Rocking the Nudes (Lip, that is)

Kim K, March 2015

Ok here I go again, off on one about NUDE lips (as per here,  here and here). Inspired by...Kim Kardashian! I know everyone is getting a bit over her at the moment - total media saturation. But, I am liking a lot of her style right now. I have loved her hair incarnations since she had North - the tousled post-baby balayage (inspired by Candice Swanepoel in Spanish Vogue), the messy Kate Moss inspired lob (long bob - or 'wob' - wavy lob) and now the striking platinum do. I saw the pics of her at Balmain this week and was once again reminded that she is the Queen of Nude - Nude LIPS, of course!

Kim K at Lanvin, 5 March 2015

Kim K 2 days later, after more silver tone has been added to her hair

Just on that, the super blonde look has been paired with the nude lip frequently this year already, on the likes of Margot Robbie, Rita Ora and Sienna Miller. Even Gwen Stefani deviated from her signature ruby lip to dabble in nude to stunning affect at the Grammys.

 Gwen Stefani, Grammys 2015

 Sienna Miller, Golden Globes 2015

 Rita Ora, Grammys 2015

Rita Ora, Oscars 2015

Rita Ora, Brit Awards 2015

 Margot Robbie, Golden Globes 2015

Margot Robbie, Sundance 

Kim K has the nude lip down pat, that's for sure, so I investigated some of the shades she has been known to been known to wear. Here is a selection, some great choices here:

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick
MAC Angel
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte - Nude Beige
Lancome L'Absolu Nu - Coral Sand
Lancome La Laque Fever - Ravishing Coral
L'Oréal Paris Liquid Lipstick by Colour Riche in Nude Ballet

I started to think, "Yes, I need a NEW nude lip, I don't have a decent one." In the meantime I decided to check my makeup supplies. Having had 2 babies in the last 2.5 years, a lot of my makeup has been relegated to the bathroom drawer. After a quick rifle, I sheepishly discovered that I own SEVEN perfectly acceptable if not bordering on perfect shades that could be described as nude or neutrals. Hurrah! Even Kim's fave Angel was there. Here they are! All MAC bar one, Living Nature's Precious.

(L to R) Shanghai Spice, Half 'n Half , Angel, Peach Blossom, 
Out to Please, Precious, and Creme Cup  

Now I am olivey, so I can do a wide range of neutrals. However all nudes are not equal, so here is a handy guide on matching a good nudey shade to your complexion.

Fair - Lara Stone
For cool pale complexions, go for warm rose, peach & apricots hues. Avoid browny beiges.


Gold - Reece Witherspoon
For pale skin with gold tones, pinks, caramels & light beiges work well. Avoid greige (grey/beige) and putty shades.


Olive - J.Lo
For a more warm, tanned skin, luckily you can rock most colours including rose, sea shell pinks, beige and golds. Make sure the shade is darker than your skin though.


Tan - Beyonce
Darker complexions can go for more browns - bronze, toffee and coffee tones.