In the beauty world, few things are as universally sought after—and yet as incredibly difficult to find—as the perfect nude lipstick. It must balance color, comfort, texture, wear time, and complexion compatibility. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes Lipstick in Purely Nude has carved out a space in this tricky category, becoming a favorite for some and a frustrating experience for others. So is this drugstore darling worth adding to your makeup bag? Let’s dive in.
Overview: What is the Inti-Matte Nudes Line?
Maybelline’s Inti-Matte Nudes series is part of their broader Color Sensational collection—one of the most iconic lipstick lines in drugstore beauty. Designed to flatter a wide range of skin tones, this series claims to offer matte lipsticks with a creamy, non-drying finish in a curated range of nude tones.
The shade we’re reviewing here—Purely Nude—is one of the lightest in the collection. Marketed as a universally flattering neutral with a warm undertone, this shade aims to provide a natural, understated lip look perfect for both minimalists and those layering with deeper liners or glosses.
Packaging: Simplicity Meets Drugstore Practicality
The lipstick comes in a sleek, squared tube typical of the Color Sensational line. The frosted cap hints at the matte formula inside, while the bullet itself is standard size (0.15 oz). There’s no frill here—this is a utilitarian design, easy to toss into a purse or travel bag. However, multiple customers noted packaging issues, including lipsticks arriving unsealed, melted, or broken in the tube. This inconsistency in shipment quality—particularly from third-party vendors on Amazon—raises red flags.
Color: The Naked Truth
Purely Nude is polarizing, to say the least. Some call it “the perfect nude,” others liken it to concealer or chalk.
The color in the bullet is a soft beige with slight peach undertones. On fair skin with warm or neutral undertones, it can appear subtly flattering, creating a barely-there effect that complements dramatic eye looks or summer tans. However, many fair-skinned users with cool undertones report that the shade makes them look washed out or even “dead.”
In swatches, Purely Nude seems like a classic light nude, but when applied, especially on lips with natural pink pigment, it can appear overly pale, even ghostly. Several users described the lipstick as looking like a “1960s mod lip” or “concealer stick.” On medium to dark complexions, the shade tends to appear ashy or simply disappears.
The takeaway: this shade is not truly universal. It may work beautifully as a mixer or highlighter for ombré lips or under glosses but is rarely flattering as a standalone nude for many users.
Texture & Application: Creamy But Finicky
Maybelline labels this a “matte” formula, but it’s not your typical flat, ultra-matte finish. It leans creamy, with a satin-matte hybrid texture. This is a welcome surprise for those who hate the dryness of classic matte lipsticks.
Pros:
- Glides on smoothly (in most cases)
- Creamy texture that’s comfortable to wear
- Non-drying formula
Cons:
- Tends to emphasize lip texture
- Can go on patchy or streaky
- Difficult to blend evenly if lips aren’t exfoliated
Some reviewers reported a smooth application with decent color payoff on the first swipe. Others experienced clumping or streakiness, particularly when applying to dry or textured lips. One reviewer described needing to exfoliate, apply balm, apply the lipstick, and then reapply balm on top to make it wearable. This multi-step process may deter users looking for a quick, low-maintenance lip product.
Scent: Light Vanilla or… Play-Doh?
Fragrance in lipstick is a subjective experience, and Purely Nude is no exception. While the product is supposed to have a light vanilla scent, reactions vary widely. Some users enjoyed the subtle sweetness. Others described it as smelling like crayons, Play-Doh, or even “burning plastic.”
A few users went as far as saying the product smelled rancid or moldy, raising concerns about product age or contamination, especially when purchased online. This again highlights the importance of buying from reputable sellers.
Wear Time & Performance
As a semi-matte formula, Purely Nude doesn’t promise 12-hour wear. What it does offer is a reasonable 2–4 hours of wear under normal conditions, fading more quickly after eating or drinking.
The lipstick is:
- Not transfer-proof
- Not long-wearing
- Easily wiped off or layered
That said, its lightweight feel and ease of reapplication make it a decent option for everyday wear, assuming you’re not expecting all-day performance.
