Beauty's Love Affair with the Colour Brown
From chestnut liner to cappuccino lips, brown makeup is certainly having a moment. We consult expert makeup artist Annabella Brayne to find out how to make it work for you
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Beauty's Love Affair with the Colour Brown
From chestnut liner to cappuccino lips, brown makeup is certainly having a moment. We consult expert makeup artist Annabella Brayne to find out how to make it work for you
By: Shannon PeterBrown makeup is certainly ‘in’ right now. But did it ever really go away? “It’s so timeless, and a life-long favourite of mine,” admits makeup artist, Annabella Brayne. “But right now, it’s everywhere – in fashion, beauty and interiors. There’s just something so cosy about it; it’s the perfect neutral that looks flattering on every skin tone. For me, it just feels so sophisticated, expensive and elevated.” In other words, it’s the understated makeup trend worth trying in 2025.
The Shade Game
But, is it as easy as pulling a brown eyeshadow from your makeup bag and swiping it on? Not far off, but the key is finding the right shade for you. “There are brown shades to suit every skin tone, in lipsticks, eye products and beyond,” Brayne continues. “Everybody will suit something different, but the key is to first identify the undertones of your skin and then find a brown to match.” Cool toned skin suit shades like ash, rose or espresso browns, whereas rich and earthy warm tones such as caramel and chestnut suit a complexion with yellow, peachy and golden undertones, Brayne confirms.
A Treat for the Eyes
On the eyes, brown has the added benefit of complementing pretty much any colour. “It makes green eyes pop more, brings out chocolate tones in brown eyes, but where it really shines is with blue eyes; the contrast and warmth can really make blue eyes pop,” Brayne explains.
Shop Brown Eye Makeup
Jones Road
The Best Eyeshadow 2.9g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Bobbi Brown
Peachy Nudes Eye Shadow Palette 5.5g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Hourglass
Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick 1.6g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Westman Atelier
Eye Love You Eye Pencil Khôl 1.14g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Hourglass
Curator Eyeshadow 1g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Westman Atelier
Eye Pods Toujours 2.4g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Application really needn’t feel laborious either – another win. “Modern makeup wearers want products that are quick, easy and impactful, with minimal effort,” Brayne asserts. “So we’re not really seeing so many graphic shapes and technical precision, the trend right now is for something far more romantic.” Sound up your street? “Cream shadows are particularly easy to use; you can apply with your finger in a single swipe of colour and finish with a slick of mascara. That always feels really effortless.”
Your upper lid needn’t get all the action. “Shadow and liners smudged under the bottom lashes is going to be a big trend throughout 2025. It’s a soft focus finish that I love,” Brayne shares.
Lash Out
Perhaps the easiest entry point to the trend is to simply switch your traditional black mascara for brown. “I just adore brown mascara. It defines and frames the eyes without looking harsh. I just think it feels a bit more chic and natural,” Braynes explains. She’s a big fan of Westman Atelier’s Eye Want You Mascara in Le Brun Clean, using it on herself and clients alike. “It’s the only one I’ve found that does not transfer onto my hooded eyelids.”
Now We're Talking
Brown lips are having a moment too, but a flat slick of colour can feel out of your comfort zone, if you’re not a seasoned lipstick wearer. “I love to give brown lipstick some dimension with a bit of glow, gloss or sheen which tends to be much more easy to wear. Hourglass has some beautiful sheen-y lip products at the moment, in cool, neutral and rich browns,” Brayne recommends.
Shop Brown Lip Products
Guerlain
KissKiss Tender Matte Lipstick 2.8g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Hourglass
Phantom Volumising Glossy Lip Balm 1.7g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Byredo
Lipstick Matte 2.2g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
SUQQU
Cream Touch Blush and Lip 7.3g
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Lisa Eldridge Beauty
Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss 4.5ml
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Hourglass
Shape and Sculpt Lip Liner
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
But one lipstick of serious note? Lisa Eldridge’s Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Meet Me in Berlin. ��It sold out everywhere but is back now,” explains Brayne. “It’s a beautiful brown that suits so many skin tones, looking super rich on paler skin, or more of a nude on darker skin.”
The good news? Brown makeup is pretty ubiquitous. A Liberty regular herself, Brayne confirms: “Every beauty brand had such a good selection of browns for every single skin tone. This is a trend everyone can enjoy.” We’ll see you in the Beauty Hall!
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