For too long, the beauty industry has overlooked the stunning diversity of brown skin tones. Finding the perfect lipstick shade can feel like a daunting task, leaving many of us feeling lost in a sea of colors. But fear not, brown-skinned girlies! It's time to embrace our beautiful complexions and discover the lipstick shades that truly make us shine.

This guide is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of brown skin and helping you find the perfect lipstick shade to complement your unique complexion. We’ll explore different undertones, experiment with various colors, and discover the secrets to achieving a flawless lip look. So, let's dive in and unlock the power of your pout!

Understanding Your Skin Tone

The first step to finding the perfect lipstick shade is understanding your skin undertone. This refers to the underlying hue of your skin, which can be warm, cool, or neutral. Even brown-skinned girls have an undertone. They can be any one of the following:

• Warm undertones: Characterized by golden, peachy, or olive undertones. Your veins typically appear greenish.

• Cool undertones: Often have pink or rosy undertones. Your veins usually look bluish or purplish.

• Neutral undertones: A balance of warm and cool undertones. Your veins can appear greenish or bluish.

To determine your undertone, check the inside of your wrist. Does your skin appear more golden or pink? You can also look at your jewelry – if gold looks better on you, you likely have warm undertones, while silver might suit cool undertones better.

Here’s an example of various undertones:

The way we like to think of it is this: If I start with a shade of (light or dark) brown paint, and add more yellow-ish paint to it, it'll turn warm. If I start with the same shade of brown, and add more pink-ish paint to it, it’ll turn cooler. If you start with the same shade yet again, and add green paint to it, it’ll be a more neutral undertone.

The image below illustrates this point further. We took one shade of brown and added yellow, pink and green paint to it. By changing the transparency of the brown shade, you can see a little bit of the undertone coming through. The result of the mixing of these colors is shown as the result to the right.

You can try to replicate this exact experiment with real paint directly on your skin. Try to add yellow, pink and green to brown paint on your cheek to see which one looks like the closest match. Remember, there's no right or wrong undertone, and many people fall somewhere in between.

Nude Lipsticks for Brown Skin

Nude lipsticks are a staple in every makeup bag, but finding the right shade for brown skin can be tricky. The key is to choose a nude that complements your skin tone without washing you out.

• Warm undertones: Look for nude shades with peach, coral, or caramel undertones.

• Cool undertones: Opt for nude lipsticks with pink or mauve undertones.

• Neutral undertones: You're lucky! Most nude shades will work for you.

If you have two-toned lips, where your top lip might be a different color than your bottom lip, don’t fret. This is quite common in darker skin tones. You can use a lip primer or even a little bit of concealer to create an even toned base to your lipstick. This can help reduce the variation between your lips. However, if you prefer to go without the base, you can also use a darker lip liner to create the illusion of same-toned lips.

Remember, the ideal nude lipstick should look like a natural extension of your lip color, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect match. If you want to experiment with shades and see what they look like on you without all the hassle of traditional shopping, download the Blioh app. In the app, you can virtually try-on various lipstick shades and brands with no commitment to see which ones might suit your skin tone the most.

Bold and Bright Lipstick Shades

Brown skin is a canvas for bold and vibrant lip colors. Don't be afraid to experiment with bright shades like red, pink, orange, and berry. These colors can instantly brighten your complexion and add a pop of personality to your look.

• Red: A classic choice that suits everyone. Opt for blue-based reds for cool undertones and orange-based reds for warm undertones.

We recommend the Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink lipstick in 55 Royal is the perfect blue-based red for the cool-toned girlies.

• Pink: From soft baby pink to hot fuchsia, there's a pink for every skin tone.

• Orange: A bold and playful choice that compliments warm undertones beautifully. If you are cool-toned, you’ll want to stay clear of this shade.

• Berry: A versatile shade that works well for all undertones.

Deep and Rich Lipstick Shades

Deep, rich lipstick shades are an absolute showstopper on brown skin. These colors exude confidence, sophistication, and a touch of glamour. Whether you're attending a special event or simply want to make a bold statement, these hues will undoubtedly turn heads.

Unlocking the Power of Plum

Plum is a versatile shade that complements a wide range of skin tones. Its depth and richness add a touch of mystery and allure to your look. Whether you have cool or warm undertones, there's a plum shade out there for you.

• For cool undertones: Opt for plum shades with a blue undertone to enhance your skin's natural coolness.

• For warm undertones: Choose plum lipsticks with red or brown undertones to complement your skin's warmth.

Burgundy Beauty

Burgundy is a classic color that effortlessly transitions from day to night. Its richness and depth make it a perfect choice for fall and winter, but it can also be worn year-round with the right styling.

Tip: Pair your burgundy lipstick with smoky eyes and a neutral outfit for a sophisticated evening look.

Chocolate Luxury

Indulge in the richness of chocolate brown lipstick. This shade is incredibly flattering on brown skin, adding warmth and depth to your complexion. It's a perfect choice for creating a luxurious and polished look.

Pro tip: Exfoliate your lips and apply a lip balm before applying chocolate brown lipstick for a smooth, even finish.

Balancing Your Look

To ensure your bold lip color takes center stage, keep the rest of your makeup relatively neutral. A flawless complexion with a subtle blush and defined brows will complement your statement lip. Remember, less is often more when it comes to pairing bold lip colors with other makeup elements.

Recommended Lipstick Shades:

• Plum: MAC Rebel
  
  

  

• Burgundy: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Under my Thumb

  

• Chocolate Brown: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen

  

Lipstick Formulas and Finishes

The finish of your lipstick can dramatically transform your look. Let's break down the most popular options:

• Matte: Known for its long-lasting wear and bold color payoff, matte lipsticks offer a velvety, non-shiny finish. While they can be drying, there are now many hydrating matte options available.

• Satin: This finish strikes a balance between matte and glossy, providing a creamy texture with a subtle sheen. Satin lipsticks offer comfort and color without excessive shine.

• Glossy: For a plump and juicy look, glossy lipsticks deliver high shine and a reflective finish. They can help to hydrate your lips while adding a touch of glamour.

• Cream: Offering a smooth, opaque finish, cream lipsticks are typically hydrating and comfortable to wear. They provide a classic lipstick look with a modern twist.

Ultimately, the best lipstick formula depends on your personal preference, lip condition, and desired look. Experiment with different finishes to discover your favorite! Again, the Blioh app can help with this, as we try to mimic these properties of lipsticks within your try-ons, so you can see exactly what works for you.

Some Lipstick Application Tips

Achieving the perfect lip look starts with proper preparation. Exfoliate your lips regularly to remove dead skin and keep them soft and smooth. Apply a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture.

When it comes to application, there are a few techniques to try:

• Lip liner: Define your lips and prevent feathering with a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or go one shade darker for a bolder look.

• Full coverage: Apply lipstick directly to your lips using the bullet or a lip brush for precise application.

• Ombre lips: Create a gradient effect by applying a darker shade in the center of your lips and blending it outwards with a lighter shade.

For a longer-lasting lip look, consider setting your lipstick with a translucent powder. Blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess oil before applying the powder.

Discovering the perfect lipstick shade is a journey of self-expression. Brown skin offers a stunning canvas for a myriad of colors, from deep and rich hues to bold and vibrant tones. Experiment with different undertones, formulas, and finishes to find the lipstick that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, Blioh is here to support that discovery and experimentation. Download the app today to find your perfect shade and what makes you feel amazing.