11 Best Brown Lipsticks For Every Skin Tone (‘90s Style)
Level up your makeup with the perfect earthy shade for your lips to flatter your complexion.
Barbara Ritzman is a beauty and skin care specialist and the founder of Barbie's Beauty Bits. With over 16 years of hands-on experience as a beauty editor, she has collaborated with a multitude of makeup, skin care, and cosmetic brands. Barbara’s expertise has been showcased on major media platforms like ABC, NBC, Vogue, Entrepreneur, Roku, and Allure.
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Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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The 90s are making a comeback, complete with fashion and beauty trends in style. Brown color lipsticks are one of those Holy Grail products of the time that was a mark of a trendy woman. From songs to clothing, it has also made its way into our daily makeup routine, and now everybody wants to spice it up again with the best brown lipstick. If you are getting the inspo and courage from your beauty influencers, don’t be afraid and go for it. Here are the 11 brown lipstick shades for different skin tones to help you channel your inner 90s diva!
In This Article
11 Best Brown Lipsticks For Women (‘90s Style)
Best For Matte Finish:SUGAR Cosmetics Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick – 19 Emma Woodhouse (Earthy Brown)
This brown lipstick from Sugar Cosmetics is a must-have makeup essential that provides a picture-perfect look, just as in ‘90s. It is infused with is ododecane that offers a matte finish. The earthy brown shade of this lipstick suits all skin tones and gives a complete party look. The lipstick is highly pigmented and offers maximum coverage. The super-creamy texture glides over your lips effortlessly. The lipstick comes with a complimentary sharpener and is free of harmful chemicals. Its silky and comfortable wear formula has made it a favorite among many reviewers.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Highly pigmented
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Not smudge-proof
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,621 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Best Highly Pigmented:Wet n Wild Cloud Pout Marshmallow Lip Mousse Love You Smore
This highly pigmented true brown lipstick from Wet n Wild is infused with marshmallow powder that retains moisture on your lips, enhancing lip shape and looks beautiful on olive skin tones. It is also enriched with avocado, argan oil, and vitamin E to nourish your lips. The lipstick provides a nice matte finish and smoothes fine lines due to the intense moisturizing effect of sodium hyaluronate. The high color payoff and sweet marshmallow scent make this your perfect makeup companion for a stunning ‘90s look. It is also not tested on animals, making it ideal for ethically-conscious beauty lovers.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Lightweight
- Highly pigmented
- Non-drying
- Soft matte finish
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,105 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Best Long-Lasting:L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick
This chocolate brown lipstick with moisturizing properties from L’Oreal Paris is a gorgeous and nourishing makeup essential. It is enriched with pro-vitamin B5 and nourishing serum that keeps your lips hydrated for 9 hours. The creamy shade glides smoothly and does not feather into fine lines, making your lips look supple and enhancing your lip volume.
Pros
- Glides easily
- Smells good
- Long-lasting
- No bleeding or peeling
Cons
- Not true to shade.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,924 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Best Transfer-Resistant:Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – Superstar Brown
Superstar Brown from Revlon is a befitting makeup essential for a classic ‘90s look. Its super-moisturizing formula and high-impact color give you a vibrant, picture-perfect appearance on medium skin tones. The lip color is enriched with avocado oil and vitamin E that nourish your lips and impart a super lustrous shine. This flattering shade of brown lipstick with a matte finish has microfine pigments in the formula providing a long-lasting, luxurious matte finish throughout the day. Several reviewers attest that this silky and creamy lipstick glides over the lips easily, giving a shiny finish, and making them look supple without causing any lip cracks.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Lightweight
- Transfer-resistant
- Comfortable on the lips
- Long-lasting
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 508 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Best Smudge-Proof:NYX Professional Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick – Club Hopper
This liquid brown lipstick from NYX Professional is perfect to recreate the elegant ‘90s vibe. It is designed for long-lasting wear and offers an iconic matte finish. The lipstick is infused with avocado oil and vitamin E that nourish your lips and make them velvety soft. Its no-bleed formula enhances lip shape and imparts a buttery gloss and high-impact color. This PETA-certified lipstick leaves you with a strikingly polished look with just one swipe.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Leaves no stain
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May dry the lips.
