Nude attitude: 4 nude lipsticks you need now

Nude is the new neutral. We saw this a few years ago when nude pumps took over the fashion scene as a great way to elongate your legs (while matching just about anything).

That fresh and pure hue has moved to the face this spring. A quick way to update your cosmetics right now is to find the perfect nude lipstick that looks clean while allowing your eyes to be the star.

If they’re done right, that is. Choosing the wrong nude can make your lips look chalky or costume-y. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect neutral pucker–and some of our favorite products, too:

Stay close to home

Your nude lipstick should come close matching your natural lip color and match your skin tone. Dolce & Gabbana does a great job with its nudes, like this color for fair skin tones. Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream lipstick, $33.50, sephora.com

Pink can be neutral, too

A rosier skin tone can stray toward pinker shades, like this high-pigment color. Stila Stay All Day liquid lipstick from in Nude Cinnamon Sheen, $22, sephora.com

Shimmer, don’t cake

Glosses and liquid lipsticks will keep you away from the nude mattes, which are too easy to mess up and cake on and don’t look natural. Instead, opt for slightly sheer lipsticks, which are more flattering. Stila’s liquid lipstick (above) does the trick here, or try Marc Jacobs’ lip gel, with its sleek shine finish. This line has a substantial number of nudes to choose from. If you’re unsure, always ask a beauty professional at the counter to assist. Marc Jacobs New Nudes sheer lip gel, $30, sephora.com

Consider lining for added definition

The rules for nude lipstick are the same as darker colors (albeit a little more forgiving). To prevent your lips from blending into your skin, match your lipstick with the right nude lip liner. Liner is a finishing, polishing touch that is too often overlooked. Or opt for lip crayons, which you can precisely color on, sort of like thick liners. Add a sheer gloss on top. Bonus: Crayons and liners tend to stay longer than traditional lipstick. Bite Beauty matte creme lip crayon, $24, sephora.com