Let's just admit that, whether you love 'em or hate 'em, the '90s are back in a big way. Personally, I'm all for it, especially when it comes to brown lipstick. Sure, some trends should probably just stay in the past where they belong. (Seriously: Choker necklaces, butterfly clips, and all-over body shimmer better stay the hell away from my Instagram feed unless it's a Lizzie McGuire-themed #tbt). But there are a lot of other '90s trends that I'm really happy to see making a comeback, maybe because I didn't get to enjoy them the first time around, like high-waisted jeans paired with crop tops, clunky shoes, and brown lipstick.
Xosha Roquemore, above, matches her lipstick to her skin tone, proving that for women of color, brown lipstick can be the perfect nude lipstick. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment. The red shade of the Mac lipstick is incredibly hot and sexy, everyone loves and need this red color of the lipstick to look classy and hot no matter how there skin tone is, its suit to every one from fair complexion to dark complexion. Exfoliate with a sugar scrub first (Influensters like Burt's Bees Sugar Scrub) to get rid of dry skin on lips, Hess says, to get the accurate color of the lipstick. For darker lips, she recommends layering a concealer underneath as well, to help the shades of lighter lipsticks shine through. We polled the top makeup artists at Iman, Laura Mercier, MAC, Maybelline, Nars, and Revlon to find lipsticks, eyeshadows, lip glosses, and blushes that match every skin tone. 10 Universally Loved Red Lipsticks That Flatter Every Skin Tone From Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint to MAC’s Lady Danger. Garrett Riffal/HYPEBAE. MAC Matte Lipstick in “Lady Danger,” available for $18.50 USD at MAC’s web store.
I feel like people usually react skeptically when brown lipstick is mentioned, but I strongly believe that there's a flattering brown lipstick out there for everyone. I'm a huge lipstick junkie so I have no problem leaving the safety net of 'classic' colors like reds, nudes, and pinks for more adventurous shades like purple, black, and brown. However, if you're feeling a little unsure of how to get into the brown lipstick trend, I have a few tips that may help.
1. Consider Your Skin's Undertones (Warm, Cool, Or Neutral?)
In general, people agree that undertones are important when it comes to picking out makeup that looks good on (rather than clashing with) your skin. This is especially true in regards to choosing foundation because it needs to match your skin perfectly, but luckily with lipstick you can feel free to experiment more with different shades.
Best Mac Lipstick For Yellow Skin Tone
Figuring out your undertones can be confusing and complicated, but the basic gist is that there's people with warm undertones, cool undertones, and people who are a mix, or neutral. One misconception is that if you have yellow undertones you must be warm-toned, and if you have pink undertones you must be cool-toned. However this isn't always the case, nor is it always the case that darker skin has to be warm-toned and lighter skin is cool-toned. Undertones are more complicated and varied than that.
So how do you figure out what your undertones are? Honestly, I think the best way is through trial and error. People suggest looking at the veins on your wrist or seeing how you look in silver versus gold jewelry, but that never helped me much. Instead, I tried on a lot of different lipstick colors until I figured out that cool, blue-toned red lipstick (like NARS Cruella) looks better on me than warm, orange-toned lipstick (like MAC Lady Danger). Now I usually stick to cooler shades rather than warmer shades because I know that's often more flattering for me.
So, when shopping for brown lipsticks, you can take into consideration your undertones and use that to guide you. And if you're not sure whether warm or cool shades look better on you, grab one of each and compare!
2. Consider Your Skin Tone
Of course, you can also let your skin tone guide you. These aren't rules that are set in stone, but in general you might be able to pull off a dark chocolate brown if your skin tone is deeper, whereas if your skin is very pale, you might want to stick to lighter pinkish-browns. Xosha Roquemore, above, matches her lipstick to her skin tone, proving that for women of color, brown lipstick can be the perfect nude lipstick.
Beyonce has just a touch of brown in her ultra-vampy oxblood lipstick, and it complements her skin tone perfectly.
Kat Graham also looks amazing with a brick-brown shade, except hers is matte instead of glossy.
Kylie's True Brown shade from her LipKit is a warm, deep brown that looks great with her warm-toned skin.
Meanwhile, Zendaya had fun with brown lipstick that had a very '90s frosted finish.
On the paler end of the spectrum, Elizabeth Olsen makes brown lipstick look extremely wearable thanks to the glossy, sheer finish and the touch of peach.
