5 Brown Lip Combos to Try Immediately

Every lip color has its place in our makeup bags, but brown lip combos never fail us. The shade has stayed iconic since the ’90s, but we’ve found so many more ways to wear it since then. From cinnamon-spice lips to glazed-donut brown, this look stays so versatile, we promise you can definitely find a way to make it work for you.

If you’re new to creating brown lip combos (or even if you wear ’em on the daily), there are two Milk MVPs we’d recommend picking up. First up, our KUSH Lip Oil in Chocolate Cake, a super sheer lip oil that’s so subtle, you can’t mess it up. No matter which liners or lipsticks you layer underneath, this is the best way to top them off. Doesn’t hurt that it also smells like brownie batter and drenches your lips in non-sticky hydration. Pair it with our Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner in Limitless—yes, you can use it as a lip liner too. The neutral tone and creamy texture work just as well on lips as they do on your eyes, so you can get the most out of your liner.

Still curious about how to rock a brown lip? We’ll show you how it’s done. See how five of our Milk Makeup staffers incorporate KUSH Lip Oil, Infinity eyeliner, and more brown lip combo staples into their makeup routines.

1. The Look: Cinnamon Spice

Who’s wearing it: Jonaira

“I've been trying to create the perfect brown ombre lip for my skin tone and this is it. I took the Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner in Limitless and heavily lined my lips before using a lighter brown liner and going over it to tone down the intensity. Over the top of both liners, I swiped on a layer of Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Day Trip (the dreamiest brown gloss) and added a lighter concealer shade in the middle. To create the ombre effect, I rubbed my lips together and used my finger to tone down the concealer.”

Model wears an ombré brown lip look with bold brown lip liner

2. The Look: Bronzy Brown

Who’s wearing it: Ella

“I used to never think that brown lips were for me; pinks and reds have always felt more natural. But after trying this bronzy lip combo, I actually loved it. I decided to pair my lip look with warm makeup so everything coordinated. After swiping on Matte Bronzer in Dazed and Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Spritz on my cheeks, I patted a light layer of Sculpt Stick in Simmer onto my lips as a base color. Once I had a hue I was happy with, I topped it off with KUSH Lip Oil in Chocolate Cake for an extra-hydrated effect. This will definitely be my go-to look for fall this year!”

Model with fair skin wears a brown lip look

3. The Look: Blurred Brown Lips

Who’s wearing it: Alisha

“I’ve always loved to overline my lips and smudge it out. Infinity eyeliner is the best for that look. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and matte to do a natural overlined lip, and the neutral brown tone is so flattering on me. I apply the liner slightly over the middle of the bottom of my lip line and on my cupid's bow, then blend it with my finger to blur any harsh lines. To add more dimension, I’ll apply some Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Day Trip just in the center of my lips for a gorgeous neutral (yet very plumped) blurred lip look.”

Model wears a medium brown glossy lip look

4. The Look: Naturally Sheer

Who’s wearing it: Bee

“I’ve always loved a brown lip combo. The ’90s did it best and it’s remained timeless since then. My lips are already naturally a brown-pink color, so I wanted to celebrate that, choosing brown lip products very carefully to make sure they suit my skin tone. For this look, I used the KUSH Lip Oil in Chocolate Cake. It’s so hydrating, has a super sheer tint, and smells delicious. My favorite thing about this formula is that it’s not sticky and feels lightweight. It makes for the perfect effortless fall makeup look!”

Model wears a brown lip look that matches her brown skin tone

5. The Look: Glazed Donut Lips

Who’s wearing it: Adriana

“This is my favorite lip combo for transitioning from summer to fall. For this look, I combined the Infinity Eyeliner in Limitless with my favorite KUSH Lip Oil in Chocolate Cake. Although I typically go for pink tones (I love Lip + Cheek in Werk on my lips), I’m embracing this brown lip combo for fall. I love that KUSH Lip Oil makes my lips feel so hydrated, too. I'm obsessed!”