Most ways of getting that effortless, no-makeup makeup look ironically takes quite a bit of effort. There's the long-term work of sticking to a solid skincare routine along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, and then the careful application of brow, eye, contour and base products in thin layers. The lips, on the other hand, are more straightforward. All you need is a few swipes of a my-lips-but-better (MLBB) lipstick or gloss to give you that natural-looking flushed lip.
Of course, the MLBB shade is different for everyone and it can be tricky to find your perfect match. When in doubt, go for a something that's close to your natural lip colour but a few shades deeper and with a brown undertone. Brown is that elusive nude shade that warms up the skin and looks great on everyone.
These are our picks of the best lipsticks, tints and glosses with a tinge of brown for a flattering look:
#1 1028 Opium Poppy Velvet Gloss in Brick Nut ($18.90)
Photo from 1028
Taiwanese makeup brand 1028 made a comeback in Singapore last year and the star of the show was the Red Poppy collection inspired by the alluring red tones of the flower.
We quickly fell in love with their Opium Poppy Velvet Gloss which has a unique formula that blends easily as a gloss, then dries down to a soft matte finish. It feels incredibly light on the lips and doesn't have that dryness that comes with most matte lipsticks. The shade Brick Nut is a sultry deep red with a brown undertone that can be worn lightly or layered on for a bold look.
Photo from 1028
Get it here -> watsons.com.sg
Photo from Ksisters
This highly pigmented lipstick requires just one coat to get a pop of colours in a lovely velvet matte finish. But what's really impressive is its triangular-shaped edge and soft curved surface. This unique design is a lifesaver for those with shaky hands as it makes precise application so much easier.
Photo from Ksisters
Photo from Ksisters
This lipstick comes in a wide range of shades but our MLBB pick is Chili Soul, a warm red-brown shade with autumn vibes.
Get it here -> ksisters.sg
Photo from Etude House
If you're tired of your lip makeup disappearing throughout the day, you might be better off using a tint like Etude House's Fixing Tint Lipstick. The matte colour fixates on the lips all day without drying out the lips. If your lips are chapped, apply a thin layer of lip balm underneath to get a more even and smooth look.
Photo from Etude House
Soft Walnut is a gorgeous nutty shade that enhances the natural lip colour with a light swipe and can be built up to a deeper colour.
Get it here -> watsons.com.sg
Photo from Tarte
This TikTok-viral lippie deserves all the hype in our book! It's an all-in-1 plumping balm, gloss, colour and treatment that plumps the lips subtly for a full yet natural-looking lip. There is a slight tingly effect in the first few seconds but it doesn't irritate the lips like most plumping lip glosses. On the contrary, it moisturises and smooths the lips with hyaluronic acid and 10+ superfruits.
If you'd rather take baby steps to the brown-toned lip look, go for the shade Primrose, a lovely rosy pink with a hint of light brown undertone.
Photo from Tarte
Get it here -> sephora.sg
Photo from Hourglass
This is another 3-in-1 hybrid that nourishes and hydrates like a lip balm, visibly plumps and delivers the high-shine finish of a lip gloss. While the formula is lightweight, it imparts a full-bodied colour on the lips.
The shade Haze is a gorgeous nutty red that will suit most skin tones.
Get it here -> sephora.sg
If you're down to go full-on brown, go for the Pro Kiss'r Luscious Lip Balm in the shade Cocoa Drizzle.
Photo from Fenty Beauty
This is a true brown that works as a nude lip with a more sophisticated, avant garde edge.
Photo from Fenty Beauty
The formula is creamy and lightweight, gliding over lips to lock in moisture and add a pretty sheen. Wearing this will also give you a light whiff of peach and vanilla.
Get it here -> sephora.sg
Photo from Huda Beauty
This hyper-pigmentated lipstick is one you can rely on for full-coverage application with just a light swipe. The plush matte formula glides on easily without skipping or dragging, and leaves lips feeling comfortable and smooth.
Photo from Huda Beauty
The shade Board Meeting is ideal for days you're in a cool outfit and want a brown-toned lip round up your look with an extra oomph.
Get it here -> sephora.sg
#8 Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Tint in Brown Heaven ($16.09)
Photo from Peripera
Get it here -> shopee.sg
#9 Daiso U R GLAM Lip Oil in Pink Brown ($2.16)
Photo from Daiso
We went on a Daiso makeup shopping spree and tried out their premium U R GLAM makeup line, and discovered this underrated gem - a $2.14 lip gloss! It has a surprisingly luxe look on the lips, with a beautiful brown-pink hue and non-sticky finish.
Photo from Flower Knows
Flower Knows is always on point when it comes to their princess-worthy packaging. One of their most swoon-worthy launches is their Lip Cream that looks like a bar of chocolate and smells like it too. True to the "cloud" claim, the cream has an airy, mousse-like consistency that feels weightless on the lips.
Our pick is the shade Fireplace Tea, a delicious-looking chocolatey hue that will flatter most skin tones
Photo from Flower Knows
Get it here -> shopee.sg
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More lippies to add to your makeup collection:
- 8 Pretty Tinted Lip Balms That Will Keep Your Lips Hydrated All Day Long
- 9 Best Lip Tints For A Natural & Flattering Look
- 7 Best Lip Balms To Keep Your Lips Moist And Luscious
