Because once in a while, you have to put the pink down.
Photo courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty (cropped)
There are some trends that take the world by storm, and then there are some trends that are here to stay — the nude lip happens to be both of those things. The makeup phenomenon — as popularised by Kylie Jenner and many Instagram influencers of her ilk— was ubiquitous last year, and hasn't shown signs of stopping anytime soon. Contrary to what you may think, creating a nude lip requires just as much, if not more, effort than a red lip.
Paired with a smoky eye or just a wash-off mascara, the nude lip offers a je ne sais quois feel to your beauty look. You won't have to shy away from the matte texture, either. With a myriad of shades on the market, today's matte offerings manage to be just as lightweight and moisturising as their creamy, glossy counterparts. Sophisticated yet casual, a matte nude lip is the perfect statement for any occasion. Take a look at our favourite picks below.
Liquid Lipsticks: As Good As a Magic Wand
Photo courtesy of Chanel
Chanel's take on the matte liquid lipstick is the Rouge Allure Ink, here in the shade 140 Amoureux. Weightless and highly pigmented, it lasts on the lips for over 8 hours.
Liquid Lipsticks: As Good As a Magic Wand
Photo courtesy of Cult Beauty
The Terrybly Velvet Rouge in 1 Lady Bare from By Terry is a weightless, non-drying formula that plumps and enriches your lips with a dazzling matte finish.
Liquid Lipsticks: As Good As a Magic Wand
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
A conditioning formula with long-wearing colour, Smith & Cult's Tainted Lip Stain in Kissing Tiny Flowers is your perfect everyday pinky nude.
Liquid Lipsticks: As Good As a Magic Wand
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
This silky smooth Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick by Hourglass in the shade Canvas protects your lips against dryness while maintaining a modern matte finish.
Liquid Lipsticks: As Good As a Magic Wand
Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty
Colour concentration and longevity in a bottle, the Lip Magnet in 505 by Giorgio Armani Beauty offers superb lip definition due to the finesse of the application wand.
Lipsticks: Bite the Bullet
Photo courtesy of Lane Crawford
This Velvet Matte Lip Colour by Christian Louboutin Beauty in the shade Just Nothing is a statement in itself, and can be worn as a vial-shaped pendant.
Lipsticks: Bite the Bullet
Photo courtesy of Burberry Beauty
A warm-toned peachy hue, this Lip Velvet in the shade Nude Apricot No. 401 by Burberry Beauty holds a lightweight finish that won't dry or fade.
Lipsticks: Bite the Bullet
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
This limited edition lipstick in the shade Indecent Proposal is a product of the collaboration between Nars and Sarah Moon, and features a high-pigment lip colour that is velvety and smooth, and designed to wear gracefully throughout the day.
Lipsticks: Bite the Bullet
Photo courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty
Not a shade for the faint of heart, this Tom Ford Lip & Boys lipstick in the shade Evan is a cool-toned beige for when you want to make a statement with a neutral.
Lipsticks: Bite the Bullet
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
This Kevyn Aucoin Matte Lip Color in the shade For Keeps contains moisturising botanicals to eliminate fine lines and ensure that the matte textured melt-in formula stays on all day.
Lip Pencils: Back to Basics 
Photo courtesy of Chantecaille
Lip pencils are the perfect tool to prime your lips and set your nude lip in place all day. This Lip Definer by Chantecaille in the shade Nuance will blend perfectly with any lipstick you apply on top.
Lip Pencils: Back to Basics
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
A cult favourite, Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat Liner in Pillow Talk provides natural, long-lasting definition and can be used to reshape the lips if you so desire.
Lip Pencils: Back to Basics 
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
This highly pigmented Lip Pencil from Illamasqua in the shade Woo not only blends easily for fuller, defined lips but can also be used all over for a colour-intense result.
Lip Pencils: Back to Basics 
Photo courtesy of Lane Crawford
Bobbi Brown's Art Stick in Bare provides a long-lasting and creamy smooth application thanks to its shea butter formula. This chunky pencil can be used as a liner and lipstick hybrid for a clean and natural look.
Lip Pencils: Back to Basics 
Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter
This 'Secret Weapon' pencil by Wander Beauty in the shade Nudist lives up to its name with its long-wearing blendable formula and versatility for wear all over the lips. It pulls double duty as a highlighter, eyelid primer or spot concealer.