Not all nudes are created equal…
Sometimes, less is more- also when it comes to beauty. As much as I love full-coverage foundations and occasional heavy eye makeup, I also really dig that flawless, all-nude look. Light foundation, delicate, yet defined eye, a touch of glow and a nude lip. Having fair skin though, means that nudes don’t always look “nude” on me. Some can wash me out, some make me look like corpse and some just aren’t very flattering.
SOFT EYE
For a soft, but defined eye, I love reaching our for my Naked palette from Urban Decay. This palette is an oldie, but a goodie, I think we can all agree on this. For me, this a palette that started it all; I love Sin, Virgin, Naked, Hustle, Buck and Toasted- they’re all such great “everyday” shades that when combined
NAKED SKIN
L’Oreal’s True Match foundation is probably one of the best drugstore foundations (right next to Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless) and creates such a gorgeous base. I’m in the shade Classic Ivory (N2) and LOVE the fact that it has a neutral undertone. Usually, when it comes to drugstore foundations, lightest shades have undertones that are way too pink for me, but L’Oreal’s True Match comes in amazing 33 (!!) shades. The natural finish of this foundation is gorgeous and the formula is very similar to Chanel’s Aqua Lumière foundation, so it’s a great dupe. Another Urban Decay product to love for a true, light, nude look is their Naked Concealer– it gives nice coverage while feeling weightless on skin. I love mine in the shade Fair Neutral. For subtle highlight, I always reach for Stila’s All Over Shimmer Duo in Kitten. It’s perfect for an “everyday” use, as it adds a gorgeous glow, without being overwhelming or too intense. Love that both of these can double as eyeshadows too.
About a week a go, I got my hands on a new mineralized blush from MAC from the Future MAC Collection- Cosmic Force. It’s a dirty nude, slightly taupe-y color that is so stunning for fair skin. It’s delicate, soft and can also work as a contour powder. Like I said, I only had this blush for about a week, and it’s already one of my favorite blush colors. I can brush it lightly on my cheeks for a touch of color, but I can also build it up with each layer, without having to worry about it looking cake-y. I’m seriously in love with this blush and if you guys know of any similar cheek products, please let me know!
LIPS
Lips, is where it always gets interesting when it comes to nude shades. I stay away from nudes that are too pink, but I don’t mind ones that have brownish vibes. Here are some that I love; Too Faced Melted Nude, MAC Shy Girl, Chanel’s Glossimer in #206 Beige Star and NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream in London. All of these have unique, and amazing formulas. Melted Nude and Shy Girl wear incredibly comfortably, Beige Star is one I reach for when my lips feel exceptionally dry and London is just an awesome matte color.
Left to right: Melted Nude, Shy Girl, Kitten Shimmer Duo, Beige Star, London and Cosmic Force.
What are some of your favorite nude makeup products?
80 Comments
Ashley Edmondson
April 4, 2016 at 7:47 pmI LOVE Laura Mercier moisture supreme foundation for normal skin. Such light coverage, but hides those blemishes you don’t want around. ALSO, Urban Decay Naked 2. The perfect nude lip.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:03 amWill have to try that foundation, sounds amazing!
Tuki
April 4, 2016 at 7:50 pmThe nudes from NYX Soft Matte lip creams are so darling. Sadly, I cannot pull nude for my complexion.
Selene Addicted
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:04 amThey have such an incredible formula, too!
Samileen
April 4, 2016 at 7:52 pmI have to admit UD naked palette is the best, till date it’s my favourite, such beautiful colors and the pigmentation is lovely. And that nyx lip cream looks lovely.
Sam|| Beautydetour
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:05 amSame here! Love that palette so much! :)
Jen
April 4, 2016 at 8:49 pmThese products all sound amazing! I can’t believe I haven’t tried any of them yet My favorite go-to nudes are Charlotte Tilbury’s “Nude Kate” and the Two Faced eye palette “Natural Eyes”.
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:07 amReally have to try something from Charlotte Tilbury!!
Kathy
April 4, 2016 at 9:25 pmYour naked palette seems very well loved! Everyone loves this palette and I have yet to try any of the urban decay palettes haha
kathy x
http://www.alongcamekathy.blogspot.co.nz
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:08 amIf you ever want to try one, definitely go for the original NAKED palette, it’s a classic :D
Miss Nev
April 4, 2016 at 9:42 pmLove MAC shy girl lipstick x Lovely photos!
Nev | Miss Nev
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:08 amThanks!
Melanie@Toots + Dill
April 4, 2016 at 9:57 pmMy naked 3 palette has finally ended…I think I might get the original one! It’s so versatile! =)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:09 amNaked 3 is one I never got around to trying! :)
Serein
April 5, 2016 at 1:09 amI love the nude look for Spring/Summer, but totally agree about certain nude shades make me look dead. It’s such a fine line. Thank you so much for the suggestions!
xoxo
Serein
http://sereinwu.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:09 amThanks so much Serein!
