Choosing a lipstick colour is a very personal thing. Aside from simply personal preference, everything from your skin tone to your hair colour factors into choosing the perfect shade for you—it's never a one size fits all approach. And I don't know about you, but it's taken me years to work out what lipstick colours actually suit me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for choosing the lipstick shade that speaks to you, but over the years I've learned that there are certain things that are really worth considering. For example, even seemingly small things like the colour of your eyes and the undertones of your hair can make a huge difference when it comes to choosing between a cool-toned lipstick colour and a warm-toned one.
According to the experts, hair colour and tone is one of the key elements to keep in mind. "Most people base their lipstick colours on their skin tone, but it can actually be easier to work with what suits your hair colour, especially if you wear your hair long and style it around your face," says makeup artist Lucy Hart.
It can be more obvious if your hair is blonde, black, or auburn, but as a brunette, I've never quite known what the best colour lipstick would be based on my brown hair, so I turned to Hart for the answers. "Darker and mid-toned shades tend to work best for brunettes," she says. "If you have more cool-toned brown hair, then look for plum and berry-toned colours, but if you have warmer-toned hair, with gold or red hues, coral or orange lipsticks will work really well."
The Best Lipsticks for Brunettes:
- Best Brown Lipstick for Brunettes: Merit Signature Lip in 1990
- Best Pink Lipstick for Brunettes: Dior Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick in Nude Look
- Best Nude Lipstick for Brunettes: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk
- Best Peach Lipstick for Brunettes: Vieve Satin Slip Lipstick in Silk Sheets
- Best Red Lipstick for Brunettes: Violette_fr Bisou Balm in Amour Fou
- Best Plum Lipstick for Brunettes: Trinny London Just Joyous High Shine Lipstick in Eden
1. Merit Signature Lip in 1990
Brown hair and brown lips might not seem like an obvious combination, but trust me, it totally works. This warm, peachy brown from Merit is one of my favourite beauty discoveries this year.
Shade: Warm brown
Finish: Satin
Pros: Skincare-infused formula
Cons: Only stocked online
2. Glossier Generation G in Fuzz
When you want a subtle layer of colour, Glossier's Generation G lipsticks are a must-have. I've lost count of how many tubes of Fuzz I've been through over the years.
Shade: Rosy taupe
Finish: Sheer matte
Pros: Easy application
Cons: Can feel drying
3. Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Lipstick in Rosewood Silk
I wore this gorgeous warm pink on my wedding day—it's the perfect shade for adding subtle definition to your lips, and it lasts all day (and night) long. Trust me.
Shade: Warm pink
Finish: Matte
Pros: Applies smoothly
Cons: Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
4. Dior Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick in Nude Look
When I'm in a rush and can't decide on a lip colour, this wearable pink-nude is almost always the one I grab. It's lightweight and sheer so easy to apply while on-the-go and mirrorless.
Shade: Nude pink
Finish: Sheer and glossy
Pros: 'My lips but better' effect
Cons: Often out of stock
5. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk
I actually think that the shade Pillow Talk is the most universally-flattering lipstick colour of all time. My hair has been warm and cool shades of brown over the years, and this has remained a staple throughout my colour changes. It also comes in a medium tone version that better suits deeper complexions.
Shade: Warm nude
Finish: Satin matte
Pros: Suits all skin tones
Cons: Can feel drying
6. MAC Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Amorous
Cool, pale pinks always make me look washed out, so I prefer to reach for deeper, warmer hues like this one—which is exactly the advice Hart passes on to brunettes.
Shade: Rosy pink
Finish: Satin
Pros: Buildable coverage
Cons: Not very long wearing
7. Vieve Satin Slip Lipstick in Silk Sheets
Warm peachy shades like this one always call my name in the summer months—I just think they look amazing with bronzed, freckly skin.
Shade: Peachy nude
Finish: Satin
Pros: Hydrating formula
Cons: Often sold out
8. Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick in Rosy Brown
I first started using this product as a blusher (it does both), and first wore it as lipstick when I realised I'd forgotten to pack one into my makeup bag while on the go. I don't tend to reach for true pinks, but was surprised at how much this suited me.
Shade: Pink
Finish: Satin
Pros: Can also be used as a blusher
Cons: Large applicator can be hard to apply to lips
9. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Petal
I have these tinted lip balms from Fresh in multiple shades, but always get compliments when I wear Petal.
Shade: Dusky pink
Finish: Sheer
Pros: Hydrating and exfoliating formula
Cons: Some users don't love the thick texture
10. Violette_fr Bisou Balm in Amour Fou
Makeup artist Violette Serrat may have only launched her eponymous makeup brand a few years ago, but it's already well-known for its (always sold out) lip offerings. As a brunette, I'm obsessed with this true red shade.
Shade: Red
Finish: Sheer matte
Pros: Buildable formula
Cons: Often sold out
11. Trinny London Just Joyous High Shine Lipstick in Eden
Plum lipsticks aren't for everyone, but I find that the sheer formula and glossy finish makes this dark, glossy option feel so much more wearable.
Shade: Deep plum
Finish: Glossy
Pros: Hydrating formula
Cons: Needs to be layered up for full coverage
12. Refy Lip Blush in Canyon
If you like a natural-looking lip finish, Refy's sheer tinting formula is perfect for a 'just bitten' effect.
Shade: Deep brown
Finish: Sheer
Pros: Lightweight formula
Cons: Some users find the packaging breaks easily
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