Best For Sun Protection:Milani Color Statement Lipstick – Double Espresso
This statement-making, vibrant brown lipstick from Milani is enriched with vitamins A and C, which nourish your lips, reduce cracks, and promote a smooth and soft pout. Its moisturizing effects offer long-lasting wear with a matte finish. Double Espresso’s non-stain formula does not melt and protects your lips from the harmful sun rays. Ethically-conscious reviewers favor this product as it has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Goes on smoothly
- Does not smudge
- Non-drying
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Best Long Lasting:Bobbi Brown Lip Colour No. 04 Brown
The Bobbi Brown No. 04 Lip Colour was one of the first products this renowned brand ever launched- and it quickly became an iconic fan favorite. Its creamy, matte texture and glossy finish provide vibrant color and smoothness to the lips, giving them a bold and dramatic look. Wear one swipe of this brown lipstick with buildable coverage to get ready instantly. Swipe it twice to get full coverage that lasts up to 10 hours. It also comes in a range of brilliant, satiny shades. Its semi-matte finish does not dry up easily, locking in moisture and giving the lips a comfortable feel. The shade 04 in brown is a must-have in your vanity since it is the perfect warm brown to complement all outfits and skin tones.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Semi matte finish
- Satiny texture
- Rich pigmentation
- Buildable formula
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 254 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Best For Smooth Finish:Italia Deluxe Top 5 Mousse Matte Lipstick Set
The Italian Deluxe Top 5 Mousse Matte Lipstick Set (in Chola Browns) is the perfect choice if you are looking for a group of warm and cool toned, earthy shades that look flattering on cool undertones and brown skin. The lipsticks glide smoothly over your lips for a velvety, matte finish. The lightweight and highly pigmented mousse formula has garnered numerous positive customer reviews online. It comes in five different shades of warm brown to complement every single skin tone. These lip colors leave a smooth finish, making your lips feel softer, fuller, and well-nourished. These are perfect for all occasions and dress codes.
Pros
- Soft, velvety finish
- Long lasting
- Highly pigmented
- Convenient packaging
Cons
- None.
Best For Metallic Shine:Oulac Metallic Shine Brown Lipstick
The Oulac Metallic Shine Lipstick is enriched with castor oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and mineral mica, making it the perfect blend of natural ingredients to give your lips a soft, gleaming finish with its smooth application. It looks great on fair skin tones. Pick this brown lipstick for adding warmth to makeup looks. It leaves a smooth coverage and hydrates the lips with its oils, and its metallic finish gives your lips the shimmer they need on a night out. It suits all complexions and promises 6-8 hours of wear, providing a buttery feel throughout the day. The brown shade is a perfect pick for cool and warm undertones. Several reviewers attest that its metallic shimmer gives an extra layer of glam to your everyday look. Additionally, the product is not tested on animals, making it an ideal cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Moisturizing
- Creamy texture
- No grainy feel
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- None
Best Soft Brush Applicator:Black Radiance Perfect Tone Matte Lip Creme
The Black Radiance Perfect Tone Matte Lip Creme is a must-have lip color for women of all skin tones. Its rich creamy formula blends into your lips like a second skin, creating a cushion-soft base for further layering if you prefer. This Naughty Brown shade is a perfect universal brown for every skin type, especially for deep and darker skin tones. Its smooth texture delivers a bold, intense dewy finish, which moisturizes your lips for a soft, velvety feel. Its soft brush applicator and comfortable matte finish have made it a must-buy for many reviewers.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Velvety texture
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Lightweight
Cons
- None.
