Brown lipstick, while most commonly associated with the "far out" trends of decades past (we're looking at you '90s), has never truly faded into obscurity. While it may not always be dubbed a must-have lipstick shade or the season's hottest trend, brown lipstick sticks around. The next time you're browsing your favorite brand's lipstick selection, it may be worth checking out how they like to play with color. Brown lipsticks, often found at the end of lengthy shade lineups, are the very bread and butter of the beauty industry.
Don't believe me? Look at the top brown lipstick choices of Who What Wear's beauty editors and discover more that have caught our attention over time. From taupes and blushing browns to shimmering chocolate shades and hazel hues with a touch of red, these are the best brown lipsticks of the bunch. But proceed with caution. Once you try these out, there's a good chance you won't consider wearing another color on your lips.
The Top 3 Beauty Editor Picks
Shopping for a rich brown lipstick that compliments my deep skin tone has posed a challenge for me for as long as I can remember. This one, by Merit, was one of the first shades I remember discovering that truly complimented my complexion, enhancing my natural dual-toned lips. I'm obsessed with how smoothly the product applies, as well as the all-day shine and hydration it offers.
"I have light, cool-toned skin, so I tend to go for lipsticks that are rosy-brown since they tend to flatter my complexion. One of my faves is Glossier's Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in the shade Villa. The brand describes it as a 'dusty rose,' but it's basically a rose color with brown undertones. It's super flattering, and I like knowing that it's also one of Sofia Richie's favorite beauty products." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor
"I'm a very fair person, and I find that brown lipsticks usually wash me out, but if I want to wear one, I opt for this neutral shade from Merit, which has just enough brown in it. It goes on sheer and is super buildable, so you can control how pigmented it is. It's also moisturizing and has the perfect velvety finish." — Katie Berohn, beauty editor
More Brown Lipsticks We're Loving
One of our associate beauty editors, Shawna Hudson, cites this brown lipstick as her go-to. "Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks are truly my ride or die. I love this soft brown nude shade," she says. "It has a hint of red in it that adds the perfect pop of color to any makeup look. It can totally work as an everyday shade or be worn for a night out—it's truly so versatile!"
If you're on the hunt for a rosy brown lip color similar to McLintock's beloved Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in the shade Villa, this is a good place to start. Saie's matte, hydrating lipstick is the ideal mid-tone brown with a dusty rose undertone.
Rose Inc describes this matte liquid lipstick shade as a "rose brown," but on my skin tone, it leans more toward a gorgeous brick tone that I've been using recently as one of my go-to choices for a neutral lip.
The arrival of fall (and all of the imagery associated with the coziest of all seasons) has Who What Wear's beauty editors reaching for orangey-brown lip colors like this one by MAC Cosmetics pick.
Baddie, one of Freck's bestselling Makeout Club Soft Blur Lipstick shades, is one of the best chestnut lip colors out there. Pat this product gently on the lips for a long-lasting buildable matte finish that's completely transfer-proof.
Rare Beauty's line of lipsticks has won us over time and time again, and their Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Wise continues the legacy. The shade is described as the "warm brown nude" and plays on the natural red undertones of your lips.
Lean into your quiet-luxury era by trying a rosy, cashmere brown lip as your everyday choice. Line it with a chestnut brown liner and add a swipe of gloss for a put-together finishing touch.
Sometimes wearing a deep, chocolate lip is the way to go, as proven by this satiny lip color. It's also packed with nourishing ingredients, including three types of butter and botanical oils to protect your lips.
Huda Beauty is bringing it with their versatile, nude lipstick shades. Self Made is a rich chocolate brown that goes on glossy for a fuller-looking pout with a dewy finish. Its formula features sea fennel and hydraberry to keep the lips conditioned and hydrated.
Looking for the best 90's throwback vibes? We recommend adding this golden brown shade to your collection. It delivers weightless color and a blurring effect, disguising the appearance of vertical lip lines.
We had to include at least one semi-sparkly option for those who love a glam moment! Chantecaiile's answer to an elegant brown lip is their Lip Chic in Ceylon. It will give the lips a beautiful glossy sheen in addition to endless hydration and nourishment.
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