If there’s one thing that’s been a blessing during all this time stuck inside, it’s free time to spend on housekeeping things I tend to push to the side. Obviously some of these are more important than others, but I’m trying to give myself grace for ‘non-important’ stuff that feels fun and light … like playing around with my beauty products!

From pairing down the beauty items I reach for more than ever to parting ways with some that I just didn’t think I’d be using any time soon to trying new products, lots of beauty trials going on around here. This is great because I’m definitely able to bring you guys more beauty content over the next couple of weeks. Did you catch that I tried press-on nails again for the first time since I was .. maybe .. 11 on Easter Sunday? Ha! I’m hopeful that it serves as a helpful distraction during this devastating time!

If you’re in the market for a new lip color or want to pair down your own collection, here are the five nudes I always go to grab. I should probably note that nudes are by far the hue I wear the most often. I don’t think I have five reds or pinks that I’d classify as ‘essential’, but with nudes, I definitely need my options! NOTE: The photos of me wearing each shade do not have a filter applied to them so you can see the true color!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in ‘Cairo’

I’m always a sucker for a budget-friendly brand that puts out quality products, and that’s the case with NYX – at least speaking for their lip creams. Something to note about these creams is that they dry with a matte finish. You might not think so since it’s almost glossy at first, but let me tell ya, it’s a lux cream that dries matte and is absolutely gorg! I also love that it doesn’t make your lips feel tight. ‘Cairo’ has slight peachy undertones and I don’t think you can beat it for $6.50.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in ‘Sugar’

As you can see from the tube, a certain furry friend of mine has dug this nude lip color out of my purse one too many times, ha! This is one of those shades that seems universally flattering and I love that this formula stays put throughout the day. I will say this is a glossier lipstick so if you do like that high gloss finish, this is a great option for that look. It comes in a cute little tube that’s easy to travel with, as well.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lip Color ‘Nude Kate’

Y’all have definitely seen me share this one before, and like all things Charlotte Tilbury, the product is amazing. I reach for this nude lipstick quite often because it’s created with antioxidants and has a powerful ingredient that protects your lips from UV rays! Super cool, right? It is ultra-hydrating and an overall quality lipstick. This nude shade doesn’t wash you out and is the perfect shade for when you want to go for a more dramatic eye look! Plus, the gold ribbed case looks pretty on your vanity!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in ‘Pure Hollywood’

Like the NYX formula, this is another liquid lipstick that dries matte. This whole line offers really pretty colors. I have quite a few since I love how it sets and feels. It’s a very intense, saturated pigment meaning that the colors stay true when applied to your lips [and they stay nicely throughout the day!]. ‘Pure Hollywood‘ is a mauve tint to it, which made me almost not include it but, after applying it again, I was reminded why I kept this one [out of literally hundreds of lip colors before my move]. It’s the perfect nude for anyone who doesn’t want to feel ‘flushed out’ by some nude lip colors. It’s a little bit of a deeper nude without crossing into the ‘plum’ family.

Too Faced Natural Nudes Lipstick in ‘Send Nudes’

Okay, so the name of this one might be a liiiittle scandalous, ha! I adore that this lipstick is creamy and hydrating thanks to the formula being infused with coconut butter. This hue is a really true nude and gives your lips a really pretty sheen! I also love it because it is vegan, cruelty-free and it smells like coconut! If you’re a nude lip color lover, like myself, be sure to check out the rest of the line because it’s a part of the ‘Natural Nudes Lipstick’ collected by Too Faced.

Alright ladies, I hope that was a fun distraction and also informative if you’re looking for a new nude yourself. If y’all like this post, let me know. Maybe I can focus on other beauty categories next? Perhaps the foundations, concealers or bronzers that I reach of most often? I also have a few more nudes in my little marble bag, so let me know if you want me to do a little IGTV going over more of them and also maybe sharing my favorite nude lip liners and lip glosses! And, by the way, be sure to check out my Everyday Makeup Routine, if you missed it, and my condensed version ‘5-minute Makeup Routine’ HERE.

Hope you have a great week! xo.