Bold, flashy lipsticks have their place in our respective beauty repertoires, but when we’re in a hurry and can barely think about getting our faces on, we reach for totally foolproof neutral lipstick shades. Our favorites run the gamut from $60 to $6, to be fair, but these affordable, easy-to-find picks have just about everything going for them. Next time you hit the drugstore, rest assured that you can find the best neutral lipstick for you—just follow our lead.
Beauty snobs, lay down your guns: Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Bare It All generally retails for about $2, but we’re endlessly baffled by how this kind of price is possible for such a high quality formula. We’re talking long-wearing, pigmented, and creamy, with the perfect semi-matte finish—and Bare It All, a rosy tan shade, is a stunning neutral that looks different, but universally gorgeous, on everyone.
Maybelline Color Sensational The Mattes Lip Color in Daringly Nude is just that: a nude that goes the extra mile. It’s definitely not brown, but it’s a proper neutral nude with balanced tones that flatter the complexion without looking too makeup-y. Unsurprisingly, as is the Maybelline way, it has a comfortable, hydrating formula that really enhances the lips.
Buy Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick Kate Moss Collection in 014 for the fact that it’s ostensibly Kate Moss-approved; love it for the fact that it’s the perfect mauve-nude that looks at once totally natural and like the best version of yourself. The formula is smooth and pigmented, and it also has a pleasant vanilla scent. Like.
The name may not conjure the most flattering images, but trust us when we say that NYX Matte Lipstick in Euro Trash is actually a lovely brownish pink that fulfills all of our needs for a slightly deeper-toned neutral—it looks particularly good on medium to deep skin tones. We promise you that there’s nothing even remotely “trashy” about it.
On the slightly paler end of the spectrum is Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Magnolia, a pink-leaning beige that looks amazing on fair skin. If neutral and nudes usually wash you out, this is your answer to getting that natural-but-better look without looking ghostly. Better still, this is one of our favorite new formulas to hit the market in a long time.
MORE: Find the Perfect Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Tone
