12 Best Lipstick Colors for Brunettes for Every Mood And Occasion

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 21, 2024
best lipstick colors for brunettes.
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Lipstick is the best thing that has happened to makeup lovers in terms of self-expression and confidence, which is why finding the best ones often takes the form of an exciting and somewhat stressful journey. And this time we are going on a quest for (and with) dark-haired beauties to find the best lipstick colors for brunettes.

It is a common practice to select lipsticks that match your skin tone and undertones. However, you cannot ignore the impact of your hair color on your overall makeup look. That is why many makeup artists recommend choosing a lip color that not only aligns with your skin tones and undertones but also complements your hair color. Such harmony between your hair color and lipstick shade has the power to instantly elevate your makeup game. This significance becomes even more pronounced for brunettes, whose hair boasts a unique richness and depth. The right lipstick shade not only balances the contrast between their face and tresses but also adds a natural glow that brings out their true beauty.

Based on our experience, from daring deep reds and pretty pinks to moody mauves and timeless nudes, our team of experts meticulously tested several products to curate this selection of our handpicked recommendations and comprehensive guide that speaks directly to brunettes. Get ready to elevate your lip makeup game and say hello to your new radiant self.

12 Best Lipstick Colors for Brunettes

Your search for a good and budget-friendly lipstick for brunettes must end here with the wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick in the shade Black Orchid. It is a natural-looking shade initially, but as you layer it up, it will build up to a gorgeous deep wine-red shade. It has a rich creamy texture and a silky finish that is beyond compare. Our findings show that it is not a transfer-proof lipstick but it stains your lips, making your lip color still look good even after the lipstick has worn off.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Smooth texture
  • Matte finish
  • Nourishing formula
  • Affordable
  • Cruelty-free
  • Value for money
Cons
  • Not as dark as displayed
  • May not last long
  • Best Nude Lipstick

    L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Color, Fairest Nude

    L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Color, Fairest Nude
  • Nude lipsticks for fair skin and dark hair may wash you out but not this one from L’Oréal Paris. True to its name, it is the perfect nude for fair skin tones with an intensely rich formula in terms of color. It is also intensely moisturizing given that it is formulated with key ingredients like omega 3, vitamin E, and argan oil. After conducting experiments with it, we can say that it is more of a peachy nude that doesn't go on orange.

    Pros
    • Creamy texture
    • Doesn't flake or crack
    • Goes on smooth
    • Subtle glossy finish
    • Great for no-makeup look
    • Ideal for summer
    Cons
    • May have unpleasant smell
  • Best PH-Activated

    jane iredale Lip And Cheek Stain

    jane iredale Lip And Cheek Stain
  • Experience the effortless charm of jane iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain, perfectly suited for brunettes seeking natural radiance. This PH-activated formula adapts to your unique tone, delivering a bespoke, long-lasting hue. Enriched with hydrating botanical oils, it embraces lips and cheeks with a dewy, nourished finish. Cruelty-free and versatile, this stain embodies simplicity and elegance, adding a touch of warmth to your complexion. Discover the ease of a lip and cheek product that effortlessly enhances your natural beauty, accentuating your brunette allure with a subtle, custom color.

    Pros
    • PH-Activated custom color
    • Long-lasting stain
    • Hydrating botanical oils
    • Versatile for lips and cheeks
    • Cruelty-free formula
    • Enhances natural beauty
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick, Supermodel

    Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick, Supermodel
  • The Revlon ColorStay lipstick is a wonderful all-rounder. It has a very hydrating formula infused with shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E. It not only keeps your lips feeling soft and moisturized but also has a soft suede-like matte finish. It has a highly pigmented color that lasts considerably long. Through our practical knowledge, we can say it is the best color lipstick for brunettes that appears darker for fair skin tones while looking like the perfect mauve nude for medium and deep skin tones.

    Pros
    • Applies evenly
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Velvety texture
    • Comfortable to wear
    • Stays on after meals
    • Suitable for all skin tones
    Cons
    • May not last all-day
  • Best Matte Lipstick

    Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte SlimLipstick, More Rust

    Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte SlimLipstick, More Rust
  • Make your face look more alive and radiant with the best lipstick color for brunettes with brown eyes from Maybelline New York. It has a highly pigmented formula that will make you fall in love with its rusty red color and incredible coverage. Just one stroke and you are good to go for hours. It has a super matte finish that goes on comfortably for long hours. Our investigation demonstrated that it is a neutral and warm shade suitable for a wide range of skin tones and undertones.