And finally, Kat Dennings proves that even the palest of ladies can look great with brown lipstick. She could probably wear a darker chocolate shade if she wanted to, but this muted, rosy shade looks perfect with her skin tone.
3. Experiment With Drugstore Lipstick
From left to right: Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Snapdragon,$8, Amazon; Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Chocolicious, $6, Amazon; Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rum Raisin, $6, Amazon; Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Lip Color in Mochalicious, $4, Amazon
My biggest piece of advice for any new makeup trend that you're unsure about is to experiment with budget brands. This way, if you ultimately decide that brown lipstick isn't for you, at least you didn't spend a huge chunk of change. Plus, many drugstores like CVS have great return policies for used makeup, as does Sephora.
As you can see in the swatches below, these are a mix of warm and cool toned shades, with some being true browns and others leaning more towards red.
Swatches L-R: Revlon Snapdragon, Revlon Chocolicious, Revlon Rum Raisin, and Wet 'n' Wild Mochalicious.
Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick In Snapdragon, $8, Amazon
I would say Snapdragon is a warm brown with a touch of red in it. It's slightly sheer at first but it's easy to build up the color. It's very creamy and hydrating, and although it doesn't last all day it does wear off evenly. This is a very easy brown lipstick for beginners, especially if you have warm undertones (I don't, but I still like it).
Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick In Chocoliscious $6, Amazon
Chocolicious is a dark, true brown that has cooler undertones. It's easy to wear because it's creamy and hydrating, but the dark shade means it's not for the faint of heart.
Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick In Rum Raisin, $6, Amazon
Rum Raisin has the least amount of brown out of all of these. It's a warm red mixed with just the right touch of brown. Like the other Revlon lipsticks, it's creamy and feels hydrating on my lips and it wears off very evenly.
This lipstick is kind of the gateway drug to real brown lipsticks. It doesn't make too bold of a statement but it's still a nice change from a classic blue-toned red.
Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Lip Color in Mochalicious, $4, Amazon
First of all, this lipstick is only $4 — so why not give it a try? It has slightly more of a matte finish than the other three, but it still feels creamy on my lips. I would say this shade leans cool, with sort of a purple undertone underneath the brown.
I own almost every Wet 'n' Wild shade (because not only are they cheap, they're also great lipsticks) but I resisted this one for a long time. Now I'm glad I finally took the leap.
If you're looking for a matte brown, instead of something creamy like the ones above, I suggest either Beauty Mark, a rich chocolate brown shade from the new NYX Lip Lingerie line (I've already tried out half the line so I know the formula's great) or Limbo, another deep matte chocolate from the popular ColourPop brand. These are both long-lasting liquid lipsticks that are under $10.
NYX Lip Lingerie In Beauty Mark, $10, ASOS; Colour Pop Liquid Lipstick In Limbo, $12, Amazon
I hope this guide helps if you're interested in trying brown lipstick. In the end, the important thing is to experiment and have fun. After all, it's just makeup and at the end of the day, it washes off.
Images: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash; Kelly Dougher
For many, MAC nude lipsticks often provide the Holy Grail of nude lipstick options for a wide array of skin tones. Most of the formulas improve the health of your lips regardless of the finish, but there are plenty of options to choose from when you’re in the mood to wear a nude lipstick.
Nothing says “light and summery” like a nude lip, and it’s perfect for the no-makeup makeup look. Whether you prefer a hint of brown or a rosy tint or even if you want to change from day to day, MAC nude lipsticks have you covered!
The interesting thing about the nude lipstick trend is the variance of tones and shades that still manage to be considered a nude lipstick. Nude lipstick, even in the most natural and close to natural shades, helps to define and enhance your lips.
Taupes and golden honeys complete the range that often starts with startlingly vivid shades of pink that are considered to be on the livelier end of the nude lipstick spectrum. Below you will find options from one end of the spectrum to the other, each designed to flatter your pucker and pout.
Check out our picks for the top 23 MAC nude lipsticks that look great on every skin tone.
1. MAC Matte Lipstick in Bronx
MAC’s matte lipstick in Bronx is the creamy nude of your dreams if you’re looking for a golden kissed taupe lipstick. The matte formula is smooth and rich without any shine – the perfect nude matte for those looking for a color that is just a bit more than subtle with a hint of light brown.
