How To Find The Right Nude Lipstick For Indian Skin Tones

Your search for the perfect “your lips but better” shade ends here. 

The quest to find the right nude lipstick for Indian skin tones is more difficult than finding the right foundation shade.

The struggle is REAL, and it’s definitely not talked about enough. If you’ve ever bought a nude lipstick shade only to look like a washed-out ghost and feel disappointed later, we hear you. 

For years, nude lipsticks were made to cater only to a certain set of skin tones, completely ignoring the warmth and depth of Indian skin tones.

A paradox in itself, nude lipstick shades are meant to work with your natural complexion, giving your lips a subtle hint of colour that pulls your look together in just one swipe.

And thanks to minimal makeup trends, nude lipsticks have become a must-have in every woman’s makeup bag.

This lipstick guide to finding the right nude lipstick for Indian skin isn’t about settling on a shade that’s just good enough and then needing a dark lip liner to fix it.

It’s about giving you a shade that fits your rich Indian skin tone perfectly. But before you pick a shade, get your basics right. Because just swatching isn’t enough. 

• Do a vein test. Identifying the colour of your veins on your wrist is the easiest way to figure out your skin’s undertone. If your veins appear green, you have a warm undertone. If your veins look blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If it looks like a mix of both, then you have a neutral undertone. 

• The next step is to identify your natural lip colour. Your natural lip colour is like the base filter on which the outcome of your nude lipstick shade is based. Dusty pink or brown are the most common natural lip colours. But check for hyperpigmentation or two-tone lips, because this can alter the end result of the shade. 

• Opt for one shade deeper. The idea is not to mimic your natural lip colour, but to add colour and dimension to your makeup look without over-emphasising the lips. 

• Test the shade. Put your chosen nude lipstick shade to the test because the same lipstick can look different in varied lighting conditions, or even against the colour of your outfits. The same shade can also look different when used in different finishes. So don’t just trust wrist swatches; go beyond them. 

Now onto the fun part! Picking the best nude lipstick shades for the 3 most common skin tones, and their undertones. 

Best Nude Lipstick for Fair Skin Tone

The biggest fear of trying to find the perfect shade for this skin tone is picking a shade that’s too light, giving you “concealer lips.” Here’s what to pick for each undertone: 

• For cool undertones, pick the Simply Nam Disha (Mulled Pink) Satin Soft Lip Creme. 

• For warm undertones, pick the Simply Nam Rhea (Summer Pink) Satin Soft Lip Creme. 

• For neutral undertones, pick the Simply Nam Rani (Cinnamon Pink) Satin Soft Lip Creme. 

Best Nude Lipstick for Medium Skin/Wheatish Skin Tone 

If you’re a medium skin-toned girl, you probably have it the easiest because you can experiment with as many shades as you’d like. But here are the best ones to pick if you want to get it 100% right: 

• For cool undertones, pick the Simply Nam Hanna (Mauve) Satin Soft Lip Creme. 

• For warm undertones, pick the Simply Nam Isha (Almond Pink) Satin Soft Lip Creme.

• For neutral undertones, pick the Simply Nam Pernia Perfect Nude Satin Soft Lip Creme.

Best Nude Lipstick for Dusky Skin/Deep Skin Tone 

Not too light, not too dark, this skin tone needs a nude lipstick shade that will add the perfect contrast to your complexion. Here’s the best lipstick for dusky skin and its undertones. 

• For cool undertones, pick the Simply Nam Dolly (Dusty Pink) Satin Soft Lip Creme.

• For warm undertones, pick the Simply Nam Rosenyn (Toasted Caramel) Satin Soft Lip Creme.

• For neutral undertones, pick the Simply Nam Reina (Roasted Coffee) Satin Soft Lip Creme. 

The right nude lipstick shade can enhance your lips, and the wrong one can erase them. If it’s too light, it can make your overall appearance look dull, and if it’s too dark, then it will not look like a nude shade at all.

The idea is to find a balance. And if you can pick the right shades based on your skin tone and your undertone, then you’re already halfway there. Adding warmth & dimension should be your only primary concern. 

You’ve figured out your skin tone & undertone and picked the right nude lipstick for Indian skin, but if you don’t apply it right, it could look flat.

So here’s a simple step-by-step guide to applying your nude lipstick shade perfectly. 

Step 1: Exfoliate and moisturise

Chapped lips and dry patches seem more emphasised, especially if you’re using matte nude lipsticks.

It’s best to slough it all off using a lip scrub, a DIY sugar scrub, or a soft handkerchief. Gently rub it on your lips to slough off any impurities and dead skin cells to reveal smoother, softer lips.

Follow this up with a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture. 

Step 2: Line your lips 

Prevent your lipstick from looking flat by using a lip liner that is a tad bit darker. This will help add structure to your lips and add dimension to them.

If you’ve chosen the wrong nude lipstick shade, using a darker lip liner can surely help you save the day. 

Step 3: Apply the lipstick

Start by applying at the centre of your lips and gradually blend the pigment outward. You can use a lip makeup brush or your fingers to get a more natural-looking finish. 

Step 4: Highlight and set 

Once done, to add just a little bit of drama and some extra dimension, use a touch of highlighter on the cupid’s bow.

To make your lip makeup last longer, use a spritz or two of setting spray. If you don’t want to use a setting spray on your lip makeup, simply add a light dusting of setting powder over it to improve longevity.