Jenni
April 5, 2016 at 3:05 amI love L’Oréal True Match and MAC Shy Girl is also one of my fave nude lippies! I actually just did a post on my blog all about my nude makeup staples: http://shakespeareandsparkle.com/2016/03/28/nude-beauty-staples/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:16 amI really love Shy Gril, too!
Aleksandra
April 5, 2016 at 3:39 amThe NAKED palette is literally the only thing I am using atm. I think I am obsessed.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:16 amHaha so am I!!
CHERRYMAG
April 5, 2016 at 4:49 amgreat selection!
xo
http://www.cherry-mag.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:17 amThanks!
Dagmara Klich
April 5, 2016 at 5:24 amAs much as I love experimenting with my makeup the truth is that most days I wear pretty simple, ‘nude’ look, it’s quick and easy and appropriate for any everyday situation, like work, school run or running errands :) Cosmic Force looks like a pretty everyday blush! It reminds me Max Factor blush in Nude Mauve and Too Faced Baby Love :) x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:18 amSame here Dagmara! I love keeping it simple! Oh I totally forgot about Baby Love!! Have to dig it out because I love it!!
Vanessa Buttino
April 5, 2016 at 8:15 amI have super-pale skin and I find the hardest thing for me to get right are nude lip colours. I often find that they come off looking really orange on me (not a good look). The best one I’ve found so far is MAC Blankety but it works best with a gloss over top to soften it out. The colour is very opaque and if I wear it on its own, I tend to look like a corpse.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 5, 2016 at 8:22 amI noticed the same thing, even with colors like Shy Girl, I always apply a very thin layer, and usually pair it with a liner, to soften it up a little. It somehow always makes it easier to pull off!
Vanessa Buttino
April 5, 2016 at 8:25 am*nods head* Yup. Exactly. #palegirlproblems
Ambar Syed
April 5, 2016 at 9:40 amThese look like some gorgeous options for fairer skin! I’m really into the more brown toned nudes, particularly for the lips (like Gerard Cosmetics 1995). I find that they suit me more :)
– Ambar x
http://www.herlittleloves.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 8:02 amI’ve heard great things about Gerard Cosmetics!
Face to Curls
April 5, 2016 at 9:46 amI don’t have fair skin, but these are some great products! Great selection!
http://facetocurls.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 8:02 amThank you!
♡mika♡
April 5, 2016 at 10:02 amOoh these are all such great picks! I love this post! Def still love my Naked palette, I should really give it more love!
xoxo
http://www.hellohimawari.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:39 amI dig mine out every couple of months haha :)
A Little Dose of Makeup
April 5, 2016 at 10:32 amI have fair skin and I love the original Naked palette for my eyes! Lovely post!
xx, A Little Dose of Makeup
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:39 amMe too! :)
Bea Montenegro
April 5, 2016 at 10:59 amLove everything on here!
xx beaandbeauty.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:41 am:)
Charlotte
April 5, 2016 at 11:04 amLove this post, the TF polish looks gorgeous. I love MAC patisserie, Laura Mercier rose gold and Stila lilium for nude shades :)x
http://www.secondswatch.co.uk/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:41 amWill have to check those out!
Emma Louise
April 5, 2016 at 12:19 pmI have just got the Maybelline Matte + Poreless Foundation the shade is perfect for my pale skin and the finish is gorgeous!
Emmy | Emmys Beauty Cave | Bloglovin
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:41 amRight? It’s definitely a great foundation!
Stephanie Hartley
April 5, 2016 at 12:36 pmI’ve got the L’Oreal True Match foundation as well, and it’s PERFECT for my pale skin. I struggle with nude things too – this was such a helpful post, thank you for writing it!
Steph – http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:44 amYou’re welcome Stephanie! I love that foundation, too! :)
Kim Petersen
April 5, 2016 at 1:00 pmI have never tried L’Oreal True Match foundation but you’ve got me sold, I love a good neutral foundation! Great post Paula, I hope you’re having a great week so far! XO -Kim
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:44 amThanks Kim!
Biana Perez
April 5, 2016 at 1:48 pmI’ve been really interested in L’Oreal true match because of great reviews and that UD concealer is one of my favorites!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:44 amThat foundation is incredible!
Valentina Batrac
April 5, 2016 at 2:25 pmI’m a huge fan of nudes, especially lipsticks (I might be obsessed with nude lipsticks haha) and I find nude looks the best, easiest to recreate, I feel the most comfortable wearing nude shades, I could go on and on I really like this post and the products you mentioned sound great, the shades of the lipsticks are stunning! Lovely post :)
Valentina from http://fashionwithvalentina.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:49 amThanks so much Valentina! I love my nude shades, too :)
Rebecca Fletcher
April 5, 2016 at 3:14 pmI love the too faced melted lipstick in nude. Its the perfect shade for my pale skin but when I fake tan it still looks good. Ive been wanting to try out the Urban Decay naked concealer because it actually looks light enough for my undereyes. Thats the one thing I really struggle to find- a concealer thats light enough and NOT orange. X
http://www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:50 amTry the NAKED concealer in Fair Neutral- no pink undertones there and it’s so light- I think it’s even a little lighter than MAC’s NC15.
