…the seasonal way to wear a nude
I’ve always admired the Gwen Stefani types—those women who rock a red lip EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. You know the ones: a blue-red on their lips, curled lashes, and that’s it. How impossibly chic can you get? A few years ago, I experimented with bold shades myself, and I still reach for them now and then. But I’ve finally accepted that my lipstick comfort zone is firmly in nude territory. Honestly, I eat too many greasy foods to keep a red lip pristine, plus my mouth is a bit lopsided—I talk out of one side—so drawing on a loud lip line just magnifies that quirk. It’s never a look I fully own, and that’s okay. Me and nudes? We’ve got a steady relationship.
In the past, I’d just slap on a clear balm daily. Lately, though, I’ve been gravitating toward a specific shade, even on low-makeup days. I call it a ‘tawny, peach nude.’ It’s not brown, nor is it a bright peach—just a nude with an orange undertone, and it’s absolutely perfect for this time of year. Here are my top picks across all finishes and price ranges…
If you’re looking for a high-street option… Bourjois Rouge Fabuleux Lipstick in Abracadabiege. I highlighted this in a recent video for a project I did with them, and this shade fits perfectly in this lineup. It delivers serious pigment but leaves a satin finish on the lips—neither matte nor glossy when applied. A solid everyday choice, and bonus points for the packaging: the bullet is color-coordinated, so you can grab it easily at 6 a.m. when you’re not sure what planet you’re on.
If you’re not usually a lipstick wearer… Glossier Generation G in Cake. I’ve been using this shade on and off for two years, and it remains a favorite. The texture is odd, like a dry balm. Don’t expect shine; instead, you get a (very!) light wash of color with a waxy finish. It’s perfect for lipstick skeptics because it feels like you’re wearing nothing. When swatched, it’s one of the paler options, but its sheerness means it adapts to your natural lip color, looking different on everyone.
If you’re looking for something ‘nude’ nude… MAC Lipstick in Jamie Genevieve. I’m having a MAC lipstick revival right now, and I’m thrilled for my mate Jamie, who recently collaborated with them on this FAB nude. At its core, it’s a beige with a hefty dose of peach. It’s the palest lip color I own, but I’ve surprised myself by how often I wear it—usually paired with a lip liner close to my natural shade to plump up my non-existent pout. It’s a satin finish, so I like blotting it into the lips for a slightly blurred effect.
If you’re looking for a matte formula (and my favorite)… MAC Lipstick in Yash. THIS IS MY FAVORITE! When I put together these roundups, there’s usually one product that sparks the whole post, and this time it was this one. Swatched next to the others, it’s the pinkest of the bunch—but don’t be fooled—it looks like a straight-up peach on the lips (it’s what I’m wearing in the photo above). It’s a matte finish, so you need intense lip balm before bed each night, but I can’t get enough of the color. My lips, but peachier. Kind of.
If you’re looking for one you don’t need a mirror to apply… CHANEL Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur in Au Naturel. Everything else here dries fairly matte, which isn’t bad since they last well, but sometimes you want a bit of sheen, right? This one’s your guy. It’s a rustier, deeper shade than the rest, so if you like something with more oomph, this is worth checking out. I also love the pencil format—it’s SO easy to apply without a mirror, blending with your fingers for a light finish, or using it as a liner/color combo with full concentration.
If you’re looking for an everyday nude (that also works on a wedding day)… CHANEL Rouge Coco Lipstick in Adrienne. This is the lipstick I wore on my wedding day, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. It feels more brown than peach-based, but on my lips, it blends pink, brown, and peach—a bit of everything that goes with everything, making it my ultimate everyday pick. It’s also more hydrating than others I’ve mentioned, so cat butt-hole lips aren’t as much of an issue. It keeps things looking nice and peachy. See what I did there?
Photos by Emma Croman
