Brown lipstick continues to be seen everywhere from runways to social media. Brown is a gorgeous color with 90s vibes that we all love, but does it work well for everyone? Is brown lipstick good for fair skin?
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Is Brown Lipstick Good For Fair Skin?
Brown is a universally flattering color and works well for any skin tone, including fair skin. The secret to making brown lipstick work well for your skin tone is finding the right shade. There are so many shades of brown and products available, it can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible.
How To Make Brown Lipstick Work
Making brown lipstick work involves knowing your skin tone, undertones, preferences, and what you’ve tried before. For example, if you tried a brown lipstick and it looked orange on you, it might be because of the ingredients in the lipstick interacting with the pH of your lips, so it’s best to try another brand. These tips can help you pull off the look.
Your Skin Tone
Light brown lipsticks or those with a pink undertone typically look better on individuals with fair skin. They don’t look too dark, but still provide the perfect pop of neutral color. Try wearing lipstick for a day around the house to ensure you love the way it looks with your skin tone. Remember, personal preferences matter, too.
You can make bold browns work well, but they should match your undertone. Take the time to experiment with different colors to find the perfect brown lipstick for your skin tone.
Undertones
Brown lipstick is generally warm in nature. However, modern formulas ensure there’s a brown lipstick for everyone, including people with cooler undertones. If your veins are purple or you look better in silver jewelry, check the product description to ensure the product’s undertones will match your skin’s undertones.
People with cooler undertones should look for browns with a red or blue undertone. Those with warmer undertones should consider shades with a red or pink base. Anyone with neutral undertones can play with different lipsticks to find their favorite.
Avoid Overly Warm Browns
Browns that have the same warm tone as bronzer are warm browns. Warm browns usually don’t look the best on fair skin. Instead, they can make it look washed out. Opt for browns that are cooler in nature. For a makeup comparison, bronzer is usually warmer and contour is usually cooler toned.
Other Flattering Shades
Brown looks good on everyone, but you’re not stuck with neturals just because you have fair skin. There are plenty of universally flattering shades you can use to keep your vanity stocked.
- Cool Toned Bronzer: A cool-toned bronzer in a light shade is the perfect way to get a sunkissed glow. Use a light hand and blend well.
- Pale Pink: Pale colors tend to work exceptionally well with fair skin because they give a tiny bit of color without going overboard. These are perfect if you’re feeling a little too self-conscious for a bold lip.
- Burgundy: Burgundy is one of the most universal and underrated makeup shades, especially for lipstick. People with every skin tone, including those with olive skin tones, can rock a burgundy lip. Make sure the lipstick matches your undertone.
- Peach: Peach products don’t have the same drastic pigment as bright pink blushes, making them perfect for anyone with fair skin. You can also pick up some peach eyeshadow for a monochrome look.
- Pastels: Pastels usually work well for those with cool undertones, and many people with fair skin tend to have cool undertones. You can use pastel eyeshadow year-round, pick up pastel blush, and top it off with lilac setting powder.
Our Pick
Revlon Kiss Plumping Lip Creme In Velvet Mink

Velvet Mink tends to work well for those with fair skin tones because it’s not too bold or bright, but not warm enough to make you look washed out. The shade provides a sheer wash of color, but it’s buildable, so you can get more pigment. The soft brown shade is the perfect neutral!
Why You’ll Love It
- Affordable
- Buildable
- Creamy formula
- Soft brown
Does Brown Lipstick Work For Fair Skin?
Yes! Brown lipstick is universally flattering and can work well for any skin tone. Match the lipstick to your undertones, and make sure you try it out before you commit. Experiment with different products to find a brown shade that works well for your skin tone. Check out the rest of the site for more tips and tricks!
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