As a predominantly red-lipped gal, I’ve always been envious of those who could rock a bit more less traditional colors like brown and other darker tones. For me, brown matte lipstick evokes images of the 90s with supermodels and fashion icons like Drew Barrymore and Naomi Campbell, gracing runways and magazines in nude and earthy hues.
Wearing brown matte lipstick was seen as a bit rebellious, straying away from more traditional shades of reds and pinks. But there’s still a very natural and sultry element that’s not too harsh like a black or dark purple shade. Brown is often associated with warmth, calm, and nature, where makeup palettes derive their colors in the first place.
Is Brown Matte Lipstick in Style?
Absolutely! The cyclical nature of fashion ensures that trends resurface with a contemporary twist. Brown matte lipstick, with its versatile shades that range from warm tans to deep chocolates, complements a wide range of skin tones. Its current popularity can be attributed to today’s fashion icons like Rihanna, Kylie Jennar, Zendaya, and GiGi Hadid. A swipe of brown matte lipstick instantly adds a touch of refinement and boldness, allowing your natural features to shine.
How to Wear Brown Matte Lipstick
The great thing about brown matte lipstick is that it’s versatile and can go well with many different looks. Whether you’re going for a more au natural, minimal makeup day, or are wanting a full-on, going to the club beat, different shapes of brown matte lipstick can completely make the look.
Foundation: The Canvas of Perfection
Your typical foundation in your natural skin tone should suffice although brown matte lipstick tends to be more flattering on warm, caramel, olive, and dark brown skin undertones. It can give a bit of washed out appearance for fairer skin tones. A clean, matte, full coverage foundation can give you more of a refined, glam look, while a lighter, shimmery foundation has more of a sun-kissed, nature girl aesthetic. Always be sure to start your makeup routine with a well-prepped face. Begin by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin.
Blush/Bronzer: Adding a Touch of Warmth
To achieve a balanced complexion that complements your brown matte lipstick, apply blush or bronzer to add dimension and warmth to your face. Opt for warm-toned blushes in shades like dusty rose or burnt orange. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it gently upwards towards your temples. If you prefer bronzer, apply it along the hollows of your cheeks, your temples, and your jawline for a sun-kissed glow.
Eyeshadow: Soft Neutrals for Subtle Depth
Brown on the eyes and brown on the lips? Absolutely! Pair your brown matte lipstick with soft, neutral eyeshadow shades. Anywhere from nudes, soft creams, dark peaches, warm browns, to shimmery golds are flattering with brown matte lipstick. Keep the eye makeup subtle to maintain the focus on your lips. One of my favorite everyday looks is just a defined brow, barely there gold eyeshadow, mascara, and a light brown matte lipstick. It looks so 90s fashion model chic without being too overly made up for just running errands.
Eyeliner: Defining Your Eyes
Keeping with the theme of being subtle, simple shading with a black or brown pencil eyeliner and application of mascara can help your eyes pop without having to do too much. You can even opt for no eyeliner and let a warm toned eye shadow do all the work. If you’re feeling more daring, a subtle winged black eyeliner can add a bit of glam, with a darkened, lined bottom waterline giving more dramatic results. Having too heavy eye makeup along with brown matte lipstick may just be too dark and overwhelming and can give off an older or too made-up appearance.
Lips: Completing The Look
Now, the pièce de résistance – your brown matte lipstick. Before applying the lipstick, ensure your lips are smooth and well-hydrated. Exfoliate if necessary and apply a thin layer of lip balm. Since you are not relying on shiny textures and glosses, it’s important your lips still look hydrated and juicy under the matte lip color.
To create a crisp outline, use a lip liner that matches the shade of your lipstick or is one shade darker. Begin by outlining the natural shape of your lips and then fill them in to create a base for the lipstick. Blot your lips when finished to remove excess product and ensure an even, dry, matte texture that won’t bleed into your foundation.
Best Brown Matte Lipsticks
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Coffee Edition Liquid Lipstick
Maybelline’s New York SuperStay Matte Ink Coffee Edition line features a range of shades of brown matte lipstick from lighter shades of caramel, chai, hazelnut, to darker tones of cocoa and mocha. This long-lasting, liquid lipstick provides impeccable matte coverage. Its unique applicator ensures precise application, and its SuperStay formula keeps your lips comfortable and vibrant for up to 16 hours.
- Key Highlights:
- Intense color payoff
- Transfer-proof and smudge-proof
- Fade-resistant formula
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in “Abu Dhabi”
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream is a velvety matte lip cream that delivers a plush, suede-like finish in a warm mid-tone brown shade. Its lightweight texture and impressive color payoff make it a staple for both casual and elegant looks. It has creamy buttery texture with full coverage that never feels dry.
- Key Highlights:
- Long-lasting
- Wide shade range
- Delightful vanilla scent
Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Luminous Matte Revolution in “SuperModel”
Charlotte Tilbury’s Super Nudes Luminious Matte Revolution line is a beauty guru favorite when it comes to brown matte lipsticks. This lipstick offers a rich brown hue with a creamy matte finish that’s buildable and long-lasting. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it keeps your lips hydrated for younger looking, healthy lips.
- Key Highlights:
- Iconic brand and formula
- Hydrating and moisturizing
- 3D glowing pigments create the illusion of wider and fuller lips
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Colour in “Ginger Spice” or “Le Beige”
While nudging towards the lighter end of the brown spectrum, L’Oréal’s Paris Colour Riche Lip Colour in shades like “Ginger Spice” or “Le Beige” offer beautiful, brown matte lipstick shades that will compliment all skin tones . Its velvety texture and elegant matte finish provide a luxurious touch to your makeup routine. And it is way affordable and can be found at most drug stores.
- Key Highlights:
- Luxurious color and texture
- Enriched with nourishing ingredients
- Classic and elegant range of shades
Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick
Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Matte Lipstick line comes in several brown matte shades like “Blush Brown”, “Rum Punch”, and “Warm Taupe”. These colors are rich , luxurious, and will be sure to command attention. Its full-pigment formula ensures an intense color payoff that lasts all day. It’s super soft and comfortable, leaving lips feeling supple and moisturized.
- Key Highlights:
- Highly pigmented
- Long-wearing and non-drying
- Sleek matte black packaging
Also Read:
- The Best Fenty Foundation Dupe That Won’t Break Your Wallet
- The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer For Your Skin
