Brown lipstick used to feel a bit intimidating to me. I thought it might look too heavy or too bold for everyday wear, but once I found the right tones, it became something I kept going back to.

There’s something about brown shades—they feel grounded, a little mature, but still very wearable if the balance is right. Two that I keep in rotation are Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in So 90s and Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Rue. They both sit in that brown family, but the experience of wearing them feels quite different.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in So 90s

This one leans into that classic brown tone with a slightly warm edge. When I apply it, the color shows up clearly but doesn’t feel too intense. It has that soft matte finish that doesn’t make the lips look dry, which I really appreciate. I usually reach for this when I want something that feels a bit more defined. It frames the lips nicely without needing much else. Even with minimal makeup, it somehow pulls the whole look together.

2. Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Rue

This one feels softer in comparison. The brown tone is still there, but it comes across more muted, almost like it blends into the natural lip color instead of sitting on top of it. The texture feels lightweight, almost like I’m barely wearing anything. I tend to dab it on rather than applying it fully, which gives a more relaxed finish. It’s the kind of lipstick that works when I don’t want anything too structured.

Brown lipstick isn’t as tricky as it seems once you find the right tone for you. Between these two, I’ve found a balance that works—one that adds structure and another that feels more relaxed. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but about having options that match how I want to show up that day.