Soft brown lipsticks are making a comeback this season
As we enter the colder months, the soft brown lipstick trend has taken center stage, offering an effortless sophistication that feels both modern and timeless.
The trend took off when MAC’s “Alone Time,” a sheer mauvey-brown shade, went viral after Japanese beauty influencer NANA (@nanapseven) shared a quick try-on video. Known for her muted, cool-toned lip recommendations, her video caused a craze that single-handedly sold out the shade in weeks. This understated and flattering lipstick sparked a collective desire for similar muted tones that are subtle yet chic.
You’ve probably seen it before on popular ‘90s beauty icons and celebrities like Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, and Liv Tyler, who made muted brown lips synonymous with the cool girl look. These aren’t your typical bold statement lips. Instead, soft brown lipsticks offer a “your lips but better” effect that gives you just enough color for that ideal everyday “oomph.”
Whether you’re drawn to mauvey undertones or warm caramel hues, here are some soft brown lipsticks to help you perfect your fall look.
MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Signature Move
Launched around the same time as Alone Time, MAC’s Signature Move is basically Alone Time’s warmer, browner sister.
Signature Move is described as a greige color on the official MAC website, but don’t let that scare you—it’s actually pretty wearable and even has a subtle pink undertone that’s flattering for all skin tones. This is the perfect glossy brown lipstick to start with for those who aren’t used to them.
Entropy Charm Tint in Bronze Gem
NANA, the same influencer responsible for Alone Time’s virality, also featured Entropy’s Charm Tints on her account. Not only do they have beautiful muted shades, but their lip products also double as keychains that you can attach to your bags or belt loops, hence the name “Charm Tint.”
Bronze Gem is among their latest releases right on time for fall—a brown, cool-toned shade with a soft matte finish. This also has a blurring effect, so no need to worry about it enhancing wrinkles on your lips.
Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss in 20 Chestnut
Who doesn’t love sparkles on their lips? Kiko Milano’s 3D Hydra Lipgloss doesn’t just feel great, it makes your lips literally glow. The non-sticky formula promises up to a 23 percent increase in hydration after just one hour of wear—ideal for those who want both beauty and lip care in one swipe.
The shade 20 Chestnut is a gorgeous pinky brown that adds just the right amount of warmth and sophistication to complete your soft brown lip look.
Happy Skin Lip Oil Stick in Mischief
A lot of beauty influencers adore Happy Skin’s Lip Oil because of its highly moisturizing feel and pigmented formula. Recently turned into lipstick form, Happy Skin released its Lip Oil Stick along with a handful of universally flattering shades.
Mischief is its nude brown color that isn’t too brown nor too pink, making it look great on both cool and warm skin tones. Swipe this on whenever your lips are in need of a little pick-me-up.
Sunnies Face Fluffmatte in Bday
Sunnies Face’s Fluffmatte line is a classic for a reason—a matte lipstick with a plush formula that isn’t drying on the lips. Bday is a warm taupe nude shade that is as straightforward as you can get for a brown lipstick—one that’ll make you look like the cool, chic it-girl from the ‘90s.
The only downside is that it’s hard to find online, but some Sunnies Face branches may carry a few bullets on hand.
Laka Bonding Glow Lipstick in Boy
Still want something close to Alone Time? Laka’s Bonding Glow Lipstick in Boy is the closest dupe you can find from an Asian beauty brand. Granted, it’s more purple than it is brown, but it does have that same muted, grey-ish mauve vibe going on.
The formulation is also quite similar to MAC’s Lustreglass lipstick, being both moisturizing and glossy. Another perk? It’s more than half the price of a MAC lip product.
