The best nude lipstick

If you were here at WWW HQ, you'd witness our entire editorial staff raise their hands and collectively shudder. Whether we've suddenly become the sixth long-lost member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Edward Cullen's distant cousin, or an alarming combination of both, we've had more nude lipstick-related beauty snafus than we'd care to admit. For instance, if you're not prepping your lips with a chap- and flake-removing scrub pre-application, you might as well forget a stripped-down color scheme altogether. Also, layering matte formulas with glosses or creamier lipsticks will lend a helpful, undead-looking hand.

While an audacious red lip is usually the go-to for a bold look, a nude lip can be just as sexy and striking. If Gwen Stefani can trade in her signature red pout for a creamy, barely-there lipstick and still look ultra glamorous, then so can you. Nude lipsticks offer that your-lips-but-better look that appears all-natural with just the slightest enhancement. While this lipstick has been around for years and sits on the top shelves of many beauty gurus' vanities, we've only recently tried it out for ourselves. But you guys, the hype is REAL.

A swipe of nude lipstick is an easy way to look like you made some effort. It's a tricky thing, though, because choose a shade that clashes with your skin tone and it can do you dirty, as we've all learned by wearing a nude lip color only to look like an undead version of ourselves. Here, we present tips straight from the pros, in addition to a variety of options based on your skin tone. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

But like shade matching with foundation or concealer, it takes some looking around, though these 25 nude lipsticks are a good start. Balmy beiges, matte browns, satin tans, and plenty of natural pink lipsticks are ahead, in every finish and for all complexions. The Strand is a sheer pink that offers a gorgeous glow.