The Best Brown Lipstick for Fair Skin

We all look forward to so many different things that fall brings with it. The pumpkin spice everything, the burning of candles, the layering of clothes. The other thing that I look forward to bringing out is my brown lipstick. Pairing brown lipstick with vibrant autumn hues is a beautiful finishing touch. That way you don’t have to worry if your oranges or reds are matching or clashing with what you are wearing.
I remember the first time that someone suggested I try brown lipstick. My first thought was “brown, really”. Once I realized that they were so many beautiful shades of brown out there for lips I really fell in love with wearing them in the cooler months. Brown lipsticks can range from a nude brown to a pink-brown, to an orange or red-brown, to a chocolate brown. So there is a shade out there for everyone.
Before we talk all things brown lipstick for fair skin there are some other beauty posts I have written that you might want to check out.
- Best Coral Lipsticks For Fair Skin
- Red Lipstick That Looks Amazing On Brunettes
- Pink Lipstick That Looks Amazing On Brunettes With Fair Skin
- Why I Got Facial Balancing Fillers To Age Gracefully
- Mascara Tips That Will Make It Stay Put All Day
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Brown Lipstick That You Will Love To Wear
Whether you like a lipstick that is sheer and lightweight or a long-wearing one there are brown lipstick shades that will look good on you. The best brown lipstick is one that you feel looks good on you and complements not only your features but your favorite fall clothing. So let’s get started to help you find the best brown lipstick for your make-up drawer. Here are some things that you need to consider before your start shopping.
I am going to break down how I figured out which brown lipsticks look best on my fair skin. Just so that you know I have cool skin undertones and my lips are naturally quite pink. This is probably due to the fact that I have pink undertones.
Color Undertones and Fair Skin
Fair skin usually has cool undertones. However, sometimes you can have neutral skin undertones. Knowing your skin undertones will help you so much not only for choosing your makeup, but also your clothing. Once you are able to match up your undertones you will immediately notice that everything you put on suddenly looks amazing and enhances your natural beauty.
How to determine your skin undertones?
There are two easy ways to help you determine your skin undertones.
- Look at your veins. If they appear green, then you have a warm skin tone. If they appear blue or purple, then you have cool undertones. Can’t tell if they are green or blue, then you have a neutral undertone.
- How does your skin respond to the sun? Do you tan easily (warm undertone) or do you burn easily (cool undertone)? No matter your undertone you should always wear sunscreen. You can read about the best clean face sunscreens here and I even included one just for your lips.
After looking at these two easy ways you still can’t determine your undertone, then click here for a couple of more quick and easy tests.
Formulas and Finishes
We all have preferences as to how we like our lips to feel. Some like a really creamy feel to our lipstick while others want all-day staying power. The formula of the lipstick can determine the pigment and the staying power. Once you know your lipstick application preferences it will help you determine which formula is best for you.
When you go shopping for lipstick you will find several categories or formulas of lipstick. Each of the categories has positives and negatives.
Sheer
Looking for a touch of color and shine? If so, this is the formulation for you. It is usually made with a higher oil content which means that it is less likely to dry out. This is one of the most classic lipstick formulations and is a great choice for everyday wear. Many brands also offer moisturizing versions of this lipstick which is a plus. Be prepared to apply this formula more often because of that.
Cream
Cream lipstick is very similar to sheer lipstick. It glides on easily and provides a balance of texture with just a hint of gloss. Cream lipstick is higher in wax so it has a bit more staying power than sheer lipstick. It can also have nourishing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E so check your labels.
Gloss
Want to lighten up the lips for the warmer months? Look for a great gloss for this look. They are great to wear when heavily pigmented formula colors are a bit too heavy. Remember that lighter shades of gloss can add a youthful glow to daytime looks. Brighter glosses are made to be worn at parties, evening soirees, and when you want your lips to get some attention.
Matte
Matte is a formula that should be in every woman’s lipstick collection. It is totally the opposite of the gloss. Matte is pure color with a smooth, even texture when it goes on your lips. It is not for your everyday look, but for when you want your lips to see and be seen. This formula has greater staying power but can be drying. Make sure you do the prep work before pulling this out. You will want to make sure you use a good lip liner for this formula.
Stain
Lip stains are all about color, minimal shine, and staying power. If you don’t have time to reapply often or don’t like to reapply this formula is for you. Check the ingredients to make sure there are some hydrating elements or stains can be very drying. Also, be aware that you have to be very careful when applying. It’s not easy to correct mistakes with this type of lip color.
The Best Brown Lipstick Shades For Fair Skin
Now let’s take a look at some of my favorite brown lipsticks.
Minimalist Makeup Looks
Merit Slip is a warm neutral. Love the way that they describe their lipstick because it is true. “Signature lip – a comfortable color that’s so lightweight, you’ll forget that you are wearing it. If you like a glossy look, then add their Mapleton tinted lip oil for a little extra shine and hydration. I will also wear the tinted lip oil as a stand-alone. If you like a little more color to your brown lipstick the L’avenue is a pretty berry brown.
I feel the same way about their Flush Balm Cheek Color. It is so creamy and looks so natural on. To me, their make-up is perfect for those days when you just want a very natural make-up look to your face.
It Cosmetics Solid Serum in Humble is another great everyday nude cinnamon color for your lips. This is just going to have a touch of fall color to your nude lip. This formula gives you up to 4 hours of hydration and has just enough color and shine. Another thing I love about this is that I don’t have to worry about feathering when I put it on. The application is quick and easy. Great choice of lipstick when you are out running errands for the day.
Lipsticks
Nars
NARS is the first brand of brown lipstick that I ever wore. I tend to look there when I need a new shade to add to my rotation. NARS Tonka is a great rose brown. With my skin’s pink undertones, it is a color that works great. It’s brown, but not too brown. Another great matte shade is Pigalle. It is a neutral pink chocolate. This is a matte finish so if you like a little more shine I would suggest adding a layer of their Afterglow Lip Shine in Chelsea Girls or Nympho.
Dior
My favorite couture lipstick brand is Dior. I love how hydrating their formulas are. The other nice thing is that many of their lipsticks now have a refillable feature. This is a beautiful deep taupe with some sparkle to it. I don’t know of a more beautiful deep brown than this velvety lipstick.
Dior also has a plumping lip gloss that I have worn for years. This shimmering hazelnut is gorgeous over oh so many fall hues of lipstick or it can make some summery colors look like fall. This shimmering nude is also a great lip gloss to have in the drawer to bring out some brown lipstick shades.
THANKS
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my little corner of the internet. I really appreciate it. Fall weather is here so I hope this helped you figure out a great brown lipstick to add to your fall and winter collection. Please let me know if you have a favorite brown lipstick that I missed in the comments below. I’m always looking for a great one to add to my little collection.
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Updated August 2023.
I always love a good brown. I think it’s an underrated color.
OXOX
Jodie
Me too. There are so many beautiful shades of brown lipsticks too.
XO
Beth