, but nude lipstick is gorgeous on you! (I'm addicted to those Revlon lip butters.)

    (P.S. I'm hosting a $100 Shopbop giveaway, if you're interested! http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/post/30381936383/win-it-100-shopbop-gift-card-giveaway)

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  2. I was never able the master the nude lipstick look. It always left me looking like a corpse. It looks amazing on you, so maybe I'll give it another go ;)

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  3. I hope to find a really cute nude gloss. I want to master the cute neutral face for daily wear and a nude gloss would be so appropriate.

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  4. I prefer brighter colors myself... I love Babylips but in the red color, so pretty!

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  5. Gorgeous! I love the barely there ones...elegant and feminine.

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  6. You have no idea, I have been looking for blogs with a post on this for so long! These seem like great alternatives but I can't really see the shades well on these pics. May have to go to the store and see them in person maybe.
    Also, you are stunning!

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  7. Interesting post :) I also love L'Oreal's new Rouge Caresse in 501 and a Rimmel one in 700 :)

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  8. I'm a huge fan of nude lipsticks - HUGE! So a huge thanks to you for the post.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  9. i have heard the baby lips are a great lip stick!

    xxS

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  10. NIce round up. I actually use e.l.f.'s nude lipstick and Julep's Peony for lip gloss!

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  11. It's always tough to find the right nude...so many of them end up looking too white or too toe tag {is that a horrible term or what? sorry, it's a work term..}

    Amazing review as always, Elle! xoxo

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  12. i'm a red lipstick kind of girl, but I think I need to explore neutrals someday soon because some days I feel like going a little more on the subtle side.

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  13. I'm a big fan of nude lips. Since I keep my eyes pretty intense, I tend to keep my lips nude.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  14. I definitely want to try the baby lips one. I've heard so many great things about it.

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  15. This post just came on time:) Am looking for new nude lippies. TY so much, Elle!

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  16. pretty colors and I've dying to try a nude lip! I also love Buxom lip gloss!

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  17. I'm ready to hit the Walgreens around the corner!

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  18. Pretty! I have never used nude lipstick shades, but I might try some of the Revlon ones you suggested.

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  19. I have Makeup Forever in S2 I have only used it once. I like using Buxom Sugar on my lips for a nude color. It's what I;m wearing in today post.

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  20. I don't do lipstick, but I think I could get on board with nude lipstick!

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  21. Always looking for a good nude lipstick! I'm taking notes! Your makeup looks fab in the pictures!

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  22. I'm obsessed with nude lipsticks!! Love the look in your pics!! It looks great on you!

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  23. I look nude lipsticks so much! Your makeup look really great in these pictures.

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  24. great shades of color!!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  25. this is such an amazing guide! i've been wanting to buy a nude lipstick, and now i think i will. ;)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Mile End Bakery Giveaway: Win a dozen cookies of your choice!
    Open internationally: Win a set of temporary tattoos!

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  26. I'm marking this post for next time I head to the drug store. I keep meaning to pick up a nude option but feel overwhelmed by my choices.

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  27. ooo, so may pretty shades. i think i may try some of the maybelline options.

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  28. I've been using Revlon matt, Mauve it Over, for a while and really like it but lots of these look tempting too. x

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  29. They just opened a new ULTA across the street from my house. It's nice to have an alternative to Sephora (also nearby).

    This post is timely for me 'cause I need (and lack) nudes. I didn't know where to start: your post is a nice primer.

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  30. now don't hit me :D but could I suggest that, if possible, you can post a tad clearer photos? with the make-up stuff especially, they seem just a bit over processed.. don't hit, don't throw tomatoes! :D

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  31. @ mila--I know my pics are not the best, and it's something I'm always trying to improve, as I have never used a fancy camera before. Right now I'm borrowing a friend's camera, as before I'd used my phone for 2 years to take pics. I took around 30 pics for this post, and those were the clearest. I don't use a flash, but it looked like it, so I darkened the contrast. I won't do that next time. Ugh. I'm always trying to improve, promise.

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  32. Love this review, finding a good nude shade is something I stil need to do!

    xo Mary Jo

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  33. I just got MAC Creme de Nude and it is so perfect!

    I know it is not a 'drug store' brand, but I got it free with the MAC recycling thing (bring back 6 empties and get a free lippie) so I reckon it still qualifies as a bargain!

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