20 Gorgeous Brown Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Brown lipsticks work for every situation, from happy hour to a work event — and any occasion in between. Since there is such a wide range of shades of brown to choose from, they also look great with every skin tone. We love brown-reds with a ’90s vibe, rich chocolate hues that are great for the colder months and taupey nudes that look chic with any makeup look. As an ode to the always on-trend lipstick shade, we’ve rounded up the best brown lipsticks for every skin tone, below.

The Best Brown Lipsticks

Best Brown Lipsticks for Fair Skin Tones

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.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Wood Nonchalant

This shade of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick has an almost pink tone to it. Just one swipe of this intensely pigmented lippie delivers rich, vibrant color. 

YSL Beauty The Slim Matte Longwear Lipstick in Psychedelic Chili

A red lipstick with brown undertones, like the Psychedelic Chili shade of The Slim Matte Longwear Lipstick, is a great way to wear brown lipstick if you have a lighter complexion. The slim, square bullet allows you to be extra precise with your application.

Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Lipstick in Shroom

The Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Lipstick in Shroom is our pick for a true ’90s brown matte lipstick for those with fair skin tones. It’s an earthy brown that’s not too dark. Plus, it has a delicious French vanilla scent. 

Glossier Ultralip in Trench

Brown lipstick doesn’t have to be a statement look. The Glossier Ultralip in Trench is a super sheer, subtly tinted balm in a toffee brown shade. This buttery soft lippie nourishes your lips while you wear it.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in So 90s

Are you noticing a theme with the shade names? The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in So 90s is a matte brown lipstick with reddish undertones.

Best Brown Lipsticks for Medium Skin Tones

Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick in Independent 

For a vampy, gothic look, reach for this darker brown shade. The satin finish is universally flattering and wears comfortably all day.

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.

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick in French Cashmere

Described as “warm toasted caramel,” the French Cashmere shade of the Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick would look stunning on any skin tone, but the warmth is a nice complement to medium skin. Grand rose extract and ceramides in the formula offer hydration, so you can comfortably wear this lipstick all day.    

Merit Beauty Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in 1990

There’s no shortage of full-coverage matte lipsticks in brown shades, but for a sheer option, we adore Merit Beauty’s signature lipstick in 1990. The lightweight color is buildable — perfect for everyday wear.

HUDA Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Hydrating Lipstick in Sweet Nude Amore

The HUDA Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Hydrating Lipstick in Sweet Nude Amore is a pinky brown with the slightest hint of purple. It has a juicy, high-shine finish.

BeautyPie FutureLipstick Luxe Shine in Nothing Nude

A nude lipstick with a soft brown tone is a makeup bag staple during the winter, and the BeautyPie FutureLipstick Luxe Shine in Nothing Nude is one of our faves. It gives your lips a smooth, plumped look.

Best Brown Lipstick for Dark Skin Tones

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. 

Maybelline New York SuperStay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lip Color in Punchy

You’ll instantly fall in love with the vibrant and uniquely shiny finish of the Maybelline New York SuperStay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lip Color. Punchy is a medium nude-brown that’s super chic and subtle enough for everyday wear.  

Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick in Deep Nude

For a gorgeous nude option, try the Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick in Deep Nude. The soft matte finish is totally natural, and it's formulated with moisturizing oils to keep your lips from drying out. 

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 a must-try from the lineup. The creamy, semi-matte formula is comfortable and boldly pigmented on the first swipe.

Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream in Thrilling

Our favorite thing about the Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream is the air-whipped texture. It’s so light that you may forget you are even wearing it. Thrilling is a lovely deep, true brown shade.

Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Jesse

If you’re looking for a brownish lipstick with more of a rosy look, try the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Jesse, a “pink mauvy brown.”

ILIA Beauty Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm in Faded

Not a big lipstick person? Try the ILIA Beauty Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm, instead. Faded is a neutral cocoa brown in a sheer, buildable formula.

Additional Reporting: Jordan Julian, Design: Juliana Campisi