Finding the right lipstick shade that complements your skin tone and makes a statement can be difficult. That’s why you shouldn’t look past a classic neutral like brown lipstick. After all, this chocolate hue pairs well with almost any makeup look you can dream up. Not to mention, it’s become quite the lip makeup trend with beauty gurus and A-listers alike stepping out with the chocolate-inspired pout. If you’re up to hop on the neutral lipstick bandwagon, we’re here to help. Ahead, we’re sharing six stylish ways to rock brown lipstick from day to night, along with tips for the rest of your face makeup.
#1. MATTE BROWN
Since brown lipstick is a classic shade, it’s only right that we put matte brown lipstick on your radar. While this hue does serve up ‘90s nostalgia, this offering works in your favor to give your lips a chic and sophisticated look that will always be on-trend. Before you reach for a matte brown lipstick, prep your pout with a lip scrub, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub. This beauty staple helps to slough away dead skin cells from your lips to moisturize and prep your pout for lipstick. Apply a small amount of the lip scrub to clean lips in circular motions to exfoliate. Wet a soft washcloth with lukewarm water and wipe the lip scrub away.
Once complete, swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick in Bittersweet, a matte pick that provides all day coverage with a chocolate aroma. It’s also equipped with a pro-sculpt applicator for easy application.
#2. TAUPE
One of the easiest ways to rock brown lipstick like a pro is to seek out an option that offers two shades in one—and we’re talking all about taupe lipstick. This hue is a grayish-brown color that provides your pout with a muted look that can suit your neutral and full glam makeup looks perfectly. Not to mention, it’s also a stylish option that pairs well with the chilly temps. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-itude to transform your lips.
#3. GLOSSY BROWN LIPS
No rule says that you have to stick to matte lipstick looks. If sporting a high-shine pout is your forte, glossy brown lips will come in handy. In case you haven’t noticed, glossy lips have become the ultimate beauty staple, and pairing it with a brown shade is a win-win. Swap out your matte brown lipstick for a lip gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Pro Gloss in Truffle. This super-pigmented lip gloss features a rich brown shade that hydrates and stays in place without fading or feathering.
#4. MID-TONED BROWN
Mid-toned brown lipstick is no doubt a gorgeous pick, but it’s also a solid option for those who like to play it safe in the lip makeup department. This shade is not too light or dark, which serves as a happy medium that can steer you in the right direction. Start by lining your lips with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Nudes for Life, which provides rich color, creates definition, and keeps feathering at bay. Follow up by layering your lips with the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Explore that offers an ultra-lightweight matte finish with lasting wear.
#5. NUDE BROWN
It’s not news that every occasion is not suited for bright and bold lip color. Sometimes, you need a shade that’s comfortable for the office and offers major impact. That’s where a nude brown lipstick like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick in Full-Blown Fawn comes into play. This option is formulated with a light-diffusing gel that brings a soft-focus effect to your lips. It also provides your pout with intense hydration and a matte finish that can transition from day to night perfectly.
#6. TRUE CHOCOLATE
Food-inspired hair color trends have been getting major attention, so it’s only natural for the look to influence the lip makeup game. Chocolate lipstick not only looks as rich and decadent as the name suggests, but it’s also a cool way to bring an edgy, cool-girl aesthetic to life with your makeup look. For a true chocolate shade, swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick in Box O Chocolate.
HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR MAKEUP LOOK
Now that you’re well-versed on the best ways to rock brown lipstick, it’s time to focus on the rest of your makeup look. Here’s what you need to do.
STEP #1: PRIME YOUR FACE FOR AN EVEN CANVAS
Before reaching for the rest of your makeup, it’s important to lay the groundwork with primer. This essential helps to create an even canvas and helps your makeup wear evenly throughout the day. Smooth the L’Oréal Paris Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer over your face, avoiding your lip area.
STEP #2: CREATE A FLAWLESS FACE
Since you want your lips to be the center of attention, you’ll want to use a matte foundation formula to sport a shine-free complexion. For a matte finish, apply the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, which offers a lasting demi-matte finish that stays put all day. It also provides medium coverage and an air-light texture that helps you get a natural look. Squeeze a small amount of foundation onto the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender and blend onto skin in rolling and dabbing motions to create a uniform look.
STEP #3: DEFINE YOUR FEATURES
After applying your foundation, it’s time to warm up your complexion and accentuate your features. Use the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer, applying it to the hollows of your cheeks and temples for a sun-kissed glow. Follow up by dusting your cheekbones with a neutral blush, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush, to give your skin a pretty flush of color.
STEP #4: FILL IN YOUR BROWS
To complement your brown lip, sculpt and shape your brows to perfection. This will add a bit of drama to your eyes without overpowering your lip color. Use the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara, which will leave your eyebrow hairs looking fuller and more defined. Apply the eyebrow gel in short upward strokes following your brow shape and comb through to blend and plump your brows.
STEP #5: CREATE A BROWN SMOKEY EYE
No eye makeup look suits a brown lip color quite like a brown smokey eye. The look is simple enough to not take away from your lip hue while still managing to highlight your features. Start by applying a light brown shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mix and Matte, all over your lid. Take a medium brown hue, like the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Cafe Au Lait, and sweep it in your crease using a fluffy brush, making sure to blend well. Use a nude matte shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Paris Beach, to highlight the inner corner of your eye. Finally, reach for the medium brown shadow again and apply it to your lower lash line.
STEP #6: LINE YOUR EYE
If you’re going for an everyday makeup look, feel free to skip this step. To turn this brown smokey eye makeup look into one that’s suitable for a night out, use the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Brown Denim to line your upper lash line. Start at the inner corner of your eye and work your way towards the outer corner, creating a wing at the end. Then, apply it to your waterline.
STEP #7: ADD DRAMA TO YOUR LASHES
As with any makeup look, you want to add volume and length to your eyelashes with a few coats of mascara. Use the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable in Black Brown to score fully blown out lashes with unmissable volume.
Next up: If you’re seeking more trendy lip color ideas, we can help. Check out our article, Our Best Berry Lipstick For Every Skin Tone.