The 10 Best Wedding Lip Colors From Bright To Nude

My mission was to find the perfect wedding day hue. So the hunt for the best wedding day lip color began. Here are the final contenders from bright reddish rose to nude. It was about a year from my wedding day when I really started to think about what I wanted for my wedding day makeup look. I couldn’t decide if I wanted a dramatic smoky eye with a nude lip or a softer eye with a bright dramatic lip. Over the next months I would experiment with many different looks. I experimented with colors I had and added 4 new along the way. By the time my makeup trial came I had decided on the best wedding lip color and will share below. Here are the shades that were in the running and I still love and wear!

1. MARC JACOBS KISS KISS BANG BANG 

More a matte finish with major staying power. You may not even need a touch up. This is a deep, rich berry, rosy reddish with very slight mauve undertones. It has been a favorite for several years now. A must have for ANY skin tone!

2. NARS LARGER THAN LIFE LIP GLOSS IN PLACE VENDOME 

This is a super high gloss look. I love it and it looks amazing in photos. The only down side is it will transfer with kisses or onto a glass, but it’s a heavy sticky gloss so even so, it will last through several kisses or sips. You will need occasional touch-ups. BUT the color is so beautiful and striking it stayed in the running and the shine factor and beauty will certainly prove worth the extra effort.

3. SMASHBOX ROSE B4 BROS 

This is a high shine, high pigment gloss. It’s insanely pretty and looks great in photographs. It will transfer, but has high staying power. If you can do semi-frequent touch-ups, you’re golden (or rosy?!) and this is a great choice.

4. BENEFIT LIP GLOSS IN FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES 

This dusty rose color has a touch of sparkle and is on the sheer side. Will need to reapply, but the color is gorgeous. It a soft, pretty neutral perfect for if you truly want a subtle lip.

5. MARC JACOBS LIPSTICK IN INFAMOUS 

I fell in love with this shade after discovering Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in a Sephora point sample. I’ve been buying it for years now. I loved the cream matte finish but wanted an ever so slightly more subtle shade. This beauty hit the mark. It’s still bright, but the touch of soft rose mellows it enough, allowing it to be perfect not only your wedding day but for everyday wear too.

6. SEPHORA CREAM LIP STAIN IN MARVELOUS MAUVE 

This is a matte finish and has major staying power. You have to make sure your lips are moisturized with no dry skin when it is applied. I also smile and breath through my mouth while waving my hands like a fan until it is dry to prevent creases that will happen with a relaxed pout. If you do those two steps this color will stay put for an entire day. The color is lovely and for me its worth it.

7. NARS AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK IN ANITA

This rosy mauve color is a beautiful shade. Great for everyday or with a more dramatic eye. This has remained a summer favorite of mine as it looks best when I’m tan. It is a rose color with a subtle brownish tan undertone. I always wear an extra touch of blush and a slight bit more highlighter with this shade. 

8. NARS LIP GLOSS IN DOLCE VITA

The dusty rose hue is similar to Anita, but is sheer with a touch of shine. Good staying power, but will need to touch up regularly. This is a great summer gloss.

9. TARTEIST LIP PAINT IN BIRTHDAY SUIT

A truly perfect nude without being too nude. It has the right amount of pale rosy tan color so it doesn’t wash you out. High staying power. May need to touch up once after dinner.

10. SEPHORA CREAM LIP STAIN IN PINK TEA 

This is a matte finish and has major staying power. Like her Sephora sister, Marvelous Mauve the same rules apply. You have to make sure your lips are moisturized with no dry skin when applied. Smile until it is dry to prevent the creases that will happen with a relaxed pout. Do those two steps for all day color.

MY TOP PICK

So what did I ultimately go with for my wedding day? Drum roll please!!!!! The winner was Tarteist lip paint in Birthday Suit. I have no regrets and didn’t even need to touch up for a 6 hour ceremony and reception. For the honeymoon, for a lighter look with all day staying power (seriously, from morning until night!), I would wear Sephora Pink Tea with Birthday Suit over the top. I hope this has helped you narrow down or complete your search for your perfect wedding day lip color!  

If you have favorites, I would love to know! Please feel free to share in the comments below! And be sure to stay and read on to find out How To Look Amazing In Your Wedding Day Photos! These are important tips you don’t want to miss!