As a fair skinned woman, it took me years to discover how to wear the perfect shade of pink lipstick. Finally, when I came across it, I had my ‘lipstick phase’ of wearing pink almost every day. I didn’t quite feel the same about coral or orange shades – they felt too ‘unsafe’. The thought of applying these bold, vivid shades in a permanent manner felt like a serious commitment. I mean, lipsticks aren’t something that you can just swipe off and wash off like lip stains. Not easily, anyway.
But then, one day, I bit the bullet, took the plunge, and bought one. The result was a bit of an obsession. I’ve been experimenting with the color ever since! There’s nothing like it – a great lipstick that’s pink, coral or orange is a show-stopper. I’ve never felt more beautiful, feminine, and confident than when I’m wearing the perfect shade of coral or orange lipstick. Actually, I have discovered that these shades actually look the best on brown skin! So this post is all about the best lipstick shades for brown skin.
Table of Contents
Lipstick shades for Brown Skin
Nude
Nude is the first bold color that I tried to pull off and, to my surprise, it came off looking great! However, I recommend that you try this shade only if you’re pale or dark-skinned. It may not look that good if your skin is on the mid-tone scale.
To nail the nude look, you should wear it with a very thin line of eyeliner, nude eyeshadow, and very simple makeup. A nude lipstick is one of the best lipstick shades for brown skin – it helps you achieve the “your lips but better” look.
I recommend Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious – I recently bought it and love it to death. It is the perfect nude lipstick for my skin tone.
Coral
I’m a big fan of coral lipsticks! The fact that it comes in shades like hot orangey coral the soft pinky coral and the bright coral red just makes it a perfect go-to lipstick for all kinds of occasions. From an ultra-vibrant lipstick that helps you look like a true diva to the subtle hint of color that’s perfect for your day to day makeup, coral is the shade to go for!
I recommend MAC Lipstick in Patisserie – a gorgeous orangey-coral shade that’s perfect for brown skin.
Orange
Want to make a real fashion statement? Dare to go bold in the summer. The bold, bright, orange-y lipsticks are all the rage this summer, and for good reason. Orange is the ideal color for the hottest days of the year because it is so bright, radiant, and beautiful. You don’t need to wear a lot of makeup with it because it is so bold and bright.
I recommend MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger – an intense red-orange that’s great for brown skin.
Red
There’s no better way to make a fashion statement than to put on a bold, vibrant red lipstick. The bright red color is ideal for making a bold fashion statement – and it can be worn on both fair and dark skin! When your skin is pale, it looks amazing. And when your skin is dark, it looks just as good!
I recommend the lipsticks in Wet n Wild’s Mega Slicks in 901C and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Love That Red! They’re the best red lipstick shades for brown skin.
Pink
What is the most flattering lipstick color? PINK!
Whether your skin is fair, dark, or somewhere in between, you should wear pink lipsticks! There’s nothing like a light pink shade of lipstick to make you look fresh, youthful, and beautiful. For a more subtle look, try wearing the color as part of a matte lipstick.
I recommend Wet n Wild’s Megalast Lip Color in 699B – it’s a gorgeous pink lipstick that’s perfect for brown skin.
Exploring Beyond: Other Must-Try Lipstick Shades
Let’s get a little adventurous, shall we? There’s a whole world of colors beyond nudes and reds that look amazing on brown skin.
Berry and Plum:
These rich, deep shades are perfect for adding drama and elegance, especially in the colder months.
Peach:
Bright and cheerful, this shade brings a pop of color that’s perfect for summer days.
Mauve and Rose:
Soft and romantic, these shades are great for everyday wear when you want a bit more color than a nude but less intensity than a red.
Experimenting Tip:
Don’t be afraid to mix shades to create your own unique color. Sometimes the best shade is the one you make yourself!
Lipstick Application Tips for Brown Skin
You’ve got your shades, now let’s make them look their best.
Prep Your Lips:
Start with smooth lips by exfoliating gently with a lip scrub and applying a moisturizing balm.
Apply Like a Pro:
Use a lip brush for precise application, especially with bold colors. This helps avoid any messy lines.
Make It Last:
After applying lipstick, blot with a tissue and add a light dusting of translucent powder. Then, apply a second coat. This trick keeps your lipstick in place all day.
Bonus Tip:
For a fuller lip look, add a touch of gloss in the center of your lips after applying lipstick.
Expert Recommendations and Product Suggestions
Here’s the fun part – shopping for new lipsticks! Here are some tried-and-true brands that offer stunning shades for brown skin:
Nude Shades: Try Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb in “Fenty Glow” or MAC’s “Velvet Teddy.”
Red Shades: You can’t go wrong with Ruby Woo by MAC or Fenty Beauty’s “Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored.”
Berry and Plum Shades: Check out Maybelline’s “Divine Wine” or NARS’ “Afghan Red.”
These are just a few options, so feel free to explore and find what makes you feel fabulous!
These lipstick shades are all available at your local pharmacy or beauty store. And if you’re still in doubt about how to wear them, I recommend wearing them with no-makeup, makeup, or a light eyeshadow and eyeliner. It’s always best to keep the eyes and the lips as the center of attention!