Our Best Brown Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

We have a little secret to let you in on: The ‘90s are back. Not only are your favorite TV shows from the decade coming back to your screen in rapid succession, the biggest beauty trends (particularly makeup ones) are popping up again, too. One of the most popular ‘90s makeup trends was brown lipstick—and we’re seeing it all over the place these days once more. While you might think that brown is a shade that not many can pull off on their lips, we’re here to let you know that that’s not actually the case. It’s all about finding the best brown lipstick for your skin tone, which we’re explaining exactly how to do below (along with product picks!).

How to Find the Best Brown Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Before grabbing any ol’ brown lipstick, take your skin tone and undertone into consideration. Certain shades of brown will flatter different skin tones and undertones better than others. Not sure which hue will complement you most? Follow our guide to brown lipstick.

If you have pale skin and yellow undertones…your best bet will be a brown that falls on the nude side. Add the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-Itude to your makeup bag.

If you have fair skin and pink undertones…opt for a brown that’s peach-based, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-Cadamia.

If you have medium skin and warm undertones…give metallic brown lipstick a shot! Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Metallic in Liquid Venom.

If you have medium skin and olive undertones…just about any brown shade will look stunning on you. Give the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick a whirl.

If you have deep skin with blue undertones…avoid too-light shades and reach for a brown that’s dark. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Matte in Cinna-Bomb.

How to Apply Brown Lipstick

Once you’ve picked out the brown lipstick that’ll most flatter your complexion, it’s time to apply it! Follow our step-by-step instructions for applying brown lipstick like a pro.

Step 1: Prep your lips. Create a smooth base for your brown lipstick application by exfoliating with the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub. Smooth a tiny bit of the scrub onto dry lips, then massage it in with wet fingers and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Step 2: Prime, prime, prime. After you’re done exfoliating, dab on a lip primer to create an even canvas. Foundation or concealer can work in a pinch.

Step 3: Use lip liner. Don’t forget about this step! Using a lip liner before applying lipstick can help prevent color from feathering outside the lines. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner in a shade that closely matches your lipstick. You can also use an invisible lip liner.

Step 4: Apply your lipstick methodically. Start applying at the outer corners of your upper lip, working your way inward. Then, glide your lipstick across your bottom lip.

Step 5: Remove it all at the end of the day. Once you’re ready to take your brown lipstick off, do so with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe the pad across your lips.