The brown lip is back. How to master this ’90s-inspired look
A standout look of the ‘90s, statement brown lips are making a comeback. Here’s how to give this nostalgic beauty trend a modern twist.
When it comes to old-school beauty trends, it doesn’t get more quintessentially ’90s than the statement brown lip.
While most commonly created using a matte, deep brown lipstick, another popular variation is to apply a dark brown lip liner along the perimeter of the lips, paired with a slick of gloss or lipstick in a lighter shade for contrast.
Both takes on the trend are surging in popularity, much to the joy of make-up artist Paige Craig.
“I absolutely love the ’90s lip trend at the moment, and I think the reason statement lips consistently trend in beauty is because a pop of colour will always be timeless,” Paige says.
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Does the ’90s brown lip suit everyone?
While Paige is a fan of the brown lip, she points out the trend isn’t for everyone.
“I personally don’t think a bold lip suits everyone,” she says.
“It all comes down to the undertone of your lip colour and your skin.”
Paige says those with rosier complexions might find a brown lip can look harsh against their undertone – instead, opt for a red-based brown or a deep rose shade to create a similar look that is better suited to your skin tone.
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How to wear the ’90s brown lip
Because brown lips make a dramatic statement, you’ll want to pair back the rest of your make-up.
“To complement a bold lip look, I always like a soft base, with natural-looking contouring, bronzer, blush, and a simple eye like a classic small wing liner,” Paige says.
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How to master the ’90s brown lip
A statement lip requires precision work in order to achieve a crisp, clean finish.
According to Melbourne-based make-up artist and hairstylist Madeleine Goldsmith, there’s an art to mastering the new take on this ’90s trend.
“For a truly ’90s-inspired lip with a crisp, clean finish, always freshly sharpen your lip liner each time to help you carve out your shape,” Madeleine says.
“The sharper the pencil, the finer the line; this helps you easily sketch the lip outline, knowing you won’t have a smudgy finish.”
Mistakes do happen, especially if you’re using a softer pencil formulation, but it’s nothing a bit of concealer can’t fix, Madeleine says.
“You can always use your concealer on a flat brush around the edge of your lips to clean any mistakes or refine,” she says.
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A modern take on the ’90s brown lip
While some people may choose to rock a true ’90s brown lip, others are embracing an updated, more multidimensional and edgy look.
“Brown lip trends in the ’90s were often satin or matte,” Madeleine says.
“There are so many ways you can make a ’90s (brown) lip more modern; one suggestion is to top with a gloss, or use a nude lip balm to add shine.”
Madeleine says another option is to pair brown lipstick with a brown matte shadow and glowing skin, providing a subtle take on the monotone make-up trend.
More lip trends and retro looks try:
- Go for bold! Jade Kisnorbo’s berry lips tutorial
- Cherry cola lips are the new flavour of the month
- How to rock ’90s bombshell hair
- ’70s hair and make-up looks you’ll love today
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