Amanda
April 5, 2016 at 3:20 pmI’ve been using nude shadows so much lately and just playing up my lips. I love bronze eyes, and I often reach for the bronze Color Tattoo by Maybelline as my base. There’s a brand called Collection here in the UK with a palette called Eyes Uncovered and it contains six shades that are apparently dupes for the UD 1 palette! I love it, it’s great for everyday use and very travel-friendly too. The MAC blush looks incredible <3
Amanda Jayne | beauty, style, life
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:52 amLove Maybelline’s Color Tattoos! Oh wow that palette sounds lovely!
Ela BellaWorld
April 5, 2016 at 3:57 pmMost of the time I keep my makeup pretty simple and nude, it is almost impossible to apply makeup properly when I’m half awake in the morning ha ha :) I still haven’t found my perfect nude lip product, I feel like nude lips don’t really suit me. Melted nude and shy girl look beautiful.
Ela BellaWorld
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:54 amHaha :) I know the struggle Ela! :)
Mandy
April 5, 2016 at 6:03 pmGreat post! THis will really help those super fair ladies out there. I have light skin and some of these probably wash me out. But i have many friends that are fair skin and they have trouble finding something that matches them! This is great!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 10:56 amThanks Mandy! I think a lot has to do with application, too. With some of these shades, I always make sure to only apply a thin layer and love pairing them with some of my favorite lip liners. That definitely makes those nudes a little easier to pull off.
Guest
April 5, 2016 at 8:58 pmWow, that Mac blush looks stunning! Great selection of products, and your swatches are very clean and crisp. :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:03 amThanks Pat!
Mademoiselle Coconath
April 6, 2016 at 12:08 amLove all these nude product!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:03 am:)
Kiss & Make-up
April 6, 2016 at 4:39 amI’m not exactly fair but I am not very tan either, so I think these picks would still work for me. One of my favorite nude eyeshadows is MAC Naked Deep Dark.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:03 amI’m sure a lot these would work for you!
Trang Do
April 6, 2016 at 5:02 amI’m huge fan of Nudes!! Love these products!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:06 amThanks Trang!
lucy prosser
April 6, 2016 at 6:07 amAmazing – I really want to get into more nude products this spring so that’s awesome :)
Lucy xoxo
lucyannblog.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:06 am:)
Elizabeth Hisle
April 6, 2016 at 8:59 am“Not all nudes are created equal.” Truer words have never been spoken. I’ve tried so many nudes but have finally settled down into a few loves. UD Naked palette is, of course, number one! For lippies, I am digging Hazelnut by Bite and Nyx B52. I think it’s called B52, at least… All great choices on your part though. It’s so hard to find the perfect nudes.
aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:07 amIt’s definitely not easy to find a good nude colors that work for me! Thanks Elizabeth!
Sydney Kuenzer
April 6, 2016 at 9:04 amI’m a fellow pale girl and I’ve wasted so much makeup trying to find a good match for my skin. Thanks for the ideas!
Sydney | http://thestoryofsydney.blogspot.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:12 amSame here! haha :)
Nereyda @This Girl Is Obsessed
April 6, 2016 at 2:47 pmNudes are my comfort color. I try to brand out, but I always come back to the lovely nudes. I love light pinkish nudes best for my very light skin :)
Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:12 amI feel the same way!
The Sunday Mode
April 7, 2016 at 3:38 amNudes can be so tricky with fair skin, I’ve definitely had my fair share of hits and misses. Shy Girl is one of my favourite nude shades, it’s the only nude lipstick I own actually, and that’s because it’s the only one I’ve ever found that looks good on me.
http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:19 amI love Shy Girl! I think it was one of the first MAC lippies I really fell in love with.
MARGARITACHI.CO
April 7, 2016 at 7:36 amSo many beautiful nude shades! When I am paler (in winter) I use Shy Girl and it’s my go-to paler skin lipstick. Thanks for reminding me to dig it out, especially going into Autumn in Australia at the moment xx
Margarita Chi | MARGARITACHI.CO
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
April 12, 2016 at 11:19 amThanks so much Margarita!
Marta Sierra Marti
May 7, 2016 at 10:17 amAmazing article, so helpful!!
Kisses,
Marta
http://www.martamademoiselle.com
Candice Petersen
May 11, 2016 at 4:10 amDefinitely want to try the Melted lipsticks!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
Jasmine Lauren
January 25, 2017 at 6:06 amI’m so pale so defiantly needed this post! I have the urban decay naked concealer in this shade but it’s still a bit too dark so I have to mix it in with my collection concealer xx
http://jasminelaurenfancy.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1