Getting the perfect nude lip is a challenge as it's completely dependent on finding a shade that compliments your skin tone. Creating a great nude lip is about matching the right shade of lipstick (which is neither too colourful and overpowering or too washed out) with the individuals skintone - and the same is true for pencils. Although I often don't bother using a lip pencil when creating a bright or bold lip (unless I'm changing the shape or increasing volume), I like to use one to give subtle definition to a nude lip.  As long as its done well and looks natural it can prevent a light colour from washing you out and give a better finish.

The perfect nude pencil can be used alone, all over the lip, or as a base stain before lipstick for maximum staying power.

Here are some of my kit favourites and the different skin tones I find they work best for:

Very Fair/Light Skin

Bobbi Brown - Lip Liner - Beige. (Light Warm Beige)

Bobbi Brown - Lip Liner - Pale Pink (Cool Pastel Pink) 

L'Oreal - Infaillible Lip Liner - Always Toasted 708 (Pale Neutral Beige Pink)

Light  - Medium Skin

No7 - Precision Lips Liner - Nude (Light Browny Pink)

Mac - Lip Pencil - Subculture (Light Warm Peach Nude)

Clinique - Quick Liner For Lips - Baby Buff 10 (Light Pink Nude) 

Medium Skin

Mac - Lip Pencil - Boldly Bare (Medium Pink)

Urban Decay - 24/7 - Illegal (Medium Pinky Brown) 

Rimmel - Lasting Finish - Tiramisu 050  (Warm Browny Pink) 

Medium - Dark Skin

No7 - Precision Lips Liner - Caramel  (Rich Pinky Brown) 

Mac - Lip Pencil - Whirl  (Medium Plum Brown) 

Dark - Very Dark Skin

Mac - Lip Pencil - Hover (Deep Warm Reddish Brown)

Mac - Lip Pencil - Chestnut (Intense Warm Chocolate tone which mixes well with 'Hover' to lighten) 

Fashion Fair - Lips Pencil - Dark Brown (Very Deep Neutral Brown) 

For nude lipstick colour suggestions for your skin tone click on my blog post here and watch the film below  X