Hailey Bieber has persuaded me to start wearing brown lipstick once more—here are the shades I would genuinely recommend.

      While my work is in beauty, it’s clear that brown has dominated fashion over the last year, with chocolate tailoring and suede accessories leading the trend. Recently, beauty has mirrored this shift, showing an increasing enthusiasm for shades like espresso, mocha, and cocoa. A notable illustration of this was Rhode’s latest brown-themed summer collection.

      I’ve also noticed a change in my makeup bag. I find myself opting for brown lip liner shades much more than before, thanks to influencers who make them look incredibly stylish. Hailey Bieber’s softly defined, brown-lined lips and makeup artist Nina Park’s talent for presenting brown lipstick as trendy rather than outdated—on clients such as Zoë Kravitz and Mia Goth—serve as proof. Their looks demonstrate that brown can be light, glossy, and softly blurred rather than heavy, matte, or reminiscent of the ’90s. That’s exactly how I prefer it.

      For me, the allure lies in how the best brown lipsticks can instantly make your makeup appear more polished without looking overly complete. From subtle nude browns to deep chocolate shades, here are the brown lipsticks I’m leaning towards now.

      **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 consistently reached for Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape in various shades since discovering it, but Balance, a caramel brown, has become my favorite. Although it is technically a lip liner, its creamy, sculpting formula makes it wearable all over the lips. Balance is that ideal brown—not too warm or too grey—providing definition without an obviously lined look. I especially enjoy pairing it with clear lip gloss.

      *Pros:*

      - Very creamy and easy to blend

      - Creates a softly contoured, diffused effect

      - Usable as a liner and lipstick

      *Cons:*

      - Not the longest-lasting formula

      - Frequently out of stock

      **2. MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy (Best Iconic Shade)**

      *Finish:* Matte

      MAC's Velvet Teddy has remained iconic since its launch in 2004 and continues to be a top-selling brown lipstick. Its silky matte finish offers comfort, while the deep, cool-toned beige hue flatters a variety of skin tones. Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, a junior fashion editor at Who What Wear UK, reminisces about discovering an old Velvet Teddy lipstick and remembers its charm paired with her favorite lip liner and gloss.

      *Pros:*

      - Neutral-toned brown is universally flattering

      - Silky matte finish is comfortable

      *Cons:*

      - Matte texture may not appeal to everyone

      **3. Refy Tinted Lip Gloss in Sepia (Best Lip Gloss)**

      *Pros:*

      - Wide range of brown shades to fit all skin tones

      *Cons:*

      - Product may leak if not handled carefully

      Brittany Davy, an editorial writer at Who What Wear UK, says, "Having dry skin, I prefer dewy looks, which extends to lip products. Traditional lipsticks often settle into lines and make my lips look cracked. I found the ideal brown lip gloss—Refy’s tinted lip gloss—with buildable shine or a more natural sheen that resembles a lipstick. My favorites are Suede, a medium-deep warm brown, and Sepia, a cool-toned chestnut brown for dramatic combinations." Refy’s gloss offers variety, making it suitable for both natural and glam looks, though caution is needed to avoid leaking when closing.

      **4. KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch (Best Matte Lipstick)**

      *Finish:* Soft matte

      I’m usually not a matte lipstick enthusiast, but Katie Jane Hughes' products are an exception. Etch is a lovely cool brown that feels approachable—I love how I can apply it lightly with my fingertip or build it up for more definition. Despite being matte, it has a balmy feel, ensuring my lips remain hydrated and not overly made-up.

      *Pros:*

      - Provides a soft, blurred matte finish

      - Comfortable, balm-like texture

      - Buildable coverage

      *Cons:*

      - Sheer color payoff

      - May feel drying on very dry lips

      **5. Vieve Lip Dew in Socialite (Best Glossy Shade)**

      *Finish:* Gloss

      If the thought of brown lipstick feels daunting, I suggest starting with a brown lip gloss. This gloss, noted for its juicy finish, is technically a light neutral beige, offering a soft, latte-like hue when paired