Best Lightweight:By The Clique Premium Satin Lipstick Mocha Latte
This premium natural brown slim lipstick with a satin finish from By The Clique gives your lips an elegant and velvety glow by highlighting your natural beauty. The special lightweight texture and non-sticky formula provide a smooth finish. This bright shade of brown lipstick with a long-wearing formula has a soft and creamy texture that glides smoothly and does not weigh down your lips. This reddish brown shade is suitable for olive and dark skin tones.
Pros
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Non-drying
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
Pick your favorite brown lipstick for creating nude lip looks that are never going out of style – this is precisely why you should be getting one (or three!) for your makeup arsenal. However, not all lipsticks are created the same – there are some things you should keep in mind before investing in one. Here is a list of guidelines you can go through to choose the best lipstick ever.
Things You Should Be Aware Of Before Buying A Brown Lipstick
- Ingredients
Since lipsticks sit on your lips all through the day and frequently go into your mouth, it is important to choose one without any harmful chemicals. Skip those that have parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals. Products that are dermatologically-tested are less likely to cause skin problems.
- Usage
If you want to wear it to work, opt for a lipstick that will stay on all day – this will minimize reapplications. However, it would be smart to carry it along just in case because some lipsticks do come off once you eat something oily.
If you are going on a date and have a habit of continuously touching your face, opt for smudge-proof lipsticks. Brown is a very prominent color, and if it transfers, you will find it hard to keep the rest of your makeup fresh.
- Skin Concerns
If you have extremely dry lips, avoid brown lipsticks that mattify. Go for creamy formulations – they are less likely to break or form lines. However, if you tend to sweat a lot, go for brown lipsticks that will give a dry, matte look and stay intact. In fact, waterproof lipsticks can be your next best friend!
Infographic: How To Wear A Brown Lipstick
Brown lipsticks are extremely versatile as they can be easily paired with almost every outfit for any occasion. Knowing how to apply them correctly will help you ace your look for a glamorous evening. Check out the infographic below to know how you can wear brown lipstick to achieve a perfect pout.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Fashion trends repeat themselves and keep coming back. This retro trend has been gaining popularity these days. The best brown lipsticks are a staple for any timeless beauty collection. They can look super flaunting and formal for special occasions. For those seeking products free of harmful chemicals, the SUGAR Cosmetics Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick is a perfect choice, while the Wet n Wild Cloud Pout Marshmallow Lip Mousse offers intense moisturizing without drying. However, if you prioritize long-lasting wear and a pleasant fragrance, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick. Not just for everyday wear or ‘90s-themed parties, these lipsticks are expertly crafted to offer an elegant to bold look, depending on the intensity of the shade. These above-listed brown lipsticks are cruelty-free, lightweight, and provide long-lasting and exceptional results. However, some products may dry out your lips. Always use a moisturizer before applying lipstick to avoid dry lips. Go through the product reviews carefully to choose the best brown lipsticks that suit your skin tone and conduct a patch test before applying to check for allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brown lipstick attractive?
Yes, brown lipsticks give you an alluring and seductive look. They look good on people of all skin tones. Brown is a popular, trendy, and must-try shade.
Can you use brown lipstick as a contour?
Yes, you can use brown lipstick as an alternative to a contour.
Can redheads wear brown lipstick?
Yes, brown lipsticks compliment redheads very well and give a chic look.
What does brown lipstick mean?
Brown lipsticks give a very earthly tone to the lips. They make you look humble but confident. They look great on every skin tone, especially the ones with neutral undertones.
Does brown lipstick make you look older?
No, brown lipstick can be the perfect shade for every age. It doesn’t make you look old.
How can you wear brown lipstick?
When wearing brown lipstick, consider applying makeup with soft and neutral shades that don’t overshadow the brown shade.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry and knows what’s hot and what’s not. She’s here to enlighten you on the latest makeup trends like the brown lipsticks craze. After browsing through many product reviews, she curated this list of the best brown lipsticks for you. These products have been chosen because they offer an intense color payoff, smooth finish, good texture, and lasts for long hours.
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