The All-Time Best Brown Lipsticks for Your Skin Tone

September 21, 2022

By: Tembe Denton-Hurst | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

person with dark skin wearing brown lipstick

Brown lipsticks work for every situation — from happy hour to a work event, and any occasion in between — and for every skin tone. We love brown-reds with a ’90s vibe, rich chocolate hues that are great for the cold months and taupey nudes that you can mix and match with any makeup look. As an ode to the on-trend fall lipstick shade, we’ve rounded up the best brown lipsticks for every skin tone, below.

Best Brown Lipsticks for Fair Skin

Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick in Independent

For a true ’90s vibe, reach for this neutral brown shade. The satin finish is universally flattering and wears comfortably all day.

Maybelline New York SuperStayInk Crayon Lipstick in Stop At Nothing

If you’re new to brown lipstick, dip your toes in with a terracotta hue. This matte lip crayon makes it easy to scribble on touch-ups while on the go.

Best Brown Lipsticks for Medium Skin

NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick in Low Cut

Low Cut is a rich reddish-brown that looks beautiful on tan or medium skin. You can count on this liquid lipstick’s matte, transfer-resistant formula to last for up to 16 hours.

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 1993

1993 is a warm-toned brown that seems made for tan and olive complexions. The formula is matte, but it’s infused with aloe vera and avocado oil to keep your lips from feeling chapped.

Best Brown Lipstick for Dark Skin

Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick in Once Strangers

For a sultry espresso hue that screams ’90s, this high-shine liquid lipstick is the way to go. The formula stays transfer-proof and glossy for up to 16 hours.

Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipstick in Dark Night

Mented Cosmetics lipsticks are designed specifically with people of color in mind, and this true chocolate shade is no exception. The creamy, semi-matte formula is comfortable and boldly pigmented on the first swipe.

Photo: Courtesy of L'Oreal