The 16 Best Brown Lipsticks and How They Look On Different Skin Tones

Brown lipstick has been embraced by the beauty world, and it’s easy to see why. The color offers a softer alternative to dark reds or vampy pinks that can be harder for some people to pull off.

In order to avoid looking too washed out while sporting a brown lip color, it is recommended to combine it with other warm neutrals. Choose eye shadows in muted caramel tones and pinky-brown blushes to complete the look. Try a glittery eyeshadow beneath your brows for a more daring look, or a clear gloss on your eyelids for a subtler contrast.

Making the appropriate color choice is crucial to nailing this style. The easiest method to do this is to choose a lipstick color that provides a visual contrast to your skin tone. Pale brown, coffee, or tan shades look fantastic on people with light skin, while deeper shades might work well on those with medium skin. A matte finish is best for a deep brown tone, while a wet glossy finish is ideal for a lighter shade since it reflects more light.

It’s also perfect for fall and winter, when you may not want such a bright shade on your lips. In this roundup, we’ll explore 16 of our favorite brown lipsticks—and how they look on different skin tones!

You can compare the texture of Bobbi Brown‘s Crushed Lip Color to that of a lip balm and still be accurate. Choose from a range of brown tones, such as dark chocolate, rich cocoa, and blackberry, and enjoy all-day, rich color.

Crushed pigments and pout-loving elements have been added to the mix. This formula goes on smoothly and provides long-lasting, gorgeous color with a matte, blotted finish that may be built up to a bolder hue if needed.

“Seriously though, I have this lipstick in more than 10 colors,” shared one reviewer. “10/10. Everyone needs at least one of these lipsticks.”

In choosing brown lipstick, it’s important to choose one that complements a wide range of complexions.

Rare Beauty‘s lip cream is highly recommended because of its luxurious, melt-in color and air-whipped consistency that conforms to the lips’ natural contours. So that your lips don’t grow dry and flaky over the day, it also includes soothing hydration.

There are a number of different tones of lipstick available, and one of them is called “Thrilling.” This shade is a deep neutral brown that is perfect for those looking for a true brown. With its precise applicator tip, you can easily create a seamless color transition through

Even though it’s not autumn, you can use this dark brown lipstick to make your face seem radiant. It’s sheer enough to be comfortable throughout the day, yet opaque enough to make you seem put together with only a few coats. 

Freck Beauty‘s soft-blur lipstick has a matte finish that can be built up, is transfer-proof and feather-free, and is formulated with royal orchid extract to strengthen skin, magnolia bark extract to provide a boost of antioxidants, and vegan lanolin substitute to provide a supple feel on the lips.

According to one reviewer, “This is such a beautiful nude brown for dark skin women. This is definitely my new go-to on days where I want the no-makeup makeup look.”

You can’t go wrong with bareMinerals’ Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick in Chocolate Plum if you’re searching for a brown lipstick that’s both clean and vegan-friendly. This matte brown lipstick is a lightweight emollient that conditions and moisturizes lips while covering them in a rich, creamy hue.

In only one week, you’ll notice a difference in the appearance of lip wrinkles, texture, and dryness as your lips are conditioned and smoothed. It’s smudge-proof, so your lipstick won’t end up on your coffee mug when you drink from it.

This sheer, buildable formula allows for several layers, making this an excellent option for anyone seeking a higher level of coverage. Beautycounter‘s Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick in Raisin delivers an immense wash of color and light-catching sheen with the nourishing benefits of a balm.

The organic castor oil provides luscious moisture, while the vanilla calms and relaxes the lips. This brown berry lipstick is perfect for individuals who want a natural appearance that still stands out.

When applied lightly, the nourishing color and sheen of this sheer lipstick from Fenty Beauty are just right.

It comes in a chocolate brown tint that is subtly seductive without trying, and the pomegranate butter in it has been shown to seal in moisture, so your lips will feel soft and supple after just one swipe. It’s no surprise that it was named after a beauty icon given its buttery smoothness on the lips.

