Finding the right lipstick shade that complements your skin tone and makes a statement has never been easier with all the options available. Still, some looks — like witchy black lips or a sultry red pout — can feel intimidating to pull off because they’re the ultimate bold, look-at-me beauty moment.
Brown lipstick is a neutral or nude option that has levels to it due to the depth and richness of the hues it comes in, so it can fall into that category of a bold lip or be worn like a subtle everyday color. Despite that, A-listers and beauty aficionados alike have been donning the classic color as of late, prompting those who never considered sporting brown lips to get in on the trend. If you fall in that latter group but are unsure how to wear brown lipstick or where to start with picking one, check out the 7 brown lipstick shades listed below, they’ll become your new favorite everyday color.
It seems as though every few years old beauty trends come back thanks to the new generation of makeup wearers on TikTok and Instagram. A commonly asked question when searching for brown lipstick is whether or not the color is “in style.” In beauty, there’s a big push for neutral shades (like brown) to embrace a natural look or go bold without wearing dark black hues.
At the end of the day, you don’t need to follow trends to be in style — as long as you like something and feel good about it, then it’s stylish. With that being said, brown lipstick is back in style and that means bringing out the dark chocolate, taupe and honey brown colors popularized by supermodels in the ‘90s.
Since brown lipstick ranges on the neutral side you can pick a dark shade that’ll leave a bold pout on light skin tones or a flesh-toned look for those with dark complexions. Consider picking a lipstick shade based on your skin tone and undertone for a natural look, or go big and wear a deep almost black color that makes a statement with every wear.
When it comes to the actual application, you can just wear brown lipstick as you would any other lip color. However, you may want to consider picking up a lip pencil in a matching shade — like one of the many neutral shades from L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liners — for an even, fuller lip. Below, discover seven shades of brown lipstick and L’Oréal Paris lipsticks you’ll want to buy.
One of the easiest ways to ease into wearing brown lipstick is to seek out a taupe option that offers multiple hues in one shade. Taupe lipsticks offer a grayish-brown color with purple undertones that provide your pout with a muted look to suit any neutral or full glam makeup looks.
Not to mention, it’s also a stylish option that pairs well with warm or chilly temps. Try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Wood Nonchalant, a neutral color that pairs particularly well with light skin tones,to introduce you to the brown lip lifestyle. For a more universal taupe option, pick up L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-itude which offers a matte finish that creates a statement on all skin undertones.
Food-inspired hair color trends have been getting major attention, so it’s only natural for the look to influence the lip makeup game. Chocolate lipstick not only looks as rich and decadent as the name suggests, but it’s also a cool way to bring an edgy, cool-girl aesthetic to life with your makeup look.
For a true ‘90s-inspired chocolate shade, color lips with L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in He Thinks He’s Matte-Cho before adding a layer on top of your pout with the glossy (but not sticky) L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 Hour Pro Lip Gloss, hydrating finish in Truffle. Try L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick + Nourishing Serum in Brilliant Brown for a traditional brown lipstick option that nourishes your lips while you get endless compliments on the rich color.
While milk chocolate lipsticks complement light and medium skin tones perfectly, a dark chocolate look is the perfect “nude” option for those with dark complexions. Whether it’s a nude for you or you want to take a vampy look for a spin, this shade will be your go-to when you’re ready for an intense lip.
Dark chocolate lipstick looks as sexy as it sounds tasty and doesn’t have to be relegated to only the cold weather months. Try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Spice to get the look. This cream lipstick offers super-saturated color that won’t smudge, bleed, feather or migrate. Perfect your pout by lining lips with L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Anti-Feathering Lip Liner - Smooth Application in Dark Chocolate before applying your lipstick.
Bring the vibes of warm weather and a tropical vacation (year-round) with a brown shade that matches the beaches of the Hamptons, Greece or any other beautiful place you’d much rather be. While wearing a medium sand shade won’t teleport you to these beaches it might make you feel like you’re about to hop on a flight — with a beautiful lip to match.
