5 best lipstick shades for neutral undertones to shop at Ulta
By Ulta Beauty Advisors · Published October 2026
All products featured are available at Ulta Beauty. Ulta Beauty Advisors select products independently. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Neutral undertones sit between warm (golden, peachy) and cool (pink, blue) tones, which is why so many lipstick shades look good on you. The best lipstick shades for neutral undertones usually have a balanced mix of warm and cool pigment, so they do not pull too yellow or too pink against your skin. Think rosy nudes, soft mauves, and pinky beiges.
If you want an easy starting point, pick a rose-leaning nude in a finish you already like. A matte lipstick gives a polished look, a satin finish feels softer, and a sheer formula is the easiest way to try a new shade.
The five picks below are all lipsticks available at Ulta Beauty.
How to find your undertone and pick a shade
Undertone is the subtle color beneath the surface of your skin. It stays the same through tanning and seasons, which makes it a reliable guide for lip color.
A few practical ways to check and choose:
Look at your veins: Veins that look blue or purple suggest a cool undertone, green suggests warm, and a mix of both often points to neutral.
Try gold and silver jewelry: If both metals look good on you, you may have a neutral undertone.
Start with balanced shades: Look for descriptions like neutral rose, neutral pink, or pinky rose, which are made to sit between warm and cool.
Test a sheer formula first: A sheer or buildable lipstick shows how a shade works with your natural lip color before you commit to a bolder one.
The best lipstick shades for neutral undertones at Ulta
Here are five lipstick shades available at Ulta Beauty, organized from a polished matte to a soft, sheer finish.
1 of 5: Best neutral rose matte lipstick
BOBBI BROWN Luxe Cashmere Matte Lipstick in Neutral Rose
Matte Lipstick | $45.00
Shop BOBBI BROWN Luxe Cashmere Matte Lipstick in Neutral Rose at Ulta →
Neutral Rose is described on Ulta as a neutral mauve pink, which makes it a natural fit for neutral undertones. The formula is a cashmere-soft matte made with hydrating ingredients, and it is transfer-resistant with up to 8 hours of comfortable wear.
This is a strong pick if you want a polished matte lip that still feels comfortable.
2 of 5: Best everyday pinky rose lipstick
MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Kinda Sexy
Matte Lipstick | $25.00
Shop MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Kinda Sexy at Ulta →
Kinda Sexy is listed as a neutral pinky rose, a balanced shade that works for everyday wear. The silky matte formula offers 12 hours of lasting color and 8 hours of moisture, and it has a signature vanilla scent.
Consider this if you want a dependable matte rose that is easy to wear from day to night.
3 of 5: Best budget neutral beige pink lipstick
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in Fairest Nude
Satin Lipstick | $12.49
Shop L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in Fairest Nude at Ulta →
Fairest Nude is described as a neutral beige pink, a soft nude with a satin finish. The formula is infused with caring ingredients like vitamin E and argan oil, so lips feel soft and moisturized.
This is a good choice if you want a neutral nude at a lower price point or a first step into nude lipstick.
4 of 5: Best creamy light neutral pink lipstick
NATASHA DENONA My Dream Lipstick - Creamy Lip Color in 11NB Natasha
Creamy Lipstick | $27.00
Shop NATASHA DENONA My Dream Lipstick in 11NB Natasha at Ulta →
11NB Natasha is described as a light neutral pink and is the creamy gel-based version of the brand's best-selling nude shade. The formula has a glistening, luminous finish and includes papaya extract and aloe vera for hydration.
It suits anyone who prefers a light, glossy-looking nude over a matte one.
5 of 5: Best sheer lipstick for a first nude
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Nude Honey
Sheer Lipstick | $25.00
Shop Clinique Almost Lipstick in Nude Honey at Ulta →
Nude Honey blends warm and cool pigments, so it adapts to your natural lip color instead of sitting on top of it. The texture is closer to a tinted lip balm than a traditional lipstick, and it can be built up from a sheer tint to more color.
This is a low-pressure way to try a nude on neutral undertones, and it is also fragrance free.
How to wear a neutral lipstick
Neutral shades are flexible, but a few small choices make them look more intentional:
Match the finish to the moment: Matte shades like Neutral Rose and Kinda Sexy read polished, while satin and sheer formulas feel softer.
Layer for dimension: A lip liner one shade deeper than your lipstick adds definition to a nude.
Build color gradually: Sheer formulas like Nude Honey let you add a second layer only if you want more depth.
Keep lips comfortable first: Apply a hydrating lip balm before matte formulas if your lips tend to feel dry.
Frequently asked questions
What lipstick colors look best on neutral undertones?
Rosy nudes, soft mauves, pinky beiges, and neutral pinks tend to look balanced on neutral undertones. Shades described as neutral rose, neutral pink, or pinky rose are a good place to start.
How do I know if I have a neutral undertone?
Check your veins and your jewelry. If your veins look like a mix of blue and green, or if both gold and silver look good on you, you likely have a neutral undertone.
Can neutral undertones wear both warm and cool lipstick?
Yes. Neutral undertones can usually wear a range of shades because they sit between warm and cool. Balanced shades are the most reliable, and it helps to test warmer or cooler options against your skin before choosing.
What is a good lipstick for neutral undertones if I do not like matte?
Try a satin or sheer formula. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Fairest Nude has a satin finish, and Clinique Almost Lipstick in Nude Honey is a sheer, buildable option.
Should I use lip liner with a neutral lipstick?
It is optional. A lip liner one shade deeper than your lipstick adds definition, while sheer formulas often look good on their own.
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