Versatility: Nude, Not Neutral
This lipstick performs best under specific circumstances. If you’re using it to:
- Mute down a bolder lipstick
- Highlight the center of the lips
- Pair with a darker lip liner or gloss
- Layer under a shimmer or gloss topper
…then you might find Purely Nude to be a useful tool in your lip arsenal.
As a solo color, it’s hit-or-miss. For those with naturally pigmented lips, it may look odd or too stark. But used creatively, it can offer a beautifully sculpted, contoured effect.
Skin Tone Compatibility: A Mixed Bag
Here’s a quick breakdown of how Purely Nude tends to perform across various skin tones and undertones, based on compiled reviews:
| Skin Tone | Result | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Very Fair, Cool | Washed out, looks like concealer | Avoid as a standalone |
| Fair, Warm | Natural-looking, understated | Best match |
| Medium | Slightly pale but usable with liner/gloss | Use as a mixer |
| Olive | Too beige, may clash | Use sparingly |
| Deep | Ashy, disappears or looks chalky | Not recommended solo |
What Customers Loved
Despite its flaws, Purely Nude has a passionate fanbase. Here are the most common positive points:
- “My new favorite nude!”
- “Great for blending into deeper tones.”
- “Creamy, comfortable, not drying at all.”
- “Lovely soft matte finish.”
- “Smells like vanilla!”
- “Great dupe for high-end nude lipsticks.”
- “Perfect shade for fair skin with warm undertones.”
- “Delivered fast, great price.”
What Customers Hated
And here are the most frequent complaints:
- “Looks like concealer.”
- “Arrived broken or unsealed.”
- “Very chalky, too light.”
- “Accentuates every lip line.”
- “Odd or bad smell.”
- “Sticky or thick texture.”
- “Not flattering for cool or neutral undertones.”
Quality Control & Amazon Concerns
A significant number of negative reviews mention packaging issues—lipsticks arriving:
- Opened or unsealed
- Melted or deformed
- Already used
- Expired or covered in “fuzz”
It’s essential to purchase from trusted sellers, preferably directly from Amazon or from Maybelline’s official storefront. Avoid third-party vendors with unclear policies.
Comparison with High-End Brands
Some reviewers compared this lipstick favorably to more expensive brands, citing similar shades and textures to luxury lines from Charlotte Tilbury and MAC. While Maybelline’s formula may not have the longevity or richness of a $30 lipstick, for under $10, it performs admirably in comparison—especially if the color works for your skin tone.
Expert Tip: How to Make It Work
If you already own Purely Nude and find it unflattering, try this method:
- Exfoliate your lips with a gentle scrub.
- Apply a thin layer of hydrating lip balm.
- Use a nude or rose-toned liner to define your lips.
- Dab Purely Nude in the center and blend outward with your finger or brush.
- Add a clear or tinted gloss to finish.
This creates a plumper, more dimensional look while toning down the paleness of the shade.
Final Verdict: Who Is This Lipstick For?
Buy It If You…
- Have fair to light skin with warm or neutral undertones
- Like creamy mattes with medium pigment
- Want a layering lipstick to blend with bolder shades
- Prefer budget-friendly dupes to luxury brands
- Don’t mind touching up throughout the day
Skip It If You…
- Have medium to deep skin tones
- Prefer long-wearing, transfer-proof formulas
- Want a “true nude” with a hint of color
- Hate any fragrance in lipstick
- Are sensitive to packaging or shipping quality
Bottom Line
The Maybelline Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes Lipstick in Purely Nude is a classic case of “right shade, wrong person”—a creamy, comfortable lipstick that performs well within the boundaries of its design. While not universally flattering, it’s an affordable nude option that, when paired with the right lip combo, can be a stunning part of a minimalist makeup look. Just be mindful of where you buy it from, prep your lips, and don’t expect miracles from the shade on its own.
Final Score: 3.5 / 5
A solid drugstore pick—if the shade suits you and you’re willing to finesse it.
