For years now, it has been clear that the return of the ’90s is not just a passing trend, but something destined to stay—including the chocolate brown lipstick, an unforgettable must-have that tinted the lips of all supermodels at the time. Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer all gravitated toward the shade—and today’s It girls, such as Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, and Dakota Johnson are no different. They’ve helped revive the brown lipstick aesthetic, which is warm, sensual, and oh-so-versatile. Whether you opt for a matte or glossy formula, as long as you choose the right one to enhance lips and skin color, the shade looks good on virtually everyone.
Naomi Campbell (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images
Compared to its 1990s ancestors, the new generation brown lipsticks have a new vitality. It’s not just about improved formulas designed to moisturize the lips, but also a new understanding of color. Alongside trends that make dark lipstick the star of the look, as is the case with the burgundy lipstick typical of Cherry Cola lips, brown reveals its more nude side through delicate shades such as cafe latte or beige. Precisely for this reason, what is particularly important is the undertone of the brown lipstick, which can be pinkish or orange to create a continuum with the complexion, avoiding creating disharmonious contrasts. Inevitable, then, is the choice between light and dark, which is essential to connote the personality of the lipstick.
Choosing the right finish can double the appeal of brown lipstick. Glossy or satin textures, in fact, are perfect for those with low-volume lips, while a matte finish can make a plump mouth velvety, which will better support the saturated color. A separate category is brown lip glosses, which can be used as a top coat to brighten light brown or nude lipsticks.
Who does brown lipstick look good on?
As fashionable and tempting as it is, brown lipstick should be chosen with care. Observing one’s complexion is crucial: if one’s skin is olive, in fact, one will be able to take advantage of a cool, dark brown lipstick, a bold but beautiful choice even for moon complexions, which could benefit from the contrast. A golden brown, slightly burnt or terracotta lipstick is excellent, however, to highlight golden complexions.
How to apply brown lipstick
It is known, the darker the lipstick, the more time and attention it will take to apply it well. First and foremost, it is good to deeply moisturize the lips so that the lipstick can last long and without smudging or, highlighting dehydration and fine lines. Then, you simply apply the lipstick, carefully following the contour of the lips. An extra help is lip pencil, which can be useful to outline the contour of the mouth and avoid smudging. Laying it under lipstick will also provide a long-lasting effect. How to match brown lipstick? Opt for similar color palettes, like hazel, mauve, and bronze tones across the lids and cheeks. Unless you want to create a bold 90s look: in that case, frosty eyeshadow is très chic.
