How to Go Nude

If you’ve ever applied nude makeup you probably know what it means to look washed out, or worse, like you haven’t done a thing. “A lot of women thinks nude means pale,” said Kimberly Soane, Bobbi Brown’s director of global artistry, when nude is actually about highlighting your natural skin tone. Here are some tips on how to get this timeless, goes-with-everything look.

The Best Nude Lipsticks, Glosses and Pencils

Lips
The key to nude lips is choosing a shade with a hint of color. You’re not trying to neutralize your entire face. Needless to say, the color of your skin tone determines what product you choose, but the idea is to brighten your pout.

For pale skin, try a peachy-pink color; for olive skin tones, choose a warm color with gold or caramel undertone, like NARS Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil ($24; available April 15 at Narscosmetics.com); and for darker skin choose a deep honey or light coffee color.

Nails
A nude polish is a universally flattering color that works with every outfit. Yep, all of ’em. The nice thing about a neutral nail is that you don’t necessarily have to wear polish; if you’re happy with your natural nail, just add a glossy coat.

But a nude nail can look very bridal, and while we adore the classic imagery, it might not be ideal on a day-to-day basis. Choosing a good color depends on how bold you want to go; we like the beige-colored Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect polish in Dune ($5.50, Drugstore.com). As long as the color appears natural and makes your nails look healthier than before, you’ve perfected a nude nail.

Editor’s Picks: The Best Spring Lipsticks

Skin
The idea with nude skin is to enhance your natural skin tone and draw out your best facial features. “When you create a makeup [look] based on the tones already found in your face, you will, in fact, create your perfect personal nude,” said Soane. Like choosing the right blush: “If you pinch your cheek, that will be your perfect nude blush,” she added.

Also note that your skin’s nude will change with the seasons. What works in winter may not work in the summer. We really like Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder ($50, Bobbibrown.com). After you’ve applied your makeup, dust this powder across your face lightly to blend colors and add a little evening sparkle to your face.

Eyes
The fantastic thing about a nude eye is that it kills two birds with one stone: hides dark circles and adds a little color to your face at the same time. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can use a nude shadow to conceal a rough night’s sleep. Select a color almost identical to your skin tone and apply generously to your lids.

To draw attention to your eyes and enhance their natural color, follow the same color guidelines that you did for your lips. Try Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Nude ($11, Ulta.com), a product with nine shades to help you figure out which one matches your tone.

Have you mastered the nude look yet?

Photo: Frederic Cirou @ PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections

DailyMakeover.com from Makeover Solutions, Inc., is the web’s leading beauty information site, providing virtual makeover technology and content for women to create personalized makeovers. DailyMakeover.com’s virtual Makeover Studio enables users to see themselves wearing numerous hairstyles, makeup shades and fashion accessories to create their best makeovers, which can be saved, printed, or emailed. DailyMakeover.com is headquartered in New York City.

Best Nude Underwear, Bras & Gadgets:
What to Wear Under Sheer & White Clothing

You’ve probably seen sheer clothes everywhere from the runways to the racks of your favorite stores lately. And white separates, of course, are a total summer staple. These sexy and stylish looks are great for hot summer days, but there’s always the problem of what to wear underneath. There are tons of options that claim to be invisible, but how do you know what works, fits, and is still cute? Here’s our round-up of the best no-show underthings to sport under sheer summer clothes or fab white outfits.

Tops:

The Cosabella Nude Cami is fitted and provides the light support of a shelf bra. If you wear a bra underneath, the shelf acts as an extra boost. The no seam tank makes it perfect for wearing for under sheer tops. Our Founder Melissa wears these all summer long under her sheer white tops.

If you need more support or have a fuller figure, this bra from Le Mystere works like a charm; Oprah even loves it! Plus it has a hidden underwire for a seamless look.

The Only Hearts racer back bra is a favorite for under t-shirts. It’s a great choice if you don’t need a lot of support but like to wear a bra.

Every summer wardrobe requires a great strapless bra. The Self Expressions iFit from Target has a perfect strapless at a great price. It even makes a great everyday bra with its removable straps. This one works for larger cup sizes, too, as it stays up and stays put.

Buy Now, Cosabella Nude Cami, $75
Buy Now, Le Mystere Underwire Bra, $62
Buy Now, Only Hearts Racer Back Bra, $46
Buy Now, Self Expressions Ifit Strapless Bra, $13

Bottoms:

Laperla is known for its gorgeous lacey lingerie but also makes great seamless basics. The Laser-Cut Full Brief is great under a sheer pair of pants or dress because it offers full coverage without any seams.

Nude Spanx have become another fashion staple. Slide them on under a clingy sheer dress for extra coverage and a slimming effect as a bonus!

Commando makes the most seamless underwear ever, end of story. Plus, they stay put underneath even the clingiest dresses or tightest pants. They come in two styles…a wide side band and a thinner one. The wider one is better for dresses and the thinner for wearing under white or pale colored jeans/pants.

As for undies, you can’t beat the Incredible Hiphugger from Victoria’s Secret. They are so soft and comfy, come in great colors, and the stretchy fabric does not show at all under pants or a tight skirt. If you’re not a fan of wearing a thong or going commando but still hate the dreaded Visible Panty Line, you’ll love these.

Buy Now, Laperla, $58
Buy Now, Nude Spanx, $32
Buy Now, Commando Thong in True Nude, $20
Buy Now, Victoria’s Secret Incredible Hiphuggers, $12.50

Accessories:

Bring it Up Instant Breast Lifts are great for backless looks because the lift from the top instead of the bottom and stick on without any straps or bands. Perfect to wear under white, strapless or deep cut v-neck tops.

“Low beams” stick on and give you semi-sheer coverage of what you don’t want seen if you choose not to wear a bra.

Frederick’s of Hollywood makes great silicone gel “petals” that offer a little more coverage than the low beams if you’re going to go bra-free. They stick on but can be used up to 25 times.

If your bra isn’t already racerback and you’re going to rock one of this season’s on-trend racerback top or dress, you can use a StrapPerfect to turn your regular bra into a racerback to avoid any out-of-place straps. It’s made of a clear plastic and does not show under anything white.

Buy Now, Bring it Up Instant Breast Lifts, $20
Buy Now, Fredericks Undercover Silicone Gel Pads, $18
Buy Now, Low Beams, $10
Buy Now, Strap Perfect, $7