The 19 Nude Lip Liners for Every Skin Tone, According to Makeup Artists

If you have super-light skin and want a true, nude-brown lip, makeup artist Quinn Murphy says MAC's Lip Pencil in Oak is a foolproof option to help you achieve the signature '90s makeup look that has resurged over the last few years.

Makeup artist and brand owner Jillian Dempsey adores this taupe-ish, ballerina-pink lip liner on fair complexions, as it's the perfect base shade that mutes one's natural lip color just enough without washing them out. "I use it all the time," she quips. (A couple of Dempsey's clients include Kristen Stewart and Leslie Mann, both of whom have fairer skin tones.)

Another go-to for Avendaño is the widely-beloved Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillowtalk. It's a pinkier-nude than Dior Grege, he explains, and a shade that he finds to complement naturally-pink lips the most. Murphy and makeup artist Robin Black of Beauty Is Boring and are also fans of Pillowtalk for light skin tones. "It's a great pinky-nude that gives light and soft definition," says Murphy.

Another excellent option makeup for light complexions is KVD Beauty's Everlasting Lip Liner in Bow N Arrow, says makeup artist Joanna Schlip. It's a fawn-nude shade that brightens the skin, saturates the lips in rich color, and lasts all day, she says.

This medium-toned, beige-pink liner from Urban Decay is just dark enough to enhance lighter complexions without looking too stark, which is why Schlip specifically loves this liner for slightly overdrawing the lips, as it still appears natural and defined.

Another must-have for Schlip is Make Up For Ever's Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil in Rosewood, which she says stays put no matter what and looks especially lovely on light skin tones. If you haven't noticed, it seems that shades in the "rose" family are best suited for light complexions when it comes to lip liner.

Milani's Color Statement Lip Liner in the shade Nude, is the perfect shade for those with medium skin tones. Its matte finish gives lips a "yours but better" look and is great if you're into overlining. 

Don't sleep on the Sephora Collection Lip Liner To Go collection. Its formula holds moisturizing jojoba seed oil and shea butter, so lips never get dry despite its semi-matte finish. Oh, and this shade Light Brown is just chef's kiss. 

For medium complexions, Black is obsessed with Chanel's Precision Lip Definer in Mordore-Nude, which is the perfect medium-to-deep taupe-y mauve with a subtle metallic bronze finish. "It's very sophisticated and lovely under clear gloss or a bit of balm," she says, adding that the unusual and lovely finish is worth a mention all on its own.

Senior commerce writer Angela Trakoshis, who maintains her tan all year round with the help of self-tanner, is in love with all shades of Makeup by Mario's Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil, but specifically the shade Daniel. "Leave it to Kim Kardashian's makeup artist to create the perfect nude for my tan skin," she says. "It's creamy, has great pigment, and the dual-ended brush makes it easy to blend and wear all over my lips," she adds. 

Another stellar neutral liner option for tan complexions is Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat in the shade Foxy Brown, which comes highly touted from both Murphy and Black. "The creamy formula has a good balance of brown, red, and ochre so it doesn't appear gray or ashy on darker skin tones," says Murphy. (Bonus points for the fact that it leaves lips feeling moisturized for hours.)

Avendaño swears by this drugstore liner by L'Oréal Paris for those with tanner complexions. "It's definitely more of a brownish-nude with a hint of pink that's perfect for those with naturally browner lip shades," he explains. It's also under $10, making it a wallet-friendly option worth adding to your arsenal.

Similar to the Makeup by Mario liner, the Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lip Definer has a brush on the opposite end. The shade Pure is a deep chocolate-brown and its formula glides onto lips. The best part? It comes with a sharpener to ensure you get the most precision every time you apply.

Anastasia Beverly Hills's Lip Liner is one of the many strong launches from the brand, as its creamy formula is transfer-proof. This hue, Malt, is a deep brown with red undertones, a beautiful shade for dark skin tones. 

For those with dark and deep complexions, Schlip says you can't go wrong with Pat McGrath Labs's Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil in the shade Ground Control, a rich chocolate-brown hue that won't feather or transfer throughout the day thanks to its next-level technology.

A classic favorite from Bobbi Brown, Rum Raisin is unique in that it has cool, berry undertones that work to brighten deep complexions. Its nourishing formula also helps to keep the lips looking hydrated and plump all day.

Just about every expert Allure spoke with recommended MAC's Lip Pencil in Chestnut for dark complexions, so you know it's the real deal. "This is such a great lip liner for dark skin tones," raves Avendaño. "I love creating an ombré lip with it by softly lining and partially filling in the lips," he adds of his go-to technique.

"It's a beautiful true brown that doesn't look too cool and suits deep skin tones for natural-looking definition," says Murphy.