Regarding her inspiration behind the product, Rih shared, “This lipstick’s my go-to when I want to slip on something that’s comfortable and looks good. I love that I don’t even have to think about it.”

Put your lipstick search to an end with Ofra Cosmetics’ Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick. Your lips will be smooth, velvety matte, and long-lasting thanks to this pleasant liquid lipstick. This nude mauve color is perfect for everyday use.

Avocado oil and vitamin E, two of the formula’s key nourishing constituents, work together to keep lips healthy and pigmented while also imparting a pleasant, light mousse texture. The precision tip applicator makes lining a breeze, so you’ll enjoy using it. In addition, the vanilla fragrance provides instantaneous soothing.

You can get up to five hours of gorgeous color from a single swipe of this product, which is another perk!

Huda Beauty’s Power Bullet Matte Lipstick is the ultimate in comfort and wearability. The plush matte formulation is the backbone of its design, allowing for maximum coverage with little effort. The lipsticks on smoothly, don’t feel heavy, and leave lips feeling soft and nourished for hours.

There’s lipstick here for any skin tone since it comes in a wide range of colors from pink to deep brown and beyond. The pointed end of this bullet may be used to define your lip shape and fill in the edges of your lips.

Glossier’s Generation G in Leo is the perfect brown lipstick for everyday wear.

The matte, buildable product was inspired by a technique used by makeup artists to get a flush of natural color that appears easy and appealing on models: wiping lipstick on their lips. The diffused matte finish makes it seem like you’ve been gently kissed, yet with just the perfect amount of pigment. 

There is no need to worry about the color seeping outside of your lip lines or showing through any dry spots since it applies smoothly and evenly. And because everyone has different skin tones, this particular shade comes in two varieties: neutral cocoa brown (Leo) and rich cinnamon brown (Malt).

When it comes to lip color, Makeup by Mario’s Ultra Suede Brown Lipstick is hard to beat. The suede-like finish produced by the exclusive vegan combination of waxes is long-lasting. Lips are kept from being dry and unpleasant thanks to a combination of rosehip and passionfruit seed oil.

Additionally, texturizing powders and smoothing gels are included in this lip crayon to help achieve a soft focus and matte finish. Overall, this is definitely one of our top picks for the best brown lipstick. It’s perfect for regular use and special events alike!

The key to the perfect pout? Matte lipstick, of course.

Charlotte Tilbury’s matte formula is elegantly soft, with a chocolate cream shade that glides long-lasting color onto lips. Triglycerides mixed with a perfect blend of oils and waxes make for a formula that glides on smoothly and stays in place even through your most important meetings or dates.

Plus, the angled tip mimics the shape of a lip brush for precision application.

Your lips deserve a little love. That’s why Clinique created these neutral lip shades that flatter your skin tone and undertone.

The label packed them with vitamin E to soothe and condition your lips, but that’s not all. They also added ingredients like shea butter and squalane to moisturize and smooth your pout.

So whether you’re looking for a pop of color or something more subtle, this lipstick will keep your lips feeling hydrated and soft all day long.

“Most drugstore brands have missed the mark on neutrals lately, going too dark, bright, or too nude for my tastes. These are right in the middle of my comfort zone. These are my new go-to lipsticks for sure,” raved one reviewer.

NARS’ Audacious Lipstick is a cult favorite for good reason.

It boasts a single-stroke, full-coverage satin finish that gives you long-lasting color that’s weightless and creamy. The high-impact pigments deliver intense color to your lips with a chestnut brown shade.

The lipstick comes in a sleek black tube with gold accents, making it look as luxurious as it feels on your lips. Not to mention, its lightweight texture applies smoothly over your lips without getting clumpy or patchy.

Kylie Cosmetics’s Matte Liquid Lipstick is another great matte lip color for anyone who wants a smudge-resistant, creamy formula. Available in over 30 shades, it offers full coverage and 8-hour wear without drying out your lips.

