The 2025 Fall Lip Color Forecast: Your Best Brown

When the air turns crisp and pumpkin spice sneaks back onto every menu, there’s one shade that always makes its grand entrance into my makeup bag: brown lipstick. And let me tell you—it’s not the ’90s throwback you might be picturing. Today’s browns are rich, chic, and endlessly versatile. From warm caramel tones to glossy chocolates to full-on suede, there’s a brown for literally everyone. The best part? Brown flatters every skin tone and undertone—it’s basically the universal power lip.

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Dior Addict Shine in 812 Tartan – a brown red

Shopping for Your Perfect Brown

Not all browns are created equal, so let’s break it down. Matte? Glossy? Nude? Suede? Take your pick. A lighter, nude-brown gloss is your go-to for that effortlessly natural vibe, while a deep matte espresso says, “Yes, I am the moment.” Think of it like your coffee order: some days call for oat milk latte, other days you need a double-shot Americano.

Westman Atelier Lip Suede in Rue – a tawny chestnut

Choosing the Right Brown for You

Finding your brown is kind of like finding your perfect foundation match—it all comes down to undertones. If your skin leans cooler with blue undertones, go for a taupe-y, cool-toned brown for that chic ’90s energy. If you’ve got warmer or olive undertones (or deeper skin), rich chocolate and spicy cinnamon shades will light you up in the best way. Of course, rules are made to be broken—so if you want a shade just because it sparks joy, that’s your shade.

Chantecaille Lip Crème in Bamboo - a warm brown nude

How to Wear It

Here’s the beauty of brown: it plays nice with everything. Want a full monochrome moment? Pair a brown lip with warm, toasty eyeshadow, smudgy liner, and fluttery lashes for that mocha mousse vibe. Feeling minimalist? Swipe on your brown lip, keep the lids neutral, and let your brows do the talking. And if you’re a “more is more” kind of glam girl? Gold lids, winged liner, bronzer—brown lipstick will never complain.

Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede in Maurice – a deep rich brown

Bottom Line

Brown is not just a lip color, it’s a whole fall mood. This season, your best brown is waiting to be discovered—and once you find it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your year-round signature.

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