Getty Images By Jessica Fields ·Updated February 18, 2026 /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

HED: Master Brown Lip Liner Like a Professional With These MUA-Approved Tips 

DEK: Makeup artists Todd Haris and Eddie Duos share their brown liner tips—how to handle two-toned lips included.

Byline: Jessica 

When I think about universal makeup staples, nothing stands out more than a deep brown lip liner. It can be used to contour the lips, creating a fuller look when paired with a complexion-complementing nude lipstick, or to add dimension to a striking red lip. Even when worn simply, with a clear gloss, a good brown lip liner can steal the show. 

But it isn’t just an essential makeup item—it’s an iconic one. In the ‘90s, supermodels like Iman and Naomi Campbell solidified brown lip liner as a classic look. The trends may have shifted over the years, but the sentiment has remained the same. No makeup bag is complete without brown lip liner. But finding a flattering shade isn’t always easy. While the selection has become more diverse, rich brown colors, favorable for deep complexions, can be hard to track down.

That’s when having an expert eye comes into play. Ahead, we spoke with makeup artists Todd Haris and Eddie Duos, who shared everything from how to shop for and apply brown lip liner. They even told us how to make it work for two-toned lips. 

Finding Your Perfect Match

It’s probably no surprise that undertones are the key to securing the right lip liner shade. Cool, warm, and neutral tones under the skin help determine the hues that work best with your skin tone. But nailing down your ideal brown lip liner shade works differently. As Haris explains, shopping for a brown liner is similar to finding your perfect contour color. “You don’t want a pencil to match your lips but one that is instead two shades darker than your skin tone,” he says. 

Brown lip liners are often used to contour the lips, adding shadows that create dimension. Duos, makeup artist and Make Up For Ever educator, says that opting for a color deeper than your natural lip line helps you to achieve a stronger, more defined look. For those who prefer a softer look, he suggests a neutral or slightly warm brown. “These shades will appear more seamless and natural while still giving you decent color payoff.

How to Apply Brown Lip Liner

Application techniques vary depending on the depth of the shade and how defined you want your lips to look. “The deeper the brown liner is compared to your skin tone and natural lip color, the more precise the application needs to be,” says Duos. This look isn’t about altering or distorting your natural lip shape. Instead, it’s meant to enhance and refine it, which means accuracy is essential. “Before you apply, be sure you’re starting with a freshly sharpened pencil. This will help you lightly sketch the shape just outside your natural lip line,” says Haris. “Use short, thinhref=”https://weloveus.shop/products/mischo-beauty-lip-liner-in-madam?_pos=2&_sid=da73e81b4&_ss=r?variant=42480418390093″ target=”_blank”> If you’re looking for something smooth and easy to apply, thanks to the creamy texture and pointed tip, this one’s for you. Although more on the mauve-side of the color spectrum, it still gives off the warm richness of a classic brown. Available at weloveus.shop 18Shop Now 02 02 Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Lip Liner in Limitless Brown This collection of lip liners includes several rich browns, but the latest addition offers something unique. Instead of a flat color, it has a hint of shimmer for a subtle sparkling effect. Paired with the cocoa brown hue, it puts a modern spin on the classic look. Available at Sephora.com 26Shop Now 03 03 NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner in Club Hopper If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about NYX’s viral Cold Brew lip liner. While that shade can be too washed-out for deep complexions, Club Hopper offers a richer color payoff thanks to its reddish-brown undertone. TikTok users agree and have declared it the better option for creating a defined look. Available at Ulta.com 6Shop Now 04 04 Jones Road The Lip Pencil in Chocolate This chocolate-colored pencil is the sweet spot between natural and dramatic. It’s deeply pigmented but has a soft finish that naturally enhances your lips. Adding another layer deepens the shade and instantly takes your look from boring to bold. Available at Jonesroadbeauty.com 24Shop Now 05 05 Rimmel 8hr Soft Lip Liner in Brownie Haris is a fan of this lip liner for its long wearing abilities. The formula goes on creamy and smooth, but dries down to a soft matte finish that stays in place for hours. He notes that the fudge-toned shade is also perfect for adding definition to the lips. Available at Amazon.com 5Shop Now 06 06 Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain in Rich Brown Lip stains have become a popular technique for creating a softly diffused look. The liquid formula takes the guesswork out of blending and allows the product to melt seamlessly into your natural lip color. The stain effect also means your look stays locked into place throughout the day. Available at Sephora.com 25Shop Now 07 07 The Lip Bar in Straight Livin’ Reach for this espresso shade when you want strong definition and rich color payoff. The pencil has a silky consistency, making it ideal for blending and creating a slightly ombre effect Available at thelipbar.com 11Shop Now

 

The post How To Master Brown Lip Liner Like a Professional   appeared first on Essence.