    Pros
    • Beautiful color
    • Easy to apply
    • Lightweight formula
    • Blurs lip texture and lines
    • Offers good coverage
    • Lasts for up to 5 hours
    Cons
    • May make lips dry
  • Best in Long-lasting

    Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick, Beet It

    Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick, Beet It
  • Fresh and fun lipstick colors are a must in every makeup arsenal. And this rich red-purple hue with pink undertones from Lime Crime is all you need for a day full of activities. It is a highly pigmented and super long lasting lipstick that only requires one swipe. It is the best lip color for brunettes as it perfectly complements their dark hair and adds a refreshing glow to the face. After trying out this product, we suggest using it on exfoliated and moisturized lips for optimal results.

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Lasts all-day
    • Velvety texture
    • Pleasant vanilla scent
    • Vegan formula
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Needs reapplication after meals
  • Best Overall

    COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick, Burnt Red Pepper

    COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick, Burnt Red Pepper
  • This is a universally flattering red lip color for brunettes from the cult favorite brand COVERGIRL. If you love yourself a bold lip, then it would make for a great option. It is that red lip classic thing that never goes out of style—think Peggy Carter and Taylor Swift. It has a soft creamy formula that not only looks good but also feels good. We have found from using this product that it has a color so saturated and vibrant that even when it wears off, it leaves a stain on your lips.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting wear
    • Non-drying formula
    • Doesn't bleed or feather
    • Non-sticky
    • Keeps lips moisturized
    • Applies smoothly
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Vegan Formula

    Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick, Chocolate Wasted

    Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick, Chocolate Wasted
  • Explore the dark side of the lipstick color palette with this liquid matte lipstick from Dose of Colors. It is an ideal shade for those who love to adorn their pout with the deepest and darkest lipstick colors to ever exist. With a creamy texture that goes on smooth and feels like velvet, it is one of the best lip colors for dark hair. It is ideal for all skin tones, particularly dark skin tones. Our research indicates that it has a high-quality formula and is super comfortable on lips.

    Pros
    • Gorgeous dark brown shade
    • Intensely pigmented
    • Matte finish
    • Doesn't dry lips
    • Long-wearing
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Pigmentation/Color Pay-off

    Bourjois Paris Rouge Velvet Lipstick, Brunette

    Bourjois Paris Rouge Velvet Lipstick, Brunette
  • When you walk into the room, you can make the whole place shimmer with this beautiful brick-red lip color from Bourjois Paris. It has a rich and luxurious texture that glides on the lips smoothly. It feels velvety smooth and butter-like. But don't worry. It has a comfortable matte finish and is the best lip color for green eyes and brown hair. We determined through our tests that it has an angled tip allowing more precise application.

    Pros
    • Glam color
    • Intense pigmentation
    • Good color pay-off
    • Non-drying creamy formula
    • Even application
    • Ideal for night wear
    Cons
    • May not last long
    • Transfers a little
  • Best Natural Formula

    Palladio Herbal Lipstick, Wine Shine

    Palladio Herbal Lipstick, Wine Shine
  • Turn heads wherever you go with this lipstick for dark hair and fair skin from Palladio. It has a luxuriously creamy formula that goes on smoothly and keeps lips moisturized. Its coverage is unparalleled and lasts for a long time while being comfortable on the lips. It is formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, ginseng, and chamomile. Based on our observations, you can use it as an eyeshadow or a blush to create a monochrome look.

     

    Pros
    • Beautiful berry color
    • Stays on long
    • Doesn't dry lips
    • Has nice fragrance
    • Good for everyday use
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Color may not match the picture
  • Best for Daily Use

    NARS Lipstick, Dolce Vita

    NARS Lipstick, Dolce Vita
  • Not everyone likes bold and bright lipstick colors. So, if more natural-looking colors are your cup of tea, then get your hands on this beautiful shade from NARS. It looks good and feels good on your lips, so much so that you will find yourself reaching for it every time you go out. Our analysis of this product revealed that since this lipstick for brunettes is infused with antioxidant-rich hydrating ingredients, this lipstick helps improve the condition of your lips with consistent use. We also suggest trying out Fast Ride and Gypsy, which are some very flattering shades for brunettes.

    Pros
    • Good quality
    • Pretty medium-dark mauve shade
    • Does not bleed
    • Comfortable wear
    • Silky smooth texture
    • Creamy finish
    Cons
    • Some may find it sheer
  • Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Matte Lipstick, Rose Dahlia

    Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Matte Lipstick, Rose Dahlia
  • Rejoice with the rich and luxurious color in a satiny matte finish of this lipstick from Yves Saint Laurent. It will burn a hole in your wallet but trust us when we say it is a splurge-worthy lip color, worth every penny spent on it. From its packaging to its rich pigmentation, everything screams a luxe and premium-quality experience. As per our expertise, this shade is a seamless and sultry mix of coral and pink, making it the best lipstick for brunettes all year round.