This MAC nude lipstick is not drying, one of the best features of MAC lipsticks; you can enjoy the color and finish without any discomfort. Pick yours up on the MAC website or at Nordstrom!
2. MAC Lustre Lipstick in Hug Me
This MAC nude lipstick is a buildable pink toned nude shade. The finish is lustrous, while the formula is lightweight and glides on for customizable coverage. This is a very natural pink toned option that can go from an unassuming touch of pink to an obvious but not overpowering shade. Get yours directly from MAC or Nordstrom!
3. MAC Satin Lipstick in Cherish
One of the best MAC nude lipsticks, Cherish is essentially the love child of a peach tinted nude and beige toned nude lipstick. The coverage is buildable and features a soft and creamy feel. The satin finish provides just enough shine for a beautiful toned nude that is not meant to totally fly beneath the radar. MAC offers this lipstick on their website or at Nordstrom.
4. MAC Matte Lipstick in Honeylove
This MAC nude lipstick is a rosy beige nude shade that is obvious on all skin tones. While being just a step above natural, the color richly deposited on application is long-wear with no shine and a smooth matte finish. This is a very popular color for anyone who wants to be complimented on their nude lipstick. Get yours at MAC’s website or from Nordstrom!
5. MAC Matte Lipstick in Yash
One of the best MAC nude lipsticks, Yash is matte perfection on the neutral color scale. As neutrals go, Yash is considered deep neutral, meaning that it is on the darker end of neutral. This particular nude lipstick provides a serious color deposit with an ultra creamy matte finish.
This is one of the indisputably perfect MAC nude lipsticks for all skin tones. Even when it looks different, it is still incredibly flattering and comfortable to wear. Get yours on the MAC website or at Nordstrom!
6. MAC Lustre Lipstick in Jubilee
MAC’s Jubilee is a favorite nude lipstick for a lot of people (including me!) because the natural looking color is smooth, buildable and most of all – lustrous and flattering. The initial swipe of this MAC nude lipstick produces a sheer, lightweight deposit of color that looks a step up from your natural lip color.
If you want more “pow” when putting the lipstick on, simply swipe on more, as the color is beautifully buildable. The pink tint over the beige is a perfect buy that is going to look great on you. Get yours at MAC or at Nordstrom!
7. MAC Satin Lipstick in Fleshpot
This particular MAC nude lipstick is a bright but muted pink that is noticeably bright. Fleshpot is another perfect example of a standout pink that still counts as a shade of nude. The satin finish gives this nude lipstick a bit of buildable shine that mimics a light-frosting effect on nearly all skin tones. Fleshpot is a pink nude that is designed to stand out. You can order yours from MAC or from Nordstrom.
8. MAC Satin Lipstick in Peachstock
This is one of the best MAC nude lipsticks, as it is a true one-shade-fits-all nude lipstick champion. Its gorgeous combination of peach and beige looks flattering on every skin tone and never overpowering. Thanks to the soft textured satin finish, it’s got the perfect sheen and a creamy feel when applying.
The coverage is buildable, allowing you to get the perfect look you want with just the right amount of color for natural and healthy-looking pout with a hint of oomph. Peachstock is available on the MAC website and at Nordstrom.
9. MAC Lustre Lipstick in Touch
MAC’s Touch is the dream shade for a nude with a bit of sultry warmth. The formula is lightweight, and the coverage is buildable, allowing you to add however much color you want. The shade has hints of warm cinnamon and peach for a color that works with the lustrous finish for an ideal color and shine combination.
This MAC nude lipstick is warm and perfectly situated on the darker end of neutrals with more than a hint of brown. Get yours at MAC or at Nordstrom!
10. MAC Satin Lipstick in Shrimpton
This MAC nude lipstick is the beige standard nude, but in a creamy medium to full coverage formula. The color is rich and feels amazing when applied. This is a true neutral nude lipstick that has a satin finish and no additional tones or distractions – just a stunning classic nude. Pick up yours at MAC or at Nordstrom!
11. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Blankety
Soft and smooth as the name implies, this is one of the best MAC nude lipsticks especially for fair skin tones. The color – a combination of soft pink and beige – is one of the trendiest pink nude lipsticks available.
The popularity of the shade is not just because of the depth of the pigment or the semi-lustrous finish, but also because of the smooth, full-coverage formula. It doesn’t take much to create the look you want with this MAC nude lipstick, so get yours on the MAC website or at Nordstrom.
