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2024 is witnessing a resurgence of the brown liner phenomenon. Has the trend been officially re-crowned, or did it never lose the throne to begin with?
Brown liner has been a beauty classic since the 1950s, infusing looks with warmth and depth. This versatile gem can transition from a subtle, natural look to a bold, dramatic statement, making it a must-have in countless makeup bags. Like a style icon that dances in and out of the spotlight, the brown liner has always claimed its spot at the beauty table, proving time and again that it’s here to stay.
Kim Kardashian sporting her KKW gloss and lip liner Credit: Courtesy of KKW
Brown lip liner didn’t just pop up overnight—it has deep roots in Black and Latinx beauty culture, during its golden era in the ’90s. Back then, Black and Latina women turned the bold, dark liner paired with a lighter gloss into an iconic statement. It wasn’t just a look—it was a cultural signature. Stars like Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott brought this style to the mainstream long before it became a runway or glossy magazine staple. This bold contrast of dark liner and light gloss embodied empowerment and style, and has since evolved into a timeless beauty trend, celebrated across fashion and music scenes alike.
For a reminder of its reign, just glance at the 2024 VMAs—where Hollywood’s finest served up brown liner realness. It’s a power play that walks the razor-thin line between couture and street cred, proving once again that this classic is no wallflower.
TYLA: Browned Lips Meet Gloss That Pops
Credit: Courtesy of Gettyimages
TYLA, freshly crowned Best New Artist, Afrobeats sensation, and Best Video winner, graced the red carpet like royalty, serving a lip look that balanced boldness and ease with precision. Her sculpted, brown-lined lips kissed with a glossy maroon sheen, gave just the right pop without the need for overlining drama. The rich brown tones harmonised with her green string dress, while her golden ash curls added a playful yet elegant glow—lively but polished with the precision of the new flame as a fashion powerhouse.
PARIS HILTON: Nude Brown Lip Liner Meets ‘The’ Iconic Silver Dress
Hilton served up pure nostalgia at this year’s ceremony in a shimmering tribute to her legendary 21st birthday dress. Talk about a throwback with a glittery twist! But her beauty game? Oh, that’s where the real sparkle came in. Paris worked her magic with a flawless nude, pinkish-brown lip liner, sealed with a glossy pop of shine that had her pout gleaming like the star she was. Add in her sultry dark eye makeup and a sleek wet-hair look, and you’ve got a glaring combination of retro glamour and futuristic flair. Paris didn’t just shimmer—she shone, leaving no doubt that she’s still the queen of sparkle.
HALSEY: Bold Brown Maroon Lipliner Meets Hurley’s 30-Year-Old Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Celebmafia
Halsey made a stunning entrance in an animal print gown that immediately transported us back to the glamour of the ’90s. The bold choice was none other than the iconic Versace dress famously worn by Elizabeth Hurley over three decades ago. Her lips are outlined with a daring dark maroon lip liner, while a rich brown nude lipstick adds a layer of elegance. The combination of colours creates a bold and sophisticated look that complements her complexion. Her makeup is finished off with a subtle touch of shimmer on her eyelids, enhancing her overall glamorous appearance. The look is crowned with a glossy finish that not only highlights her modern sophistication but also adds a touch of high-glam allure.
LISA: Subtle Pinkish-Brown Lip Liner Meets Bold Baby Pink Blush
Lisa dazzles with a dynamic wardrobe shift that showcases her versatility. On the red carpet, she embraced an ethereal look with a baby pink lip, subtly lined to perfection, harmonising with her heavy blush and pristine white dress for a demure, angelic aura. Fast forward to her award-show appearance, where she swaps the delicate for dramatic in a sleek, dark minidress that’s both chic and easy to move in. Her lips now feature a bolder liner, but it’s still not too brown—adding just the right amount of depth while keeping the pink soft and fresh. Her baby pink blush remains perfectly in place, making for a transformation that proves Lisa’s lip liner game is as versatile as her ever-evolving style.
SABRINA CARPENTER: Brownish-Red Lip Liner Meets Madonna-Inspired Glam
Credit: Courtesy of Gettyimages
Carpenter brings her vivacious style to the red carpet in a silver beaded Bob Mackie dress from 1991—originally designed for Madonna, no less! Her VMAs lip look? It’s bold. “Stop the press” levels of bold!
Her lips are a striking red with a hint of dark maroon-brown, crowned with a glossy finish that glimmers with a hint of glitter. They catch the light with a magnetic sparkle, drawing all eyes to her confident smile. This look is a statement of bold sophistication, demanding admiration with every gleam. Meanwhile, her makeup maintains a chic balance—her blush and eyes are a soft pink with a touch of shimmer, allowing her lips to steal the spotlight while keeping the overall vibe elegantly understated.
From this quick scroll through these star-studded looks, we can see the versatility of lip liners in brown hues. Whether you’re after a soft, barely-there kiss of colour or bold, drama-packed lips, brown liner has got you covered. It’s a refined vibe-shifter—a secret weapon of beauty. Snag this often-overlooked gem from a nearby boutique, nestle it in your cosmetics bag, and wield it like a maestro, ready to elevate your look whether you’re enjoying a casual brunch with friends or heading out for a cocktail evening with your special someone.
We’re saying this because brown liner is the unsung hero of high fashion, effortlessly elevating any runway look with a splash of sophistication. On the flip side, streetwear embraces its laid-back cool, adding an edge that’s both subtly fierce and casually chic. Whether you’re blending it seamlessly for a sleek finish or going bold with sharp lines and glittering gloss, brown liner sculpts a signature style that’s as timeless as it is daring. The versatility of brown liner allows for endless creativity and experimentation. Its ability to complement a wide range of skin tones and eye colours further solidifies its status as a makeup essential for both fashionistas and beauty buffs alike.
Pick Up Your Own
Credit: Courtesy of Fentybeauty
Fenty by Rihanna, SKKN by Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Cosmetics are all jumping on the nude lip kit bandwagon. These releases, complete with chic glosses, highlight the brown liner’s stylish comeback. This trend is all about defining your lips with a sophisticated touch, blending edge with elegance. Whether you’re sculpting a fuller pout or experimenting with fresh looks, brown liner can be relied upon to do the job.
