8 Women Who Prove the Color "Nude" Is Different For Everyone
We’ve tapped eight lovely luminaries—in a range of stunning skin tones—to represent the beauty of diversity. Cool and captivating, they’re rocking radiant head-to-toe shades as individual as they are.
By Nicole McGovern
Grace Byers
ACTRESS, FOX’S EMPIRE
My heritage: Afro-Caribbean and Caucasian American
I would describe my skin color as... café au lait.
My look: Creams, beiges, and blushes complement my skin’s undertones. This dress is different and funky—a bit more out-of-the-box than my usual style—so I was excited to take a fashion risk. As for the makeup, I’m now convinced I have to start using bronzer. I’m into this sun-kissed look!
Gorgeous gear: Warm up your café au lait complexion with
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Colour in Medium.
On Grace: Dress, Ryan Roche. Ring, Robert Lee Morris Collection. Heels, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker.
Leighton Meester
ACTRESS, FOX’S MAKING HISTORY
My heritage: A mix of Dutch, German, English, and Irish
I would describe my skin color as... fair, with a pink undertone. I tend to get flushed easily!
My look: This dress has a ’ 70s disco vibe, in a good way ! It’s so easy and pretty, and I feel really comfortable in it. My waves are tamer, a more refined style than usual. And I love the makeup— a slightly pumped-up version of natural.
Gorgeous gear: Get voluminous waves with
L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Air Dry It Wave Swept Spray.
On Leighton: Dress, Ulla Johnson. Ring, Atelier Swarovski by Fiona Kotur.
Danielle Brooks
ACTRESS, SADIE AND NETFLIX’S ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK AND MASTER OF NONE
”Race to me is human beings who breathe, laugh, cry, and bleed the same but are different from one another primarily by their skin tone.”
My heritage: African American
I would describe my skin color as... rich and delicate, like a piece of Godiva chocolate.
My look: I’m not afraid of showing off my curves and will never apologize for them! This silk kimono dress is a dream to wear; it’s so comfy. I don’t normally do nude polish, but this brownish gray looks fantastic on my toes!
Gorgeous gear: For the perfect neutral polish, try
Essie Nail Polish in Wild Nude.
On Danielle: Kimono dress and necklace, Urban Zen. Rings, Soko (left) and RLM SoHo. Heels, L.K.Bennett.
Ellen Wong
ACTRESS, NETFLIX’S G.L.O.W. AND SYFY’S DARK MATTER
My heritage: Canadian and Chinese Cambodian
I would describe my skin color as... peachy tan.
My look: I’m definitely laid-back and casual. I enjoy mixing neutrals but also like a pop of color. Usually I wouldn’t go for suede, but this top is really sleek and cut very loose, which means lots of room for movement. And I like what this subtle contouring does for my cheekbones!
Gorgeous gear: No matter what your skin tone, contouring is easy with
Clarins Face Contouring Palette.
On Ellen: Top, Vince.
Justina Machado
ACTRESS, NETFLIX’S ONE DAY AT A TIME AND THE CW’S JANE THE VIRGIN
My heritage: Puerto Rican
I would describe my skin color as... olive.
My look: My general style rule is, if it looks good, I’ll wear it! This dress is flirty, feminine, and sexy all at once. And the fresh makeup— I usually just dab on cover-up, mascara, and lip balm—feels effortlessly beautiful.
Gorgeous gear: Go natural (but polished) with
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Soft Touch Concealer,
Elizabeth Arden Lasting Impression Mascara, and
Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Butter Balm.
On Justina: Dress, Monique Lhuillier.
Anna Diop
ACTRESS, FOX’S 24: LEGACY
“Being a black woman means I am part of the most emerging and incredible group. For the first time, we are taking on roles of power and influence, changing clichéd narratives we’ve known for so long.”
My heritage: Senegalese
I would describe my skin color as... deep, dark, rich cocoa.
My look: This jumpsuit is perfect because I love wearing pants. They allow me to exude an air of confidence and strength. I never style my hair with bangs, but I might reconsider now! I’m a fan of a clean, natural makeup look, and I think that’s exactly what we accomplished.
Gorgeous gear: For shine and manageability, try
Carol’s Daughter Pracaxi Nectar Style Control Gel.
On Anna: Jumpsuit, Max Mara Elegante. Heels, Sarah Flint.
Nazneen Contractor
ACTRESS, CBS’S RANSOM
“The biggest stereotype about my ethnicity is that the women are subservient. In my family, women rule! Let’s just say if I’m half the woman my mother is, I’ll always feel great about myself.”
My heritage: East Indian
I would describe my skin color as... golden beige.
My look: On a whim, I threw on this gorgeous Elizabeth and James dress, and everyone went crazy for it! It’s so elegant, with a bohemian flow. And in all honesty, I’ve never done a nude lip, but I love it. The makeup is far more neutral than I’m used to, so it’s fun to try something new and discover that it works!
Gorgeous gear: Go for a knockout neutral lipcolor like
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes in Naked Coral.
On Nazneen: Dress, Elizabeth and James. Heels, Giuseppe Zanotti.
Renee Bargh
EXTRA CORRESPONDENT AND WEEKEND SHOW CO-HOST
My heritage: Caucasian Australian
I would describe my skin color as... caramel.
My look: This is what I like to call pajama chic! It’s relaxed and sexy, but also a touch masculine. The color is the perfect pinkish nude—I would dress like this every day if I could. It’s inspiring me to try more robe-style pieces. And I truly appreciate when makeup enhances your features instead of just covering you up!
Gorgeous gear: For brilliantly sheer coverage, try
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint foundation.
On Renee: Satin trenchcoat, Marissa Webb. Necklace, Mara Carrizo Scalise.
Fashion editor: Kym Canter. Hair: Ken Paves of Paves Salons. Makeup: Carola Gonzalez at Forward Artists. Manicure: Gloria Williams for Still Sets.
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From the
May 2017 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
