How to Wear Brown Lipstick Shades – Chocolate, Caramel and Brown Lipsticks

Article Published: 11 February 2022

Learn how to wear brown lipstick and chocolate brown lipstick shades and how to select the best brown toned lipstick shades for you.

Brown lipstick may not be your first instinct of a lip color to pick. You may be more inclined to reach for a classic red lipstick or a muted nude lip, but don’t count out brown just yet. A brown lipstick can create a trending ‘70s or ‘90s style makeup look (and brown lipstick is great for fall and autumn) but it requires a delicate balance to find the best shade of brown lipstick for your skin tone.

Choose Your Formula and Finish: Matte or Cream

Whether you choose to wear a matte finish or a cream finish is entirely up to you and your personal preference.

For a sophisticated and elegant looking “rich brown” style shade try choosing a matte finish. Brown lipsticks with reddish tones look especially luxurious in a matte finish formula. Our L’Absolu Rouge Matte Lipstick is a creamy matte shade with matte finish and long-lasting power. In just one swipe the lipstick delivers pure color that lasts.

For a soft powdery matte finish that looks effortlessly chic try L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick with a buildable, lightweight comfortable formula that glides effortlessly onto lips each swipe delivers a soft and blurred matte style lipstick effect.

For a creamy and slightly satin finish or a luminous shade with a little shimmer our L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipsticks are perfect. Creamy and luxurious the formula is enriched with 30% moisturizing rose balm and hyaluronic acid for all day comfort and hydration. Pale brown lipsticks in a matte finish can sometimes look as though you’ve applied concealer on your lips, so pale brown lipstick shades look great in a cream finish. Although ultra-creamy, the formula sets to a smudge resistant lip color which doesn’t bleed into the lip line.

How to Select the Best Shade of Brown Lipstick for You

Brown lipstick shades sometimes aren’t the easiest to pull off – unlike a red or purple, brown lipstick isn’t a universally flattering shade. I's not quite as simple as just reaching for a true red lipstick and hoping for the best. When it comes to selecting the best brown lipstick shade for you it’s important to consider the tone and how it will flatter your skin tone, for fairer skin that can mean avoiding anything too cool toned, and for darker skin that can mean avoiding anything too pale.

Brown Lipstick Shades for Light Skin Tones:

If you have a fair or light skin tone try a warm toned brown lipstick. A brown lipstick shade with a hint of peach or coral looks flattering on a fairer skin tone and won’t wash out the complexion. Try L’Absolu Rouge Matte Lipstick in the shade 353 Mademoiselle Penélope a warm terracotta brown. For a more nude-brown try L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in 546 But First Café, a warm toasted caramel brown.

Brown Lipstick Shades for Medium Skin Tones:

For a medium skin tone it’s best to choose a chocolate brown shade or a reddish brown as pale shades can look more like a nude lipstick. Try L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in 112 Crème De Marron, a warm golden brown lipstick shade with subtle shimmer. Sitting in the middle, medium skin tones can often pull off a warm or pink toned brown. A cool toned pinky brown shade like L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in 257 Mon Macaron can can also be equally flattering.

Brown Lipstick Shades for Darker Skin Tones:

For darker skin tones a brown lipstick shade with a warm and red hue is a great option that will contrast nicely against a darker skin tone. The shade 299 French Cashmere in the L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick formula is the perfect warm toasted caramel shade for a sophisticated look that flatters the skin tone. For a warm reddish brown in a creamy finish try L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in 118 French Couer.

Brown Lip Gloss Shades

If you’re looking to switch it up away from a classic cream brown lipstick or matte brown lipstick consider using a brown lip gloss (especially great for creating that ‘90s brown lip gloss trend). Our Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in Hallucination is a sheer nude-brown shade with sparkle. Wear it on its own as a brown lip gloss or layer on top of brown lipstick for a glossy finish.

Still looking for the best lipstick shades for you?

Find the best red lipstick for you.

Find your perfect nude lipstick.

Rock a dark purple vampy lip.

Have some fun with a peachy coral lip.