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12 best nude lipsticks for Asian skin: Long wearing, hydrating formulas for a perfect pout

From just-kissed berry tones to rich brown shades, we've found your staple nude

Anjana Gosai
Monday 24 February 2020 15:00 GMT
Your skin tone, its undertone and your natural lip shade should dictate the most flattering shade for you
Your skin tone, its undertone and your natural lip shade should dictate the most flattering shade for you (The Independent/iStock)

When worn well, nude lipstick can enhance your natural features and make you look effortlessly polished. Whether it’s taupe, toffee or tawny – hues from the nude colour family are highly versatile and are appropriate for any occasion.

With a breadth of brands now catering for Asian skin tones, it is easier than ever to find your ideal match.

When shopping for the perfect nude – make-up artists suggest going for what you are drawn to. However, if you’re looking for some guidance, your skin tone, its undertone and your lip shade should dictate the most flattering shade.

“Skin tone is the shade of your skin and undertone refers to the natural colour that comes through from below its surface,” syas celebrity make-up artist Hannah Martin.

“Most Asians tend to have a warm, olive or golden undertone to their skin, so picking a nude that is too light can make the complexion look washed out.”

Pay attention to your natural lip shade too. Some lips are pale, while others are heavily pigmented – applying a nude that is too light can clash with your complexion.

“Those with fair skin tones can look incredible in pink or rose based nudes, whereas medium to olive complexions can pull off warmer tones of beige or peach; and rich chocolate hues can beautifully flatter deeper skin tones,” advises Martin.

We tested a batch of nude lipsticks on fair, medium and deep Asian skin tones. We were looking for formulas that were comfortable, durable and more importantly, shades that were flattering on a variety of complexions. Here are our top picks.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

The verdict: Best nude lipsticks for Asian skin

Nars’ velvet matte lip pencil has everything you could ask for in a lipstick, its versatile shade instantly warms up all skin tones. We also love the creamy, high-shine finish of the Bobbi Brown’s lipstick in “bold honey”, which looks super-chic against deep skin tones. For a purse-friendly option, look to Nyx’s long lasting lipstick.

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