Hailey Bieber has persuaded me to start wearing brown lipstick once more—here are the shades I’d truly suggest.

      I may be involved in the beauty industry, but it’s been clear to see how brown has dominated fashion this past year, with chocolate tailoring and suede accessories leading the way. Recently, the beauty sector has mirrored this trend with a revived interest in shades like espresso, mocha, and cocoa. A notable example is Rhode's latest summer collection centered on brown.

      I've noticed a transformation in my own makeup collection as well. I find myself reaching for brown lip liner shades much more frequently now, thanks in large part to influential figures who have made them look incredibly stylish. One key inspiration is Hailey Bieber’s gently defined, brown-lined lips, along with makeup artist Nina Park's talent for making brown lipstick appear trendy rather than outdated on her celebrity clientele, such as Zoë Kravitz and Mia Goth. Her looks demonstrate that brown doesn’t need to be heavy, matte, or reminiscent of the '90s; instead, it can be sheer, glossy, and softly blurred—exactly how I prefer it.

      For me, that is the main allure. The finest brown lipsticks possess the unique ability to instantly elevate your makeup’s polish without looking overly meticulous. From understated nude browns to luxurious chocolate tones, here are the top brown lipstick shades I'm currently favoring:

      **Best Brown Lipsticks**

      - **Best Overall Brown Lipstick:** Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance

      - **Best Matte Brown Lipstick:** KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch

      - **Best Brown Lip Gloss:** Vieve Lip Dew in Socialite

      - **Best Sheer Brown Lipstick:** Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Honey Bliss

      - **Best Affordable Brown Lipstick:** Kiko One Magic Touch Lip Stylo in 011

      **Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance**

      **Best Overall**

      Finish: Creamy satin

      I've been continually reaching for Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape in various shades since I first tried it, but Balance (a caramel brown) has become my top pick. Although it's technically a lip liner, its creamy, sculpting formula makes it suitable for all-over lip application. Balance strikes the right balance—not too warm and not too grey—providing definition to my lips without an obvious liner look. I especially love it topped with clear lip gloss.

      **Pros:** Very creamy and easy to blend, provides a softly contoured effect, versatile for use as both liner and lipstick.

      **Cons:** Not the longest-lasting formula, frequently sells out.

      **MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy**

      **Best Iconic Shade**

      Finish: Matte

      MAC's Velvet Teddy has remained an icon since its 2004 launch, staying popular as one of the top brown lipstick shades. The silky matte finish is comfortable to wear, while the deep, cool-toned beige complements nearly everyone. "Recently, I found an old, borderline expired MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick. To my surprise, it reminded me why I loved it years ago," says Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor at Who What Wear UK. "Paired with my go-to Glossier lip liner and Saie lip gloss, it was the ideal combination."

      **Pros:** Neutral-toned brown suits everyone, silky matte finish is comfortable.

      **Cons:** Matte texture may not appeal to all.

      **Refy Tinted Lip Gloss in Sepia**

      **Best Lip Gloss**

      Pros: Offers a wide array of brown shades for all skin tones.

      Cons: Product may leak if the packaging isn't handled carefully.

      "As someone with eczema and dry skin, I've always preferred dewy makeup over matte looks, extending to the lip products I choose," says Brittany Davy, Editorial Writer at Who What Wear UK. "Traditional lipsticks often settle into fine lines on my lips, but I found the ideal brown lip gloss a few years ago—Refy’s tinted lip gloss. It can be layered for shine or worn sheer for a more natural finish, and it’s hydrating with four brown shades available. My top picks are Suede (a medium-deep warm brown perfect for my deeper skin tone) and Sepia (a cool-toned chestnut brown ideal for dramatic looks). I appreciate that I can wear Suede alone, as many other brands lack deeper brown shades that eliminate the need for lip liner. Refy’s gloss offers versatility for both "no makeup" days and full glam. However, caution is needed when capping it, as it can leak easily.

      **KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch**

      **Best Matte Lipstick**

      Finish: Soft matte

      While I'm not typically a matte lipstick fan, I'll gladly make an exception for anything by Katie Jane Hughes. Etch is a lovely cool brown that feels wearable and not intimidating. I enjoy how I can sheer it out with my fingertip or build it up for more definition. Despite being matte, it has a lovely balm-like feel, which