Naomi Campbell, Nia Long, Tamar Braxton, Janet Jackson, and Aaliyah. This small list of Black beauty symbols all rocked brown lipstick in the ’90s – solidifying the color as one of the most timelessly chic yet effortlessly good-looking picks for women with melanated skin tones.
Brown lipsticks are extremely versatile, easily styleable for everyday wear and transitioning from day to night. Naturally, brown lipsticks range from lighter nudes to rich, deep, chocolatey shades. For that ’90s fine look, stick to finishes that are frosted, satin, or matte. And to really hit the mark, rock your brown lipstick with a pixie, blowout, or a Naomi-esque buss down.
Brown Lipsticks For Your Radar:
- Sooo Pro Cosmetics Mastered Mattes Liquid Lipstick in “Osho”
- Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance™ Lipstick Heart’s Desire Edition in “Nude Nocturne”
- The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte in “Low Key”
- Pound Cake Cake Batter Semi-Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Brooklyn Blackout”
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick in “Shimmering Hot Chocolit”
- Maréna Beauté Rouge Tarou Lipstick in “Praline”
- Juvia’s Place The Nude Velvety Matte Lipstick in “Muted”
- Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in “Choco-Liscous”
Sooo Pro Cosmetics Mastered Mattes Liquid Lipstick in “Osho”
This is a deep, dark, cool-toned chocolatey liquid lipstick from Nigeria’s Sooo Pro Cosmetics. Many use it as a lip liner, but this product can be applied all over the lips for an eye-catching, sexy, ’90s look. Though long-wearing and full-coverage, expect this to feel weightless on the lips and blend out like a dream when creating lip combos.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance™ Lipstick Heart’s Desire Edition in “Nude Nocturne”
Described as a “terracotta rose,” this shade is a unique ’90s-esque color that blends both peachy and mauve tones. The formula provides buildable color, a matte finish, and a non-drying, cushiony feel on the lips. Pat McGrath Labs is one of the best brands in the beauty game, so you really can’t go wrong with this pick.
The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte in “Low Key”
Once you grab this shade, you’ll want to have it in your purse at all times. It strikes a unique balance between being statement-making and everyday-wearable. “Low Key” is a striking brown that shows up slightly differently on different skin tones, appearing with either berry or cherry tones depending on the person’s complexion. It’s a liquid liner, but don’t worry about dried-out lips or pigment that cracks or settles. The Lip Bar’s formula goes on smoothly, precisely, and dries down to a comfortable “velvety matte.”
Pound Cake Cake Batter Semi-Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Brooklyn Blackout”
This is one of the most alluring shades in this list. It’s for the days when you want to channel the energy of your favorite ’90s baddie. This creme-matte formula is both hydrating and subtly catches the light while feeling lightweight on the lips.
We’re also throwing in an honorable mention to Pound Cake’s Cake Batter in the shade “Brown Sugar,” another option for a ’90s-inspired look.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick in “Shimmering Hot Chocolit”
This lippie goes on like a lipstick but has a juicy, glossy finish. The shade is a versatile, deep chocolatey brown with blue, pink, and golden glitter that’s fine enough to still feel comfortable on the lips. If you don’t want to try a frosted, metallic ’90s lip, this Fenty Beauty shade is a safe bet that’ll still draw eyes to your lips and beautifully reflect the light.
Maréna Beauté Rouge Tarou Lipstick in “Praline”
Maréna Beauté is a Sweden-based makeup brand by Senegal-born makeup artist Diarry Maréna. Truly a “praline” shade, this is an excellent choice for those who want a warm brown with terracotta tones. Expect soft, kissable lips from this product’s creamy, full-coverage formula, which has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil.
Juvia’s Place The Nude Velvety Matte Lipstick in “Muted”
This light, cool-toned brown can be worn on its own or paired beautifully with lip liner, and/or a frosted lip topper. Additionally, it’s a great color to use right in the center of your lip combos. The shade’s coolness has an edgy, brooding flair that will be perfect for a ’90s pout. Regarding the formula, expect a full-coverage soft-matte.
Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in “Choco-Liscous”
You won’t regret adding this affordable staple to your lipstick rotation. The formula glides smoothly and effortlessly onto the lips, leaving a buildable, true brown color. As with several of the other options in this roundup, this lipstick also looks amazing as a makeshift lip liner and topped with a clear gloss.
Revlon has several other shades that’ll help you achieve that ’90s look, including “Rumberry” or “Whiskey Business.” For frosted looks, try “Caramel Glacé,” “Coffee Bean,” or “Iced Mocha.”
