A Simple Guide to Styling Nude Lipstick from Day to Night

Nude lipstick has become a timeless staple in many makeup vanities, offering the perfect balance between subtle elegance and everyday wearability. This means that if there is one product that fits seamlessly into both your daytime work and evening glam makeup looks, it's a good nude lipstick. The neutral tone makes it ideal for experimenting with bold eyes or keeping it minimal and fresh, depending on the occasion.

However, even if you do possess the perfect shade of nude lipstick for your skin tone, that may not be enough. After all, mastering nude lipstick wear isn't just about finding the right shade; it's also about knowing how to style it differently for day and night. That is why we are here to help you discover some easy beauty tips and fresh makeup trends that will help you make the most out of your favourite nude tones across all your looks. Whether you are new to cosmetics or simply refining your beauty routine, here is how to make nude lipstick work all day and all night.

Choose the Right Nude for Your Skin Tone

The first step is finding the nude lipstick that is right for your skin tone. Not every nude shade looks the same on every face, and that is all because of the tone and undertone. Here is a simple guide on how to figure it all out:

  • Fair skin tones: Look for pink or peachy nudes to bring out the natural glow of the skin.
  • Medium/olive skin tones: Go for warm beige, caramel, or rosy nude shades, preferably with brown undertones.
  • Deep skin tones: Rich and warm mocha, brown, and mauve-based nudes are the most ideal.
  • Undertone check: Depending on whether your veins appear blue, green, or a mix of both, you have a cool, warm, or neutral undertone, respectively. For cool undertones, pinkish shades look best, while warm tones like peach and terracotta work best for warm undertones. For neutral undertones, all shades suit equally, and you only need to consider your skin tone.

The goal is to find a shade that enhances your natural lip tone. And if you have your tone and undertone figured out but are struggling with finding the right shade of nude lipstick, then Lakmē's very own AI Beauty Assistant, Lumi, is here to help you out.

Fresh and Minimal Daytime Nude vs. Glamorous Nighttime Nude

For daytime makeup looks, a nude lipstick is perfect for a clean, polished, and effortless appearance. To keep your lipstick fresh and wearable:

  • Opt for matte, creamy, or satin finishes that feel super light on the lips.
  • Pair with minimal or clean eye makeup that matches the shade of your lipstick.
  • Go minimal with the face makeup as well, keeping the contour, bronzer, and blush to a minimum.
  • Stick to formulations that hydrate your lips, giving you the best of makeup and skincare. For nighttime makeup looks, all the secret lies in the pairing and intensity of each product. Here is how to style the same nude lipstick for an elevated glam look:
  • Go for a lip liner that is darker than your nude lipstick, and then blend it towards the centre of the lips.
  • You can consider lipsticks with glossy finishes or top your matte lipstick with a lip gloss.
  • Go for bold eye makeup looks - think smokey eyes, winged eyeliner, cut-crease shadows, or eye-catching shimmery shadows.
  • Go heavy on the face makeup as well, with a full sculpted contour and highlighter.

Lip Prep and Tips for Long-lasting, Day-long Wear

If you plan to wear your lipstick throughout the day and then the night as well, then prep makes all the difference.

  • Exfoliate your lips with a gentle lip scrub to remove excess dry and chapped skin.
  • Hydrate with a lip balm for a while, then gently remove with a wipe or cotton.
  • You can use a lip liner to enhance the shape for a cleaner look.
  • Apply the lipstick once. Then blot off the excess with a tissue and apply again for longer wear.

Top Nude Lipsticks to Add to Your Makeup Bag

From lightweight mattes to hydrating pigmented formulations, these nude lipsticks are made to match your look, be it for a soft daytime beauty routine or for bold evening makeup looks.

1. Lakmē 9to5 Hya Matte Lip Liquid

Your go-to pick for long hours and even longer days. With the hydrating formula infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, this liquid lipstick keeps your lips soft and smooth throughout the day. The powder matte finish and transfer-proof formula further make it ideal for both subtle daytime meetings and polished evening plans.

2. Lakmē Xtraordin-airy Lip Mousse

For the days when you want comfort on your lips without compromising on style, this lip mouse can be the ideal choice. The soft consistency delivers a plush, velvet-matte finish that feels airy and incredibly indulgent. The cocoa butter-enriched formula further helps keep your lips soft and nourished while delivering a rich pigment. In the daytime, you can dab on a small amount for a soft, natural effect, whereas for the evening, you can swipe it on fully with the precision applicator for a bold and defined appearance.

3. Lakmē 9to5 Hya Matte Lipstick

If you are looking for a bullet lipstick that stays plush from brunch to dinner, then this one is your ally. With a creamy, comfortable texture and up to 12 hours of fade-proof wear, the vibrant pigment delivers a smooth, wrinkle-free finish. To top it off, the assurance of 14 hours of continuous moisture ensures minimal touchups and no discomfort on the lips.

4. Lakmē Xtraordin-airy One-and-Done Tint

Keep your look and your makeup bag fuss-free with this 3-in-1 multi-use tint. Ideal for the lips, cheeks, and eyes, this one product is all you need to complete your entire makeup look, be it day or night. The whipped mouse texture feels soft and indulgent, while the jojoba oil and vitamin E keep your skin nourished and supple. Keep it simple with a light layer for subtle daytime makeup looks, and then layer on the product for more intensity.

5. Lakmē 9to5 Powerplay Priming Matte Liquid Lip

Designed to last from buy schedules to back-to-back plans, this liquid lipstick offers a creaseless, matte finish. The built-in primer hard carries and ensures the lipstick is smooth and properly set, so you do not need any touchups throughout hectic workdays and even spontaneous post-office plans.

Ready to Rock the Nude Lip Trend?

You don't need to switch lipsticks throughout the day - just tweak your look and let your nude lipstick carry you from coffee meetings to cocktail gatherings. With the right shade and the right prep to make your lipstick last longer, you can easily transform the same nude shade to match any occasion. So, explore the recommended nudes and transition easily from day to night, whether your mood, schedule, or outfit may be. Try out Lakme's AI Beauty Assistant, Lumi, to discover what works best for you or to locate the nearest Lakme Store for you to check out the shades yourself!