Hailey Bieber has persuaded me to give brown lipstick another try—here are the shades I would truly recommend.

      Although I work in beauty, it's clear that brown has dominated fashion over the past year, seen in chocolate tailoring and suede accessories. Recently, the beauty industry has mirrored this trend with a growing desire for shades of espresso, mocha, and cocoa. A prime example is Rhode's latest brown-themed summer collection.

      I've also observed this change in my makeup bag. I'm now choosing brown lip liners much more often than before, largely influenced by women who have made them look effortlessly chic. Hailey Bieber's softly defined, brown-lined lips and makeup artist Nina Park’s ability to make brown lipstick appear trendy rather than dated—on clients like Zoë Kravitz and Mia Goth—have certainly inspired me. Her work proves that brown can be light, glossy, softly blurred, and subtle, which aligns perfectly with my preferences.

      For me, this is the key attraction. The top brown lipsticks have the unique ability to make my makeup seem instantly more refined without being overly done. From barely-there nude browns to deep chocolate hues, here are the brown lipstick shades I currently favor.

      **Best Brown Lipsticks**

      **Overall Best 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

      Since discovering Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape (in various colors), I’ve been using it constantly, but Balance (a caramel brown) has become a standout favorite. Although it’s technically a lip liner, the creamy, softly sculpting formula makes it suitable for full lip coverage. Balance is the ideal brown—not too warm or gray—and it defines my lips without appearing overly lined. I particularly enjoy it with a layer of clear lip gloss on top.

      *Pros:* Very creamy, easy to blend, provides a softly contoured look, can serve as both a liner and lipstick

      *Cons:* Not the longest-lasting formula, often out of stock

      **MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy**

      *Best Iconic Shade*

      Finish: Matte

      MAC's Velvet Teddy has maintained its status as an icon since its debut in 2004 and remains one of the most popular brown lipstick shades. Its silky matte finish is comfortable, while the deep, cool-toned beige hue flatters a wide range of skin tones. "I recently found an old MAC Velvet Teddy and was reminded of why I loved it years ago,” says Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, junior fashion editor at Who What Wear UK. "Combined with my favorite Glossier lip liner and Saie lip gloss, it was the perfect pairing."

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

      *Cons:* Matte texture may not appeal to everyone

      **Refy Tinted Lip Gloss in Sepia**

      *Best Lip Gloss*

      Refy

      *Pros:* Offers a variety of brown shades to complement different skin tones

      *Cons:* Can leak if not handled carefully

      "As someone with eczema and dry skin, I prefer dewy makeup looks, which extends to my lip product choices," shares Brittany Davy, an editorial writer at Who What Wear UK. "Traditional lipsticks often settle into fine lines, making my lips appear cracked. Fortunately, I discovered Refy’s tinted lip gloss a few years ago. It can be layered for high shine or sheered out for a natural look, and it comes in four brown shades. My favorites are Suede (a medium-deep warm brown that's ideal for my deeper skin tone) and Sepia (a cool-toned chestnut brown perfect for bolder looks). In the picture, I'm wearing Suede alone, which earns extra points since many brands skirt deeper brown shades, requiring me to use a lip liner. However, Refy’s gloss allows me flexibility, making it perfect for “no makeup” as well as more glam days. Just be careful when replacing the cap, as it can leak if not done properly."

      **KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch**

      *Best Matte Lipstick*

      Finish: Soft matte

      I'm not usually into matte lipsticks, but Katie Jane Hughes' Etch is an exception. It's a beautiful cool brown that’s easy to wear— I love sheering it out with my fingertip or building it up for more definition. Despite its matte finish, it feels balm-like, preventing my lips from looking dry or overly made-up, and the precision applicator is perfect for thinner lips.

      *Pros:* Soft blurred matte finish, comfortable texture, buildable

      *Cons:* Sheer color payoff, may feel drying on