Reach for L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Lazy Sunday or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Breakfast in Bed for a long-lasting matte lipstick that won’t dry out your lips. The Lazy Sunday shade is a perfect neutral for medium to dark skin tones, while light skin tones will enjoy Breakfast in Bed, which also happens to be a favorite of L’Oréal Paris global ambassador, Kendall Jenner.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a honey brown lipstick that works for all skin tones. Unfortunately, you can’t actually eat the deliciously gorgeous lip color, but it serves up some serious warm-toned style with your beauty look. This shade of brown is perfect for all weather but it’s especially ideal for those warm weather months and transitional fall moments when you want to keep your look natural with a touch of flair.
Embrace the honey brown name with a shiny lip similar to the sugary amber of real honey. Try L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Sunlit Shimmer for a glitzy lip with a deep color that won’t feel sticky on lips and makes your pout look fuller, plumper and more enhanced. If you prefer a non-glitter look, opt for L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract in Luminous Coral that looks like you applied the color directly from a honey hive (minus the bees) for an amber-drenched lip.
If sporting a high-shine pout is your forte, glossy brown lips will come in handy. In case you haven’t noticed, glossy lips have become the ultimate beauty staple and pairing it with a brown shade is a win-win. Paint lips with L’Oréal Paris 8 Hour Pro Lip Gloss, hydrating finish in Dulce De Leche which offers a coppery brown shade perfect for anyone who loves a touch of shimmer with long-lasting pigment.
If you prefer a matte finish, line lips with L’Oréal Paris Matte Lip Liner in Matte-Stermind before filling them in with a rich brown shade like L’Oréal Paris Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick in Nu Extreme.
It’s been well established that red lipstick is the ultimate go-to for many and departing from this shade is highly unlikely. If you love a good red but also want to dip your toes (or lips, rather) into another color option, go for a cinnamon color that marries these two colors. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Brazil Nut offers a rustic, almost brick-like hue for a true brown with red tones that give it dimension and richness while remaining neutral. If you prefer a lighter cinnamon shade, try the creamy L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Cinnamon Toast which effortlessly glides on lips thanks to caring ingredients vitamin E and argan oil, which also hydrate and soften the lips.
Next: What Color Lipstick Makes Teeth Look Whiter?
Photo Credit: IG/@sky.phonese, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier
Posted on October 18 2023
It’s no secret that ‘90s makeup trends have made their way back onto the beauty scene after being seen all over the runways and on the faces of your favorite celebrities over the past few year, and brown lipstick has come knocking.
Brown feels like a fresh switch back to neutrals, and is a universally flattering shade that complements all skin tones. Because it’s an earth tone, the color warms up any complexion—but the shade you choose definitely still matters. Avoid picking a hue that is too close to your skin color so that you don’t look washed out. Fair and light skin tones look best in a taupe or pink brown tone, medium and olive skin tones would want a product with red undertones or a more vampy chocolate shade, and dark skin tones should reach for a muted coffee brown or tan hue. When it comes to the finish of the lipstick, a matte finish often works best for darker shades, while lighter browns pop when they have a glossy finish. But you should feel free to experiment with the shades and finishes you prefer—this trend is all about stepping out of your beauty comfort zone so the rules aren’t hard and fast.
And when it comes to tips for applying the standout shade, prepping your pout is key. Always apply a lip primer or concealer on your lips before your lipstick to ensure that the color stays on your lips and doesn’t transfer. Using a lip liner in tandem with your lipstick or as a base is also helpful in getting a precise application, which is important when wearing such a standout shade. Keep the rest of your makeup simple and modern and choose products in the same warm, earthy tones for your eyes and cheeks. Make sure to add some bronzer or highlighter for dimension.
Shop our favorite brown shades below.
cool muted brownish plum
matte red brown
gold frosted reddish brown
honey beige pink
silvery bronze gloss with cool shimmer
warm red brown
deep brown berry
rich caramel brown gloss
dark reddish brown
creamy mauve brown
warm frosted champagne tan
Maple Shimmer
: shimmering reddish brownVenus
: pink chocolate gloss