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How To Choose Nude Lipstick For Dark Skin

Photo credit: Imaxtree
Photo credit: Imaxtree

From ELLE

Whenever I picture the perfect nude lip, I think back to the 60s mod era. A time where statement eye make-up was never complete without a subdued salmon-pink or biscuit-beige pout.

According to MAC Senior Artist Dominic Skinner , the term ‘nude make-up' refers to 'a look where features are subtly enhanced and defined but where the appearance of make-up is nowhere to be seen.'

The catch? Lip products that are branded in this way are often far from a one-size-fits-all solution, especially when you've got a darker skin tone. So searching for shades that fit and flatter our diverse melanin levels can sometimes feel like mission impossible.

No more. Here's how to choose the perfect nude lipstick for dark skin...

Photo credit: Imaxtree
Photo credit: Imaxtree

How to prep your lip base

First you've got to get familiar with the natural colouring of your lips. Black and Asian women tend to be more prone to pigmentation, which has an impact on the texture and tone of your skin.

Just like when applying foundation to discoloured skin, colour correcting is a step to consider while shopping for a nude lipstick that complements your complexion.

'Sometimes deeper skin tones can have pigmented lips and so if you want to even out the lips you can apply little bit of concealer or powder before applying the lipstick as this will create a bare canvas and emphasise the colour,' says Bobbi Brown Pro Artist Adeola Gboyega.

Try... Bobbi Brown Sheer Loose Powder in Warm Natural - £28 BUY

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Photo credit: .

How to find the right shade

Hovering over a make-up counter filled to the brim with a selection of rich brown to creamy-beige nude lipsticks can be rather overwhelming. And as you add yet more stripes of lipstick to the back of your hand, making a decision on what colour sits best on your skin can become even more difficult.

'A great tip that I find works every time is to first try out lipstick on your finger tip as it tends to be more pink and gives you a truer idea of the how it might look on the lip,' Dominic explains.

Another point to consider is the under-tone of your skin as this will help you determine whether to for a cool or warmer shade. 'So, if you have a caramel undertone, start looking at cooler golden and caramel lip shades or if you have a richer, more mahogany undertone, look for richer chocolate shades,' he adds.

Photo credit: Imaxtree
Photo credit: Imaxtree

How to choose the right texture

The texture of a lipstick can actually have an impact on the colour pay off as well. For example, liquid lipsticks which are wet and creamy when applied, can dry with a matte finish that tends to be slightly deeper in colour.

'I find liquid matte lipsticks or matte lipsticks are great for masking out uneven tones in the lip and have incredible staying power, they are more opaque and give more coverage,' explains Gboyega.

Try... Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Praline - £17.50 BUY

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Photo credit: .

How to contour and customise your nude lip

Contouring your chosen colour can take nude lips to the next level by camouflaging any ashy tones, whilst adding depth and definition at the same time.

Up the ante even more by using a lip liner to carve out the lip shape and seamlessly blend the lip colour with your natural skin-tone.

'To warm or just balance out the lipstick colour, we should work with a dark lip liner with the undertone that matches the lipstick we are using,' says Make Up For Ever Pro Artist and National Trainer, Curro Martinez. 'For example: browns or dark orange for peachy nudes. Burgundy for rosy nudes,' he adds.

Try... Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Liner in Chocolate Brown - £14 BUY

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Photo credit: .

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