I’m not exaggerating, brown lip gloss is *everywhere* right now—these are the 9 I'm adding straight to basket

Call it the Hailey Bieber effect

Hailey Bieber brown lip gloss
(Image credit: Getty Images)

It may be a beauty trend that’s intrinsically linked to the 90s, but a quick scroll through my Instagram feed this past few weeks has revealed that brown lip gloss is officially back. Proving you can’t keep a good trend down for long, the rich chocolate tone is fast becoming the only lip gloss shade (whether shimmery or plumping) to wear once again, staking its claim as one of autumn's biggest trends. And who do we owe it to? Of course, the ultimate beauty trendfluencer, Hailey Bieber.

While in the past, however, brown-toned lips came in many iterations (from matte to satin finishes and chic brown lip liner looks), this season there’s one key way to be wearing the brown lip: ultra-glossy and in a rich, hydrating formula. “While today's brown lip is definitely a throwback to the 90s,” says celebrity make-up artist, Enya Sullivan, “this season we’re reimagining the trend in a cooler way by adding a gloss finish. By opting for balmy textures, it’s a lip look that feels fresh and not too try-hard, making it the perfect daytime glam look.”

Case in point: at the Rhode pop-up last month, where nearly everyone had a slick of the brand’s now cult espresso lip treatment not only on their lips but proudly showcased on their matching Rhode phone case, too. Yet, white Rhode’s moisturising treatment is undoubtedly a firm favourite with brown-lip lovers, it isn’t the only way to wear the glossy chocolate trend. “In the day, I’d definitely stick to applying a brown balm on its own,” says Enya, “however for a more luxe, night-time look, start by using a brown lip liner. I love MAC’s Chestnut for darker skin tones and Oak for lighter. Then, place the gloss just in the centre to give a three dimensional effect.”

If you’re feeling intimidated at the thought of trying a glossy brown lip look, tailoring your shade to suit your skin tone can be a great place to start. “The great thing about this lip look is that it suits all skin tones,” Enya says. “You just need to tailor the shade of brown you use.”

Balmy finishes that offer a subtle hint of colour are a great way to ease into the look, however there’s also no need to play it safe either. For a twist on the statement lip, take inspiration from influencer Holly White and try a warm brown tone, instead. It looks great on both pale and darker skin tones thanks to the soft red undertones making the trend both wearable and interesting at the same time.

Now you know everything there is to know about the glossy brown lip look, you’re probably wanting to get your hands on one to try it out for yourself, so, I’ve rounded up an edit of the best brown glosses to try. From nourishing brown toned balms to slick lip oils and hydrating lip glosses, these are the best of the best…

Shop the best brown lip glosses

1. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Espresso

2. Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil in Falcon

3. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminzer in Hot Choclit

4. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Hot Cocoa

5. Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss Lip Gloss in Top Down

6. Milk Makeup Kush Lip Oil in Chocolate Cake

7. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Honey Talks

8. RMS Beauty Legendary Lip Oil in Milla

9. Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip in Mocha Glow

Jazzria Harris
Freelance Fashion & Beauty Writer

Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.