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7 Brown Lipsticks That Are Straight Up Magic, According To Black Girls
aimee simeon
Brown girls know the challenge of finding makeup that truly matches all too well. Getting a foundation with the right undertone that won’t make you look ashy or orange? Struggle. Purchasing a contour palette that doesn’t disappear right into your face? Struggle. Finding a nude lip color that won’t leave you looking washed out? You get the point. But there is one makeup product that we can always count on: brown lipstick.
There’s a special place for the color in a Black girl’s beauty collection. Brown lipstick was poppin’ when Brandy wore it back in the ‘90s, and it hasn't lost its allure in the decades since. Just like Black women run the gamut from fair to deep, the shades of brown are equally nuanced, but there’s a shade that’ll look good on all levels of melanin. You can wear a rich mahogany color when you’re feeling bold, paint on a milk chocolate hue as your everyday lipstick, or choose a shade that's close to your complexion to truly achieve a “nude” look.
To help you find the most bangin' brown lipstick, we asked the pros and Refinery29 staffers to spill on their favorite formulas, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
"If I had to pick one lip color to wear for the rest of my life, it would be brown. I like red for days when I’m wearing an all-black outfit or a purple if I’m going out, but brown is the must-have in my daily makeup routine. It could be because I’m a child of the ‘90s or because nude lipstick is so hard for me to find as a Black woman. Either way, I can’t resist a milk chocolate lip color. This one from Pat McGrath is my current favorite. It’s matte but doesn’t feel drying on my lips." — Jessica Cruel, Deputy Beauty Director
"I really hate when brown lipsticks turn too pink, but this shade is perfectly warm and gingery, and it highlights my golden undertones. It's easy to apply, affordable, stays on for hours, and always gets me a few compliments. One of my greatest makeup fears in life is Fighter getting discontinued." — Ariana Romero, TV Writer
"This is not your normal brown lipstick. It's a badass brown that almost looks black, and it puts me in the fall mood every time I wear it. When I want to switch things up, I layer a clear gloss over it, and it transforms into a '90s dream look." — Chanel Parks, Branded Social Producer
"I am really into Fenty's Unveil lip paint. I was a little nervous that the color would be too close to my complexion, but I love how it looks on me. I also love that it lasts all day and has a soft-matte finish. Ladies, don't be afraid to match your lipstick to your complexion!" — Nikki Tucker, Associate Social Media Editor
Maya Rene, NYC-based makeup artist and founder of Office Glam Team loves this formula for all brown complexions. "This is one of my top favorites because the formula is weightless and literally melts into your skin. This shade is so rich and true to color, too."
Too Faced
Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick,
$21.00
Buy
"This is a gorgeous mauve brown that is perfect for any season — including fall. It's super affordable, and it lasts forever. Plus you only need one swipe for creamy, opaque coverage since a little goes a long way," says Rene.
"For a shade that's dramatic enough for date night yet practical enough to wear to the office, I recommend this Marc Jacobs Beauty tube. The texture is creamy but it has an opaque, velvet finish. I also love pulling this out to reapply through the day because, hello, have you seen this packaging?" — Aimee Simeon, Beauty Writer
Marc Jacobs Beauty
Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick,
$30.00
Buy