Top Nude Lipstick Shades for Indian Skin: Honest Reviews of Maybelline, Lakmé & Elle 18
Nude lipstick shades are a timeless favorite — perfect for daily wear, office, or even subtle glam. Among the many brands in the market, Maybelline New York, Lakmé 9to5, and Elle 18 offer some standout options. Based on real customer feedback, here’s a breakdown of some popular nude lipstick picks, their pros and cons, and which skin tones they flatter best.
1. Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick (657 Nude Nuance, 3.9g)
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key Highlights:
- Intense color with a creamy matte finish
- Glides smoothly; feels buttery on lips
- Suitable for darker and pigmented lips
- Moisturizing; doesn’t overly dry out lips
Pros:
- Rich pigmentation that flatters deeper skin tones
- Feels soft and lightweight — no lip balm needed before application
- Smooth texture, applies evenly without tugging
- Long-lasting tint, even after fading
- Great for daily wear or no-makeup makeup looks
Cons:
- Longevity is average — may wear off after meals
- Some customers received damaged or broken lipsticks
- Shade might differ from online images; often appears more pink than nude
- Mixed opinions on value for money
Best For: Medium to dark skin tones looking for a creamy, non-drying matte nude with a brown-pink undertone.
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2. Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Lip Color (MP7 Blushing Nude, 3.6g)
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key Highlights:
- Built-in primer for even application
- Matte but comfortable and non-drying
- Good pigmentation with mousse-like texture
Pros:
- Glides easily and feels light on lips
- Doesn’t accentuate dry patches
- Decent wear time — up to 6 hours with touch-ups
- Suitable for both office and evening wear
- Affordable and elegant packaging
Cons:
- Transfers a bit and fades with meals
- Shades may differ from online pictures — always better to swatch in-store
- Not ideal for very fair skin tones without lip liner
Best For: Medium skin tones; works well with or without lip liner. Great for those who prefer comfort over extreme longevity.
3. Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lip Color (P25 Rose Nude, 4.3g)
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key Highlights:
- Affordable everyday lipstick
- Creamy-matte finish
- Offers good pigmentation for the price
Pros:
- Glides well and looks natural
- Perfect “my lips but better” nude shade
- Complements Indian skin tones, especially dusky and medium
- Budget-friendly and hostel favorite
Cons:
- Low staying power; requires reapplication every 2–3 hours
- Slight smudging if not set properly
- Needs prepping with balm and liner for best results
Best For: Students and budget-conscious buyers looking for a nude lipstick that works well on dusky to medium skin tones.
Final Verdict:
| Brand | Best Shade | Skin Tone Match | Texture & Feel | Longevity | Price Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline | Nude Nuance (657) | Medium to Deep | Creamy & lightweight | Moderate | Mixed |
| Lakmé 9to5 | Blushing Nude, Maroon Mix | Medium/Fair | Soft matte, smooth | Good | Worth it |
| Elle 18 | Rose Nude (P25) | Fair to Dusky | Creamy-matte, light | Low | Affordable |
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Tips Before You Buy a Nude Lipstick:
- Always prep lips: Moisturize and exfoliate lightly for smooth application.
- Use lip liner: Helps define shape and extend wear time.
- Match undertones: Pick shades with warm undertones for deeper skin tones and cool pinks for fairer complexions.
- Swatch if possible: Online shades may appear lighter or brighter than in reality.
