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Explainer / Nude lips 101: from Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez, to Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, celebrities understand the timeless power of natural lip shades – find out how to do the look right

STORYCarolina Malis

Apr 4 , 2024

Selena Gomez, understands the power of a nude lip, as she made clear at the Golden Globe red carpet earlier this year. Photo: EPA-EFE

The screen-siren red pout may be Taylor Swift’s signature, but nude lips are also making a comeback – and celebrities like Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner know why

Versatile and sophisticated when done right, the nude lip look is about complementing the skin tone rather than simply choosing a light-coloured tint – and for best results, the lips should be prepped

The iconic red lip has long reigned as the epitome of boldness and elegance. Yet, in the shadow of this vibrant hue, a more understated but equally powerful player has emerged: the nude lip, offering a versatility that red cannot. While the red lip shouts, the nude lip speaks in a gentle yet assertive tone. It’s a sophisticated choice, often perceived as effortless – but behind its simplicity lies a complexity that can be even more challenging to perfect.

Its popularity on the fashion scene was significantly influenced by the rise of 90s supermodels and celebrities who preferred a natural, polished look. Icons such as Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, and later figures like Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz often appeared in nude lip shades, setting a trend for natural yet glamorous make-up. This continued with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, known for her California cool style; Kate Moss, who paired nude lips with her daring yet classic fashion; and Anne Hathaway, renowned for her timeless and modern nude lip looks.

Kim Kardashian attends the 2019 E! People’s Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, USA. Photo: WireImage

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Fast-forward to today, and the nude lip remains a staple among a new generation of trendsetters. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have not only popularised the look but also redefined it, often using their platforms to launch their own lines of nude lip products. The phenomenon of Kylie Jenner’s lip kits particularly highlights this trend’s immense popularity – in 2015, when Jenner released her first three nude matt lip kits, demand skyrocketed to such an extent that all three kits sold out within just one minute.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Globes earlier this year, Allison Williams, Selena Gomez, Elizabeth Debicki and Emily Blunt were just some of the actresses who opted for natural hues for their pouts.

Kylie Jenner lip kits include a liquid lipstick and pencil lip liner. Photo: Handout

In essence, a nude lip isn’t confined to a single hue or texture: it’s a spectrum that ranges from pale beiges to rich browns, tailored to complement a diverse array of skin tones. “The right shade of nude can boost the natural beauty of the lips, harmonising with your natural complexion and creating a look that’s both polished and effortlessly natural,” says Los Angeles-based celebrity make-up artist Carolina Pizarro.

For those with fair skin, nude lips might lean towards soft pinks and peaches, offering a subtle contrast. Medium skin tones are beautifully complemented by nudes with warm undertones like caramel or honey, while darker skin tones are perfectly accentuated with deeper nudes like coffee or chocolate hues. “Texture also plays a crucial role. Matt nudes offer a timeless elegance, while glossy nudes can add a touch of playfulness. Satin finishes are the perfect balance between the two, providing comfortable wear with a slight glow,” Pizarro says.

Anne Hathaway at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada, at the 2006 Venice Film Festival. Photo: Getty Images

One common misconception is that any light-coloured lipstick qualifies as a nude, but the challenge is to find a balance where the colour complements rather than competes with or washes out the natural complexion. The key lies in finding a shade close to your natural lip colour or one that subtly enhances it rather than masking it.