Posted on May 28, 2019July 22, 2021 by Julia Benito

Nude Makeup vs. Neutral Makeup: What’s the Difference?

When I first started using makeup, I did not anticipate the range of new beauty-related vernacular that this newfound love would bring (cut crease? draped blush? non-touring? SNATCHED? Sis, I needed HELP!) Up to this day, there are still terms that allude me, but thankfully I had learned the difference between nude and neutral makeup—terms that I’ve used interchangeably for years before realizing there was even a difference in the first place!

So, let’s set the record straight, shall we? Read on to learn how to differentiate nudes and neutrals!

Nudes are all about showing some skin (wink, wink!). From the name itself, this suggests makeup that closely resembles the wearer’s natural tones—creating the illusion of a makeup-free and (typically) single-toned color scheme. These looks stick closely to the spectrum of creams and browns, creating definition by shifting between shades in the similar vein of tan. Nude looks generally do not go beyond that spectrum of color.

To achieve a flawless nude look (without looking ghastly pale!), make sure to prep your skin well, use a light, satin-to-dewy foundation to give yourself a healthy glow, and lightly contour!

Choose a blush that closely resembles the color of your own skin when slightly flushed, and use soft earthy tones and soft shimmer for eyeshadow (if you choose to wear any). Add definition by applying eyeliner on your upper lash line. Use your finger to lightly lift your lid to get right in there! But remember! Nude makeup is all about accentuating natural beauty, so let’s keep this casual.

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Neutral makeup, on the other hand, focuses more on neutral tones rather than looking skin-like. This means that the look does not necessarily have to be an MLBB or varying shades of brown. You can still rock a full face of color and have it called a neutral look—as long as they are in neutral tones. These looks have mostly been associated with brown (which is still true, don’t get me wrong!) but it is not restricted to just brown. Neutral tones can span the entire color wheel, the difference being its downplayed vibrance and saturation. Since neutral makeup looks can vary in depth, color, and intensity, it’s difficult to say exactly how to achieve it other than making sure you

keep an eye out for the tone! Neutral tones can be defined as hues with softer, paler, and generally more desaturated appearances, so if you’re looking to pull off a neutral look, opt for less saturated tones! Again, this is not restricted to the likes of beige, brown, and grey, so don’t be shy to try something else!

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Written by:

Julia Benito

Julia is Calyxta’s resident crazy plant lady with an unstoppable caffeine addiction and an ever-increasing love for glitter eye shadow. When she’s not staring out the window mulling over the correctness of her grammar, she can be found drawing on eyeliner, watching anime, reading books, or petting strangers’ dogs.

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