Brown is the new nude
Beige had a long run, but the definition of nude lipstick has officially changed. The new neutral is deeper, warmer, and far more dimensional. Chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, and mocha tones are replacing flat pink beiges, bringing structure back to the face while still feeling wearable for everyday.
When it comes to undertones, warmer shades like cinnamon, caramel, and golden browns tend to complement warm and olive undertones beautifully, while deeper chocolates and cooler mocha browns can look especially striking on neutral and cool undertones.
That said, there are no strict rules. The appeal of brown lips is how customizable they are. It is about trying different depths and finishes until you find the version that feels most like you.
It is a very ’90s-coded shift, but softer, glossier, and more skin-focused than the matte-heavy era we remember. And proving that you do not have to look far for the perfect shades, this lineup is made up entirely of local Philippine beauty brands delivering brown-toned lips across every texture, from plush tints to sculpting liners.
For a soft entry into brown: Blk Cosmetics Gloss Gel Tint in Golden Hour
If full brown lipstick feels intimidating, this is the safest starting point. This gel tint combines the lasting power of a stain with the plumping finish of a gloss, but applies very sheer—almost like a wash of warmth rather than full pigment.
On the lips, it looks like you are just wearing gloss at first, then it dries down into a vivid stain that leaves behind a healthier-looking lip tone. I especially like using this on no makeup days. It does not read as lipstick, just naturally better lips with a subtle golden brown tint.
The cinnamon flush: Happy Skin Lip Mallow Tint in Hazelnut
This is brown in its most wearable, everyday form. Hazelnut is a pretty, autumnal brown that looks especially beautiful on morena skin, adding warmth without looking heavy.
The formula is velvety and non-sticky before setting into a stain, and it keeps lips looking pillowy throughout the day. Because it also grips the cheeks, it works for a cohesive monochromatic moment. That soft cinnamon brown flush across lips and skin feels very current.
The classic ’90s brown lip: Absidy Cashmere Kiss Lipstick in Cold Brew
If you want the true throwback brown lip but updated, this is it. Cold Brew sits in that rich coffee brown family that defined ’90s beauty, but the formula makes it modern.
It is a creamy, buildable soft matte that glides on smoothly and feels extremely hydrating for a matte, thanks to shea butter, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. The magnetic cap also gives it a luxe feel well beyond its price point. It hugs the lips with a cashmere soft finish instead of looking flat or dry.
The everyday caramel nude: GRWM Cosmetics Cushion Tint Velvet Lip Stain in Salted Caramel
This is your brown leaning MLBB (my lips but better). Though marketed as a velvet tint, it reads more juicy and natural on the lips, which makes it ideal for daily wear.
The texture feels slippery and very comfortable, and the color sits in that soft caramel brown zone that replaces pink-toned nudes without going deep. It does have a noticeable minty cooling effect that is quite strong, which you will either enjoy or simply tolerate, but the finish itself looks effortless and fresh.
The modern glossy neutral: Sunnies Face Staygloss in Swoon
Swoon is described as a mauve nude, but on me, it pulls cool-toned, which makes it an interesting contrast within the brown nude shift. It works beautifully when paired with a brown liner, giving that ’90s style definition in a softer, glossier way.
The formula is a high shine gloss with serious performance. You get instant color in one swipe, comfortable wear, and lips stay smooth and nourished thanks to skin conditioning actives. It is transfer-resistant and long-wearing for a gloss, making it a practical choice if you want shine without constant reapplication.
The sculpted brown lip base: Strokes Kiss Sculpt Lip Liner in Naked Brown
A brown lip era practically requires a good liner. It is retractable and includes a sharpener, so you can always get a precise line. The formula is creamy, glides on with barely any tugging, and sets into a super smudge-proof finish that claims up to 12 hours of wear.
Infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E, it does not feel drying, which makes it ideal for slightly overlining and shaping before layering glosses, tints, or lipsticks on top.
The definition trick: Issy Lip Bait in Trace
This is less about full color and more about structure. Issy calls these definers, and that is exactly what they do. They contour and add dimension to the lips, which is key when wearing brown tones.
I love that it is retractable and does not need sharpening, and the angled tip is genuinely functional. The point gives you precision, while the flat side lets you shade faster. Used under or slightly blended into brown lip colors, it creates that softly sculpted ’90s-inspired lip shape without harsh lines.
