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How to Look Fresh as Hell in Brown Lipstick

This is one of the '90s trends we're actually excited is making a comeback. Here's how to wear brown lipstick without looking like a corpse
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Gigi Hadid's Matte Brown Lip
Gigi Hadid's matte brown lipstick pairs perfectly with her winged liner and groomed brows. To get the look, try Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick, $22, in 1993 -- an extremely pigmented, non-drying, medium brown matte. Use it with Urban Decay Glide-On Lip Pencil, $20, in 1993.

Pro tip: Apply lip liner after applying lipstick, says celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams. Once your lipstick is on, press your lips together to see where they overlap, and then go in with the lip liner. "If you line the lips last, it makes lips look more natural even with the richest of colors," she explains.

Image via @gigihadid

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Kylie Jenner's Taupe Lipstick Look
"The stony taupe tones are a little harder for some to pull off," says Stapleton. "Those are often the 'dead' tones some fear." To avoid looking like Liv from "iZombie" (AKA, kinda dead), add life back into your face with bronzer, highlighter and defined eyes. He adds that taupe-y brown shades are definitely for the fearless trendsetter, so it's no surprise that Kylie Jenner has rocked it effortlessly. Try: M.A.C. Lip Pencil, $16.50, in Stone -- Stapleton calls it a great grey-brown lip pencil.

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Sarah Hyland's Shimmery Brown Lipstick
Here, Sarah Hyland wears an orange-hued version of the brown lipstick trend. Paired with a bronze smoky eye and matching cheeks, this look is a winner. Try: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shaping Cream Lip Colour, $37, in Forever Brown, a pumpkin-spice-latte hued lipstick that's slightly shimmery and glossy.

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Zendaya's Warm Brown Lipstick
#Browsonfleek, a little mascara and a matte brown lipstick are all you need to look effortlessly cool. (Good lighting helps as well.)

Williams notes that brown lipstick is more flattering than oxblood, the other '90s shade making a comeback. "Brown has so many more undertones and can actually read warm and sophisticated on lips," she explains. "Look for matte formulas that have some texture to them rather than dry stains to keep lips looking fresh."

Try Nyx Matte Lipstick, $6, in Maison, a matte, neutral brown shade. Williams also likes Lancome Rouge in Love Lipcolor, $22, in Cocoa Couture -- a rich, reddish brown.

Photo via

Aside from giving us serious eyebrow envy, Joan Smalls is wearing the hell out of that slightly red brown lipstick. (Side note: smize goals.) Outline your lips and fill them in with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Re-Shape and Re-Size Lip Liner, $22, in Foxy Brown and top it off with her Matte Revolution Lipstick, $32, in Very Victoria for a look that's defined and will last all day.

Photo via @joansmalls

BY ALLIE FLINN | NOV 12, 2015 | SHARES
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