How to choose the perfect nude lipstick to enhance your bridal glow

The perfect nude lipstick is a favourite for good reason: it elevates your features, working seamlessly with your skin tone, makeup, and wedding mood. But, the one shade fits all philosophy isn’t applicable. Depending on what flatters you best, your signature nude can range from warm beiges to cool pinks.

Unlike statement lips that dominate the face, a nude allows other elements to shine: expressive eyes, luminous skin, heirloom jewellery, and emotional moments. It’s also the shade you’ll wear the longest. From morning rituals to late-night celebrations, a nude lip transitions seamlessly across events. 

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution - Pillow Talk, ₹3,450  

Here’s how to find the one shade that can become your signature, from effortless bridal looks to coffee runs with your bridesmaids:

Step one: Experiment with different shades 

Remember, your perfect nude could lean towards rosy soft, peachy warm, earthy brown, or a hint of mauve. So, try on different shades till you find what looks best on you. 

PAT McGRATH LABS Satinallure Lipstick - Venusian Peach, ₹3,300 

One of the key factors is understanding your undertone. If you’re unsure, look at the veins on your wrist or the jewellery you gravitate towards. Gold often complements warm undertones, whilst silver flatters cooler ones. Warm undertones pair beautifully with peachy nudes, caramel tones, and warm browns. Cool undertones shine in rose-based nudes, mauves, and soft berry-tinted shades. Neutral undertones have the most flexibility, working well with balanced pink-brown nudes.

Step two: Choose the formulation 

“Lipstick” is flexible. You might prefer a nude gloss, tint, or crayon. Choose what you’re naturally comfortable with. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipgloss - Guava, ₹2,300 

Think of the finish you’d like: Creamy satin finishes are ideal for brides who want comfort and a natural sheen. Soft mattes offer longevity, and glossy or balm-like nudes work beautifully for minimal or daytime bridal looks but might require frequent touch-ups. 

DIOR Addict Lipstick - 100 - Nude Look, ₹4,500 

The perfect nude lipstick isn’t about following trends or copying celebrity looks. It’s about understanding your features, respecting your comfort, and choosing a shade that feels timeless in your own way. The goal isn’t to erase colour, but to enhance what’s already there. A good rule of thumb: your nude lipstick should either match well or vary just a shade or two from your natural lip colour.

Lead image: Aliaa Bhatt/Instagram 

Also read: Pretty ear-cuffs are the mesmerising bridal detail that we can’t stop looking at   

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