Some Of The Middle East's Leading Make-Up Artists On Their Favourite Nudes
Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick
AED 116 | Huda Beauty
Huda Beauty’s Liquid Matte Lipsticks have stood the test of time – and for good reason. The vegan formulation is highly pigmented and longwearing, and comes in 16 shades, more than half of which are nude tones. The application is silky and dries down within seconds, after which the colour won't smudge, flake or transfer. Meanwhile, the hydrating and conditioning formula contains lycopene, olive oil and vitamins A and E for healthier-looking lips over time.
Expert Tip: “This liquid lipstick has been a staple in my kit since it first launched. The shade ‘Trendsetter’ is a gorgeous brown nude that works on the vast majority of skin tones. I also highly recommend the shade ‘Perfectionist’. The latest reformulation has made these lipsticks even more comfortable to wear and I use them on clients who want their lipstick to last all night. If you find you need more hydration, add a nude gloss or balm over the top. I love the Makeup by Mario plumping lip gloss in the shade ‘Rose Nude’.” – Natasha Ahmed, make-up artist
Available at Sephora.ae
Matte Revolution Lipstick
AED 158 | Charlotte Tilbury
A long-lasting matte lipstick that’s also ultra-hydrating, this formula contains special ingredients such as 'lipstick tree' extract to protect and repair your lips, while 3D pigments give the illusion of fuller lips. There’s a plethora of nude shades for a variety of skin tones on offer, and the colour payoff is second-to-none. The finish is velvety and expensive-looking, too.
Expert Tip: “Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Lipstick in the shade ‘Pillow Talk’ is nothing short of iconic and it’s the number one nude I recommend to all my clients. It’s a universally flattering shade – a mix of pink and nude that works across fairer and deeper skin tones. The matte formula also feels weightless on the lips and glides on like a dream, imparting a velvety finish that lasts all day.” – Laure Sejean, make-up artist
Available at CultBeauty.com
Earth Dust Lipstick
AED 223 | Byredo
Byredo’s lipsticks are free from GMOS, gluten, parabens and alcohol, and aim to combine luxury design with a quality formula. Expect highly-pigmented shades across a host of nude colours that dry down to a satin finish. No matter the shade, the formula is moisturising and the slim-line applicator makes it a breeze to apply. The packaging also feels super elevated.
Expert Tip: “‘Earth Dust’ and ‘Solid Ground’ are the two shades I swear by from Byredo. The former has a slight yellower undertone whereas the latter leans into a more pink-y hue. Both work for fairer and olive skin tones and are staples in my make-up kit. The best way to apply them is to tap them onto lips using your fingers. The key to finding the right nude for you is to use your natural lip shade as a guide. Once applied, your nude lipstick should look like an elevated version of your own tones.” – Nadine Elias, make-up artist
Available at Ounass.ae
Luxe Lip Colour
AED 234 | Bobbi Brown
This hydrating lipstick comes in a range of neutral shades that are all designed to complement multiple skin tones. A versatile addition to any make-up collection, it glides on easily and reduces the appearance of lip lines while maintaining a moisturising finish that's perfect for everyday wear.
Expert Tip: “Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Lip Colour in ‘Neutral Rose’ is elegance in a tube. The formula delivers a rich and enduring colour in a pretty universal shade. When it comes to choosing a nude, it’s important to try and complement your skin’s undertones – think warm, cool or neutral – and then test out the shades that match your specific tone. For optimum results, I’d recommend always exfoliating your lips first and then hydrating them with a lip butter or balm before applying lipstick.” – Laure
Available at Lookfantastic.ae
Modern Matte Lipstick
AED 105 | Vieve
Vieve’s Modern Matte Lipstick is a must-have. The hydrating formula keeps lips soft and comfortable, while the vibrant matte colour keeps lips looking full and healthy. For a more subtle finish, use your fingertip to blot and blend the colour out into a more delicate tint.
Expert Tip: “The shade ‘Comin-In-Haute’ is my go-to nude lipstick. Its creamy matte formula is never drying and the deep peachy shade is super flattering on light to medium-tan skin tones. It’s the perfect colour for pairing with a smokey eye, or any look where the lips aren’t the main focus. For a 90s-inspired lip, try pairing it with a darker brown lipliner such as the Cool Brown lip liner from Anastasia Beverly Hills. For a more complementary match, Hazelnut from Anastasia Beverly Hills or Honey Beige from Huda Beauty would be great options.”– Natasha
Available at CultBeauty.com
Soft Matte Lip Cream
AED 35 | NYX
NYX’s soft Matte Lip Cream collection comes in a variety of matte shades that are highly pigmented with serious lasting power. The formula dries into a matte finish that doesn’t dehydrate the lips and offers a lightweight and long-lasting colour. Think of this as a luxe feel and finish on a budget.
Expert Tip: “I like using NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream in ‘Dubai’ on deeper skin tones. If you have a richer tone, it’s important to choose a colour with a slight chocolate-red undertone – anything too brown can make the colour appear dull and grey on the lips. I recommend using this product alone for a more subtle finish, but I also like to add a drop of Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Cream Colour Drip Lip Cream in the shade ‘Cookie Jar’ for more dimension.” – Nadine
Available at CultBeauty.com
Moisture Glow Plumping Lip Serum
AED 95 | Makeup By Mario
Makeup by Mario’s Moisture Glow Plumping Lip Serum glides on like a glossy balm to hydrate and nourish your lips. Containing a conditioning blend of vegan oils including shea butter, avocado oil, refined kiwi oil and argan oil, the unique propel-stick packaging also ensures effortless application, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Expert Tip: “The shades ‘Nude Glow’ and ‘Bare’ are best worn alone as a lipstick and gloss hybrid. It’s a fab all in one and a little goes a long way.”– Aiza Qureshi, make-up artist
Available at Sephora.ae
Posh Lipstick In 'Sway'
AED 150 | Victoria Beckham Beauty
This vegan formulation contains skin-loving oils, botanical waxes and plant-based extracts to enhance lip health and fullness. Meanwhile, rose flower wax maintains lip moisture, and an oil blend of avocado, rosehip and coconut adds a glossy finish. Finally, pomegranate and jojoba help to plump out any lip lines for a smooth and healthy finish.
Expert Tip: "If you want fuller-looking lips when using a subtle nude like Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Lipstick in 'Sway', use a corresponding nude lipliner in a darker shade, such as 'Cork' by M·A·C for olive toned or darker skin, or Makeup Forever’s 'Anywhere Caffeine' liner for fairer tones. Use a lip brush to blur the edges for a softer, ombre effect.” – Aiza
Available at Selfridges.com
Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick
AED 93 | Rose Inc
This rich lipstick comes with a slew of plumping and moisturising properties to visibly smooth out lip lines and deliver a long-lasting, weightless colour. Infused with skincare benefits, it's non-comedogenic and has received multiple awards. Simply glide it across your lips direct from the bullet, layering up for more intensity as needed.
Expert Tip: “Rose Inc’s Satin Lip Color Rich Lipstick in 'Besotted' is the perfect beige pink on fair-to-medium skin tones. Use the edge of the lipstick to create shape along the lip line before filling in. For extra dimension, dab on a clear gloss, such as Dior Addict’s Lip Maximiser in the colour 001 for a plumping effect. It’ll add a hydrated, 3D finish.” – Aiza
Available at SpaceNK.com
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