Classic Nudes

So we’ve survived the holidays and the bright red everything: red sweaters, red shoes, red scarves, red nails and red lips. This time of the year, I find that my preference to go au naturel in my clothing and makeup is heightened. I opt for neutral color sweaters like a warm beige or a heather grey, minimal makeup, and surprise, surprise…a nude lip. Well not totally. As a self-proclaimed lipstick hoarder, I can never go without wearing lipstick. It is my one and only deserted island type product. I enjoy everything about the lipstick experience (yes to me it’s an experience!): I enjoy purchasing a lipstick, admiring the color and packaging, swatching it on my arm, applying it. I enjoy seeing the beautiful color on my lips and I enjoy how it makes me feel inside. Warm and fuzzy (yes, I know I have a problem!).

When it comes to nude color lipsticks, I like the no-fuss application (one swipe and you’re done) and the classic sophistication that it lends to any outfit. It’s that simple elegance that only a nude lip is guaranteed to bring! I gravitate toward shades that are similar to my natural lip color, either a few tones lighter or rosier. My lips but better type colors!

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria    

This has become my all-time favorite of not just the nudes, but the entire stash! I purchased it at the beginning of the summer, when I read online that a few celebrities (a la Kim K and Lilly Aldridge) swear by it. I just couldn’t help it, even though the color, at first glance, appeared similar to a few other lipsticks I hoard (aka MAC Velvet Teddy). I was curious to see what the hype was all about, as it seems that Charlotte Tilbury is currently taking the makeup world by storm. One lipstick at a time and I didn’t want to be left behind. Well, the lipstick is deserving of all the praise. It is a beautiful, pigmented matte nude that looks a little different on everybody and at different times of the day depending on the light. I do recommend trying it in the store first, before purchasing it. It looks more on the browny side in the packaging, but I find that on me it looks more like a dark, dusty rose shade. It is a beautiful and natural looking color. The formula is what takes this lipstick to the next level. It is light, creamy and long-lasting, unlike any other matte finish lipstick that I’ve tried. My lips get dry and chapped easily, especially this time of the year when the air is crisp, and I sometimes need to apply a lip balm underneath a matte finish lipstick.  Not ideal, as it can affect the color and longevity of the lipstick I apply.  No need to do that with the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks. The formula is enriched with orchid extract, to protect and soothe the lips. It does not dry the lips, nor does it hang onto any dry patches, but feels smooth and silky, as if your lips are truly in the nude.

Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Bare  

I’ve owned several of these over the years. It is the nude, glossy lip color that I always keep in my handbag and don’t even have to think about. Whenever I run out, I immediately order another one, just because I know I’ll use it. It is one of those lipsticks that it’s just that easy to apply. I’ll start with the packaging first. It does need to be addressed, as it is by far my most favorite one of all. The packaging is a gorgeous, slick black with gold accents. It looks very luxe on any vanity and inside any handbag. The formula feels like a balm on the lips, it’s light, hydrating and has a soft vanilla scent. Tom Ford Lip Color Shine features a blend of soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil to condition and moisturize the lips. It reminds me of the Chanel Coco Shine lipsticks in terms of finish, formulation and feel on the lips, but the Tom Ford Lip Color Shine definitely outweighs in terms of longevity. The color is a sheer peachy, champagne nude with gold shimmer running through it, perfect for any complexion. Bare can be worn on its own with no makeup at all or be that best nude lipstick to pair up with a dramatic smokey eye. In my opinion, it’s worth saving up and splurging on this luxury lipstick. It cannot be beat in terms of packaging, formulation, and versatility.

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Rouge Volupté Lipstick in No. 1   

Confession: YSL lipsticks were one of the first luxury lipsticks I ever owned. I received one as a Christmas present from my stepmom in my late teens and from that point on, I was hooked. I would save up and treat myself whenever the occasion called for it: a good grade on an exam in college, a promotion at work, a birthday present from myself to myself (one needs to self-indulge every now and then). The packaging is gorgeous and it makes such a statement on any vanity. It’s a golden metallic tube adorned with an intricate ring to discreetly reveal the shade. The tube itself is reflective and can be used as a mirror for quick lipstick application at any time of the day. The formula is a dream to apply: super creamy, buttery and very bendable. It’s hydrating, soft and comfortable on the lips. Both light and covering, the cream texture becomes fluid on contact with the lips, which also means it fades more easily and it does settle into fine lines. The staying power is about 2-3 hours on me. The finish I would say lies somewhere in between matte and glossy. The color is a luscious rosy nude suitable for any complexion and can be built up from a light layer to a more intense, high pigmented look. In my opinion, this lipstick changed over the years. I think the color is rosier and the formula is creamier than when this lipstick first came out years ago. The color is so rich that I usually apply it with a light hand, a few dabs is all you need. The price is a drawback, but the lipstick makes a nice treat for yourself and a lovely gift for someone else.

Now raise your hand if you’ve got a nude lipstick color in your beauty stash. Which one is your favorite?