From top: Estée Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Vanilla Truffle, $44; Shiseido The Makeup Shimmering Lipstick in Rouge Irise, $42; Giorgio Armani Armani Silk High Color Cream Lipstick in Milan, $47; L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Made for Me Naturals in Orchidée, $22.50.
Back in yet another incarnation, the new nude lip is a stylish complement to smudged grey, smoky lids, which are also a key look for the season, or simply soft, neutral-toned eye make-up. Just remember that while nude lipstick can look effortlessly chic, it may also leave you looking washed out. Heed our dos and don'ts for a pared-down pout that still looks very much alive.
Select a sheer or glossy finish Don't be tempted to coat your lips in a pale, matt formula unless you're aiming for the "death-warmed-up" look. Thankfully, the new breed of nude lip colours are light, semi-transparent and easy to wear.
Avoid lip liner Underneath sheer lipstick textures, lip liner can look unnatural. If you can't go without, select a shade that's identical to your natural lip tone, and use it to colour in your whole lip area before topping it with a lipstick in a similar hue. You won't get a super-pale finish, but it will look more believable.
Keep it real Under no circumstances should you choose a colour that's lighter than your skin tone. Instead, consider neutral pinks, caramels and gold tones, and opt for a high-gloss finish to make your lips look fuller.