12. MAC Frost Lipstick in Icon
This MAC nude lipstick features a pearl finish that is semi-lustrous. The initial coverage is medium but easily builds up to full coverage without having to apply very much. The frosted finish on top of the beige is a great option for those looking for the most natural look possible for a frosted lipstick. Get yours on MAC’s website or on Nordstrom!
13. MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crème d’Nude
This is one of those vibrant pink-toned MAC nude lipsticks that are popular with a lot of MUAs. The formula is creamy and smooth thanks to this shade being a part of the Cremesheen lipstick collection. The finish is semi-glossy for a little bit of extra visual appeal over the very bright pink color. It is available for purchase on MAC’s website and at Nordstrom.
14. MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy
This MAC nude lipstick is matte, creamy, smooth and highly pigmented. The color is a deeper toned beige that looks impossibly beautiful on every akin. It’s one of the best MAC nude lipsticks available and a very popular one due to its heavily pigmented color and soft, comfortable feel. Get yours on the MAC website or on Nordstrom!
15. MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Japanese Maple
Best Mac Lipsticks Fair Skin
Japanese Maple is a frosted light beige color that shines beneath a semi-glossy finish. The color, which is incredibly pigmented, is bright pink with undertones of beige. The cremesheen lipstick formula is creamy and feels great when applying and throughout the day. You can purchase your own tube of this MAC nude lipstick at MAC Cosmetics.
16. MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Pure Zen
MAC’s Pure Zen cremesheen lipstick is formulated to provide a medium to full coverage deposit of color in a creamy, comforting formula. This MAC nude lipstick lives up to the “Pure Zen” name by offering a really comforting feel on the lips and lightly shining with a semi-glossy finish. Described as a “frosted warm nude,” you can grab one to try for yourself at MAC Cosmetics or at Nordstrom.
17. MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Café au Chic
MAC’s Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour line was greatly enhanced with the inclusion of Café au Chic – a grey tinted beige liquid matte lipstick. The color is beautifully pigmented, and the finish is a suede matte. The final feel once this MAC nude lipstick has set is an ultra-soft suede without a drying feel. Get yours on MAC’s website or on Nordstrom!
18. MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Lady Be Good
This MAC nude lipstick is everything you could want from a warmer mid toned nude lipstick. MAC put this color in the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour line, which translates to a suede soft finish on the lips that spreads evenly and looks stunning. The applicator helps get perfectly clean lines, and the color payoff is unmistakable. Grab yours at MAC Cosmetics or at Nordstrom!
19. MAC Liptensity Lipstick in Driftwood
MAC’s Driftwood is an incredibly intense shade of pink that is visually striking due to an abundance of pigment. The color is a mixture of lilac and beige, which keeps it in the family of nude colors. This MAC nude lipstick is a cool pink that is unmistakably bright and on the more fun and less natural end of the nude lipstick spectrum. Purchase a tube on MAC’s website or on Nordstrom!
20. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Half-N-Half
Half-N-Half is a pinkish nude shade of lipstick with an amplified creme formula. The formula creates a visually impactful appearance with a soft shine and bright, heavily pigmented color. This MAC nude lipstick can be purchased on MAC’s website or on Nordstrom.
21. MAC Satin Lipstick in Mocha
One of the best MAC nude lipsticks, Mocha is an iconic neutral with a soft satin finish that creates a semi-matte finish. The pigment is smoothly deposited across the lips with a formula that allows for smooth, soft, creamy application and excellent coverage. This MAC nude lipstick is available at MAC Cosmetics and Nordstrom.
22. MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth
Myth is soft, light and smooth. As MAC nude lipsticks go, this is a soft pink that seems to catch the light easily. The lighter shades of nude are an excellent way to define your lips and make them look fuller without going too bright. MAC’s nude lipstick in Myth is a great choice that you can pick up at MAC Cosmetics or Nordstrom.
23. MAC Satin Lipstick in Spirit
Spirit is one of the best MAC nude lipsticks designed to work on lighter skin tones, as it can appear frosted on the darker skin tones, but the color itself is beautiful. If you are looking to make your lips stand out with a nude color that defines your lips, Spirit is an excellent choice. You can buy yours at MAC Cosmetics or Nordstrom.
Photos via MAC Cosmetics