Hailey Bieber has persuaded me to embrace brown lipstick once more—here are the shades I would genuinely suggest.

      I might be involved in the beauty industry, but it has been clear how brown has dominated fashion in the past year, from chocolate-colored tailoring to suede accessories. Recently, the beauty sector has embraced this trend with a revived interest in shades like espresso, mocha, and cocoa. A notable instance is Rhode’s recent summer collection centered around brown hues.

      I’ve also observed this change in my own makeup collection. I find myself reaching for brown lip liners more often, largely influenced by women who have made them look effortlessly fashionable. For example, Hailey Bieber’s softly outlined brown lips and makeup artist Nina Park's talent for achieving a modern take on brown lipstick for her celebrity clients, such as Zoë Kravitz and Mia Goth, prove that brown can be sheer, glossy, softly diffused, and subtly applied. That’s exactly my preference.

      For me, the appeal lies in how the best brown lipsticks can elevate your makeup to a more polished look without being overly obvious. From subtle nude browns to deep chocolate tones, here are the top brown lipstick shades I’m currently using.

      **Top 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**

      **Overall Best**

      Rhode

      *Finish:* Creamy satin

      I’ve consistently chosen Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape (in a variety of shades) since discovering it, but Balance (a caramel brown) has become a standout favorite. Although technically a lip liner, its creamy, sculpting formula makes it suitable for full lip coverage. Balance strikes the ideal balance—not too warm, not too grey—and provides lip definition without obvious lines. I particularly enjoy it topped with a slick of clear lip gloss.

      **Pros:** Very creamy and easily blendable, gives a softly contoured look, can be used as both liner and lipstick.

      **Cons:** Not the most long-lasting formula, frequently sold out.

      **2. MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy**

      **Best Iconic Shade**

      MAC

      *Finish:* Matte

      MAC's Velvet Teddy has been a staple since its launch in 2004, remaining one of the top-selling brown lipsticks. The silky matte finish is comfortable, and the deep, cool-toned beige flatters a variety of skin tones. "I recently rediscovered an older MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick in the original formula, and it reminded me why I loved it," says Who What Wear UK junior fashion editor, Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki. "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 offers comfort.

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

      3. **Refy Tinted Lip Gloss in Sepia**

      **Best Lip Gloss**

      REFY

      *Pros:* Available in a variety of brown shades to match all skin tones.

      *Cons:* Can leak if not careful with packaging.

      "As someone with eczema and dry skin, I’ve always preferred dewy makeup looks, including lip products," shares Who What Wear UK editorial writer, Brittany Davy. "This preference led me to avoid traditional lipsticks that can settle into fine lines and dry out my lips. However, I found the perfect brown lip gloss a few years ago—Refy’s tinted lip gloss. It can be layered for high shine or sheered out for a natural look; the formula is hydrating and comes in four brown shades. My favorites are Suede (a medium-deep warm brown perfect for my deeper skin tone) and Sepia (a cool-toned chestnut brown for bolder lip looks). In the image above, I'm wearing Suede alone, earning major points because many brands shy away from deeper browns that typically require a lip liner. Refy's gloss offers versatility for "no makeup" days as well as glam occasions. The only downside is that you need to be cautious with the cap, as it may leak.

      **4. KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch**

      **Best Matte Lipstick**

      KJH.BRAND

      *Finish:* Soft matte

      I don't usually opt for matte lipsticks, but I’ll make an exception for anything from Katie Jane Hughes. Etch is a stunning cool brown that's very wearable—not intimidating at all. I love how I can easily sheer it out using my fingertip or build it up for more definition. Despite its matte finish, it has a pleasant balm-like texture that keeps my lips looking