    Pros
    • Moisturizing formula
    • High color payoff
    • Comfortable all-day wear
    • Infused with antioxidants
    • Great staying power
    Cons
    • Expensive

    How to Choose Lipstick Colors for Brunettes?

    Choosing the best lipstick colors for brunettes involves more work than imagined. But once you get it right you can feel for yourself the transformative power of the perfect lip color. And we have come up with this guide to make your lipstick-finding journey feel like a breeze. Here are some aspects that you must keep in mind as you go about making your choices:

    Skin Tones and Undertones

    Skin tones play a key role in deciding which shade will flatter you the best. What may work best for fair and pale skin tones may wash out dark skin tones. Similarly, you must pay attention to your undertones, whether they are warm, cool, or neutral. 

    Consider Hair Color

    Even brown and black have fifty shades. So, you must carefully consider your exact shade of hair color as you choose your ideal lipstick shade. 

    Ingredients

    Look for nourishing ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and shea butter, to name a few. Take a careful look at the ingredient label for any irritants or allergens.

    Shades

    Nude shades are classic and timeless. Opt for these to achieve a natural-looking makeup look or a radiant sun-kissed look. Depending on the hue and depth of your hair color, you may experiment with dark and bold colors. Yes, nude colors look good and natural, but nothing beats the contrasting glam of bold reds and deep berries against dark hair.

    Undertones in Lipstick 

    You must also pay attention to the undertones of the lipsticks of your choice.

    Finish

    Assess the kind of finish you would prefer, matte, creamy, glossy, or metallic. 

    Other Features

    Opt for lipstick colors that offer features like transfer-proof, smudge-proof, kiss-proof, meal-proof, and water-resistant. This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about constant reapplications.

    Advice from Makeup Professionals

    Look through beauty and makeup forums to read about the professional opinions of makeup artists on lipstick colors suitable for brunettes.

    Customer Reviews

    Don't forget to go through customer reviews and feedback to learn about the performance of the lipstick colors you are eyeing.

    How to use Lipstick Colors for Brunettes?

    Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use lipstick colors for brunettes to accentuate your features and create a stunning look:

    • Always begin with clean, exfoliated, and moisturized lips. The smooth surface of your lips will allow for an even application.
    • Pick the shade that works best for you. Consider the time of the day and the event you are attending while picking your lipstick.
    • Use a lip primer to blur the lines. It will ensure that your lip color will stay for long.
    • Use a lip liner in a shade matching your lipstick color to outline and define the contours of your lips. You may also fill in the lips to create an even base. 
    • Either apply directly or use a lip brush of your choice to apply the lipstick. Begin from the center and move towards the corners.
    • Blot the excess lipstick with a tissue and set it with a translucent powder for a long-lasting finish.

    In the true sense, lipsticks are a girl's best friend, and finding the right one that complements your physical features and matches your personal preferences can transform your makeup routine and overall look. Often overlooked, finding the best lipstick colors for brunettes takes into consideration their individually unique, deep, and rich hair tones. Whether you are drawn to elegant nudes or dramatic reds, when the lipstick color aligns with your hair color, it creates a look that is undeniably flattering and captivating. With our top recommendations and comprehensive guide on lipsticks for brunettes, you can easily find your ideal shade. Be prepared to unlock a world of confidence, allure, and beauty that will forever turn heads with just one swipe. 

    FAQ's

    What color lipstick should brunettes with brown eyes wear?
    Berry and wine-hued lipstick colors are the best suited for brunettes with brown eyes.
    What lipstick is best for brunettes with blue eyes?
    The best lipstick for brunettes with blue eyes is pink-hued lipstick. It can be a soft pink lipstick or something with raspberry tones. Rosy pink lipsticks also suit brunettes with blue eyes.
    What colors do brunettes look good in?
    Brunettes look good in saturated colors like ruby red, deep pink, burgundy, bright blue, plum, and purple to name a few.
    How long do lipstick colors last?
    It depends on a particular lipstick’s formula. Typically, they can last from 4 to 12 hours.
    Do lipstick colors expire?
    Yes, lipstick colors expire and it is not advisable to use an expired lipstick as it may cause irritation or possible health issues.
    Can I use lipstick colors for brunettes every day?
    Yes, you can use lipstick colors for brunettes every day. Mauves and browns are a common choice for daily wear.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author, is no stranger to the significance of great lipstick. With a keen eye for beauty and a passion for all things makeup, she understands the transformative power that the perfect lip color can bring to any look. She curated this list of best lipstick colors for brunettes keeping in mind the significant influence held by hair color over the final look of lip color. The COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick in the shade Burnt Red Pepper is her all-time favorite.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More