The highly pigmented formula glides on effortlessly and is great for creating a bold statement look, while still being comfortable enough to wear all day long. Elsewhere, the soft, lightweight texture makes it easy to apply this matte liquid lipstick by itself or over your favorite lip liner.

Arriving in brown with yellow undertones, this matte lip color will give you an instant boost of confidence, no matter what kind of day you’re having.

Make your lips pop with NYX’s XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick. The product offers up to 16 hours of wear, providing a soft, smooth matte finish.

The fade, crack, and transfer-resistant formula will keep your lips looking flawless, while the soft, smooth matte finish is perfect for any occasion. All the more, its precise applicator allows you to shape and fill your lips with ease—it even comes with a brush on the end so you can get right into the corners!

With 32 color-saturated shades to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

“I absolutely love these lipsticks,” explained one shopper. “I’m honestly shocked at how good these are because they’re honestly better than a lot of high-end liquid lipsticks.”

This lipstick is so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing it! But that doesn’t mean it’s not doing its job—the sheer formula is hydrating and buildable, so one swipe gives you a sheer finish, and three swipes give you rich color. And when you’re done? Your lips will be soft and juicy-looking.

Don’t worry about your lips getting dry during the day—the sheer lipstick comes with squalane and sunflower seed oil to lock in long-lasting moisture. Plus, MERIT added an ingredient called papaya fruit extract that helps soothe lips.

If you want to add some extra oomph to your lipstick experience, the formula even includes a few drops of raspberry oil—it moisturizes and smells delicious!

We hope that you’ve found the best brown lipstick for your needs. There are so many choices, but I think these 10 are all great options. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out our list of the best lipsticks under $15.

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What to Look for in a Brown Lipstick

Moisturizing Components

Lips can become dry and chapped, so it’s crucial to pick a brown lipstick that contains hydrating elements. Look for ingredients such as shea butter, nourishing oils, vitamin E, lanolin, and hyaluronic acid. These components ensure a smooth application and comfortable wear throughout the day.

Finish & Intensity

Think about the desired finish and pigmentation level for your brown lipstick. Whether you prefer a bold statement or a subtle touch of color, various options are available to suit your taste. From sheer washes of color to full-coverage lipsticks, you can find the perfect balance of intensity and texture. Finishes range from satin to matte, providing endless possibilities for your unique style.

Longevity & Transfer-Resistance

A long-lasting, transfer-resistant formula is essential for a brown lipstick that will stay put throughout the day. Seek out lipsticks that offer lasting power without fading, smudging, or transferring, ensuring your pout remains pristine for hours on end.

Blendability

Choose a brown lipstick that allows for effortless blending and mixing with other lip products. A versatile shade can be customized to create unique combinations, offering you the freedom to experiment and tailor your lip color to your mood or occasion.

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FAQ

Can you use brown lipstick as contour?

Brown lipstick can be an unexpected but effective option for contouring. To use it, simply apply a dark brown shade to the areas of your face where you want to add definition, such as the sides of your nose, under your cheekbones, on your forehead, and along your jawline.

The right pigmentation is key when using brown lipstick for contouring, so make sure to choose a shade that is dark enough to create contrast but not so dark that it looks unnatural. This is a great option if you don’t have a dedicated contour palette or if you prefer to use products that have multiple uses. With a little practice, you can create a subtle and sculpted look using just your favorite brown lipstick!

How do you apply brown lipstick?

Ready to rock the brown lipstick trend? Start by outlining your lips with a lip pencil for a defined base. Then, apply a coat of brown lipstick to see the natural shape of your lips. To enhance your look, use a complementary lip liner. Trace the perimeter of your lips with a rich brown shade, blending inward for a seamless finish.

Add a touch of pink-brown lipstick to the center of your lips for extra dimension, and for a more natural look, tap the lipstick directly on the inner corners of your lips, blend with your fingertips and you’re ready to go! Experiment with different techniques to find your signature brown lipstick style.