For years it’s been clear that the ’90s comeback isn’t just a passing trend, but something destined to stay, including chocolate brown lipstick, an unforgettable staple that tinted the lips of every model in the era. Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer were all drawn to the shadows – and today’s It girls like Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Dakota Johnson are no different. They helped revive the brown lipstick aesthetic, which is warm, sensual and so versatile. Whether you opt for a matte or glossy formula, as long as you choose one that enhances lip and skin color, the tint works for virtually everyone.

Linda Evangelist

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Naomi Campbell (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

Compared to its ancestors from the 1990s, new generation brown lipsticks have a new vitality. It’s not just about improved formulas designed to hydrate lips, but also a new understanding of color. Alongside the trends that make dark lipstick the star of the look, as is the case with the typical burgundy lipstick of Cherry cola On the lips, brown reveals its more nude side through delicate shades like café latte or beige. It is precisely for this reason that what is particularly important is the shade of brown lipstick, which can be pink or orange to create a continuum with the skin tone, avoiding creating disharmonious contrasts. The choice between light and dark is therefore inevitable, essential to evoke the personality of the lipstick.

Choosing the right finish can double the appeal of brown lipstick. Shiny or satin textures, in fact, are perfect for those with lips that are not very voluminous, while a matte finish can make the mouth plump and velvety, which will better support the saturated color. A separate category is brown lip glosses, which can be used as a top coat to lighten light brown or nude lipsticks.

Who does brown lipstick look good on?

As trendy and tempting as it is, brown lipstick must be chosen with care. Observing your complexion is crucial: if you have olive skin, in fact, you can enjoy a cool dark brown lipstick, a bold but beautiful choice even for lunar complexions, which could benefit from the contrast. However, a golden brown, slightly burnt or terracotta lipstick is excellent for highlighting golden complexions.

How to apply brown lipstick

It is known that the darker the lipstick, the more time and attention it will take to apply it properly. First of all, it is good to deeply hydrate the lips so that the lipstick can last long and without smudging or accentuating dehydration and fine lines. Then you simply apply the lipstick, carefully following the lip contour. Additional help is lip pencilwhich can be useful for outlining the contour of the mouth and avoiding smudging. Applying it under lipstick will also provide a long-lasting effect. How to match brown lipstick? Opt for similar color palettes, like hazel, mauve and bronze tones on the eyelids and cheeks. Unless you want to create a bold 90s look: in which case, frosted eyeshadow is very chic.