My Inaugural Beauty Post: Nude Lipstick

Hey all! I am so glad you've stopped by my blog today. This is my first ever beauty post here on The Fashion Forecast, and I hope to make it a regular feature. First off, I am not an application expert... I am actually the worst person to do a tutorial on primers and contouring and all that jazz. I am, however, pretty nifty when it comes to finding colors/products that work for me and my skin. It's a process, let me tell you. There's a lot of trial & error involved. Whenever I go to a makeup counter seeking advice, make-up artists have such a tough time matching me because my skin tone is so unique. I am mostly of Black/Japanese descent (with a little French and Cuban mixed in), so I am definitely not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to make-up. In fact, finding nude lipstick has been especially challenging. Here are some of the lipsticks I've come across that work for me (including my HG... which is the CHEAPEST on the list!). I really do hope this post helps someone out in the process, and maybe inspires someone to be confident in the skin they're in. 

(From left to right: L'oreal Collection Privee Eva's Nude, L'oreal Collection Privee J. Lo's Nude, & Milani Color Statement Moisture Naked Matte) 

So for the three above, they are some of the least expensive in my entire lipstick collection. I originally tried looking for Kim Kardashian's favorite nude lip combos (notoriously MAC Angel + NARS Turkish Delight), but she is a bit lighter than I am. So I thought, "Who else does the nude lip well?" and immediately thought of J. LO! I then found out she is featured in a nude lipstick campaign for L'oreal. So I picked up hers and Eva Longoria's since they are quite similar to me in terms of color. 

L'oreal Collection Eva's Nude: This is a pretty opaque lipstick. Very moisturizing. It's on the browner size, which is perfect if you have bronze skin. It's a touch too dark on me right now, but it will be perfect for the summer. Lasts about 3 hours. Not bad for a $5 Walmart purchase.

L'oreal Collection J. Lo's Nude: Quite sheer. Buildable coverage after 3-4 swipes. This one leans pink. Looks dry to me, and prefer to layer a lipgloss on top. Exfoliating your lips before application is a must. 2-3 hours of wear on me. 

Milani Color Statement Naked Matte: Quickly becoming a favorite. Matte but not drying. Very opaque, one swipe across the lips will do. Very hard to find. I couldn't find it online, and checked 5 drugstores before I found just one left. Looks perfect with Milani's Nude Touch gloss. 

(From left to right: Maybelline Color Sensational Truffle Tease, Sonia Kashuk Pink Buff, & Sonia Kashuk Barely Nude)

This next batch is all very affordable as well. I'm constantly on the hunt for dupes because I hate spending more than $10 on lipstick, honestly. The Sonia Kashuk lippies are found exclusively at Target, and I love the NARS-like packaging. They also have SPF which is great for skin protection, but I'm allergic to it so I don't use these lipsticks too often despite the beautiful color pay-off. The Maybelline Truffle Tease is my #1 holygrail nude lip product!!! I LOVE IT!!! More details on these affordable beauties below..

Maybelline Color Sensation Truffle Tease: Absolutely gorgeous color. Most unique out of my collection of nudes. It's a bit sheer compared to some of the others, but two swipes gives a more opaque finish. Peachy-beige color perfect for warm tones. Glossy finish and wears for about 3 hours. There are others in the collection that I am dying to try out!! Highly recommended. 

Sonia Kashuk Pink Buff: Almost dupe for the very popular (and expensive) Tom Ford in Sable Smoke! Unique and pretty color. I tried it on and my mom said I looked like Kim Kardashian. Satin finish and smooth texture. This one looks amazing on me, but again, my lips react to SPF so I wear this sparingly :( But for everyone else, it's a must try! Luxurious lipstick at an affordable price.

Sonia Kashuk Barely Nude: Beige w/ a hint of peach. Hydrating and goes on smoothly. SPF for those of you who like that added bonus. I find it very similar to Pink Buff, so I don't think you need both. Wears about 2-3 hours. 

(From left to right: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Barbara, and MAC Half 'n Half)

So I spend the better part of my time shopping testing out lipsticks at the MAC counter. Frankly, I do not think MAC does a great job with nude lipsticks for women of color. Yes, many have found their favorites there, but I am not one of them. I love Half 'n Half to death, but it is way to similar to other lippies they sell such as Blankety, Jubilee, Velvet Teddy, etc. From now one, I will go to MAC for my bright pinks and reds. For those of you who have not checked out the NARS Audacious line, I will tell you that it is my favorite formulation of lipstick EVER. It is pure luxury on your lips. Also, the NARS Barbara is one of the only lipsticks on this list that I feel 100% comfortable wearing without a gloss layered on top. 

NARS Audacious in Barbara: Super creamy and opaque. Moisturizing despite being matte. I can't say enough great things about the formulation of this lipstick. Interesting color that I can't find a dupe for, so its worth the $32 price. Lasts 4 hours on me. 

MAC Half 'n Half: A total MLBB (my lips but better) shade on me. Leans brown. Creamy amplified lipstick with a subtle hint of peach. Moisturizing and long wearing. Highly recommended out of other MAC nudes. 

(From left to right without flash: L'oreal Eva's Nude, L'oreal J.Lo's Nude, Milani Naked Matte, Maybelline Truffle Tease, Sonia Kashuk Pink Buff, Sonia Kashuk Barely Nude, NARS Barbara, MAC Half 'n Half) 

(Colors in the same order with flash)

Hope you all enjoyed it! Keep in mind, I wear lipgloss over many of these because I prefer the look of glossy lips better. In an upcoming post, I will take you through my nude gloss collection. What are your favorite nude lipsticks? I'm dying to know!

xo ek