How to Find the Perfect Nude Lip with Giorgio Armani

As much as we love a bold red lip, the on-going pursuit for the perfect nude lipstick is one every woman wants to master. With the rise in ‘nude lip’ Google searches being higher than ever, not to mention the number of celeb Instagram accounts fashioning the latest matte nude lip trend, Giorgio Armani’s new entirely nude lip line launches at the perfect time. Exclusively previewing at Fenwick of Bond Street and Newcastle, the Front Row collection features a spectrum of nude shades – from pinks and champagnes to nuances of violet in three of the brand’s signature lip finishes. However, finding the perfect nude lipstick for you can be tricky, so we’ve enlisted the help of Vanessa D’Ambrosio, the UK National Face Designer at Giorgio Armani Beauty, to answer all your nude lip-related questions. ###### Talk us through how to find the perfect nude lip shade... It's all about texture and skin tone that play the larger part of finding your perfect nude lip shade. You want to avoid having a thick, concealer-type finish that isn’t very flattering. The Giorgio Armani nudes tend to be on the sheer side, as opposed to a bold matte red. For a natural nude lip, as a rule of thumb, I'd say try to go for a nude that is one shade darker than your natural lip colour. ###### Why do you think there’s been a move to nude lip shades over more bold lip colours? With the boom of social media, nude lips have become a real trend of late which is always a big driving force behind beauty trends. However, I don’t think people are moving away from bold colours, they are simply embracing what the industry is providing with a variety of textures - from super sheer to intense matte. Having your prefect nude is as necessary as your favourite pair of shoes. ###### What types of nude shades tend to suit pale skin and which work better for darker skin tones? For fair / light skin tones, choose a shade that warms up your face. If the lip colour is too close to your natural complexion the lips will disappear and look thin. Opt for peachy tones, pale pinks or a rosy beige with a satin finish, or add a touch of tinted gloss for a fresher more natural plumped look. For olive/ medium skin tones, you can go for a lighter pink or a light caramel. If your skin is more olive then try a shade one shade darker than your skin with a satin or glossy finish to emphasise the warmth. For darker / mocha skin tones, mauve pinks and darker caramels will be the most flattering. If you would like to add a hint of sparkle or fleck to your lip, opt for a base that is rosy or mauve with golden bits or caramels with silver.

###### What are the differences between the formulas featured in the Front Row collection? Ecstasy Lacquer offers the brilliance of lacquer minus the pasty, oily feel. The result is all the hydration of a lip balm with the hold of a dye and unparalleled intensity of color. Rouge D’Armani Sheers pairs the vivacity of lipstick with the translucent effect of gloss and the wearability of lip balm. Its revolutionary moisture polymer component enhances each colour’s sheen while keeping lips hydrated for over eight hours. Lip Maestro is our best-selling liquid lipstick that delivers a velvety matte finish. Combining a gloss with the matte finish of lipstick, its transparent velvety gel-base gives off radiance thanks to a back-lit technique fusing pigment and light to intensify color. ###### Share your top tips on how to achieve the perfect nude lip look... People always forget to prep the lips, which is particularly necessary with a matte finish. Start by making sure your lips are nice and smooth with a gentle exfoliate using a lip scrub, then follow with a small amount of lip balm. The Giorgio Armani Prima Eye and Lip Balm contains collagen which plumps lips as well as preventing your lipstick from bleeding. When applying your lip colour, start in the centre of the lip and gently pat together then continue to apply to the rest of the lips. A lip pencil not only defines the lip line, it also helps with longevity; draw and shade the lips with a pencil before applying your lip colour. If you're after a plumped look, finish by adding a touch of gloss to the centre of the lips. ###### Which shade from the collection is a good one to take you from day-to-night? Mattes are usually a great one to take you from a day to night look - I personally love the the velvet finish of the Lip Maestro in 514. ###### What type of make-up do you recommend pairing with a nude lip? When wearing a nude or any lip for that matter, you should try to balance the face. This does not mean smokey eyes must have a nude lip which is a common misconception, the right nude will match most make-up looks but just ensure you have chosen the right nude for your complexion and ensure you add a little blush so you don’t look washed out.