Russet, rust, brick or bronze... Just don’t call it brown. There are so many beautifully faceted variations of this hue and, as the seasons change, and fashion turns to a richer, deeper palette, it’s never been more appropriate. Here are my picks of the best ways to wear it…

LIPS:

Brown lips are still having a nostalgic Nineties moment and I, for one, am happy for that. As a brunette, I think there’s something so deliciously rich about a matte, brown pout. My favourite shades? Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Brown is a timeless classic (and was the shade that actually launched the brown trend in the nineties) and MAC Lip Pencil in Spice is another nineties throwback that is still relevant today. For modern takes on the trend, Chanel Rouge Coco in Antoinetteis a more russet/berry shimmer while Huda Beauty Liquid Matte in Trendsettergoes on liquid and sets to a full coverage toffee brown.

EYES:

Russet, brick and bronze are the best shades for blue eyes – they make them pop like nobody’s business. They’re also extremely flattering on green and brown eyes, so they’re a win no matter what your shade. I love MAC Eyeshadow in Woodwinked, Amberlights and Mulch.  For a good palette that contains all the browns and nudes you might need try Urban Decay in Naked 3 and Hourglass Modernist Palette in Obscura. Always keep the deeper shades closer to the eye or right in the socket line. Make your eyes appear larger by shading a pearly or gold shade over the roundest part of your eyelid and brow bone.

FACE:

To prolong a summery skin tone it’s all about bronzer. While powders have staying power, a gel gives you a beautiful natural glow that doesn’t look caked on. I really like Benefit Dew The Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer and Nars Liquid Laguna Bronzer. You can mix a dab with your foundation or tinted moisturiser to deepen it or just pat it over cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and along the top of your forehead – just where the sun would hit naturally. Use a really soft blending brush or beauty blender afterwards to make sure no product has grabbed on or is sitting in your hairline.

SKIN:

These shades do look beautiful when paired with a deeper skin tone, which is why it’s so great post-summer when your skin might be tawnier than usual. I’ve been getting spray tans with mobile tanner Stacey McPherson (she looks after many of Sydney’s bronzed beauties including Jen Hawkins). She says the trend now for spray tans is a medium chocolatey shade. “Go with a shade that is suited to your skin type and roll your tan colour in to suit with your event or outfit,” says Stacey. “I also recommend a quicker wash off option rather than sleep in tans for a more natural look.” You can also DIY it at home using Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse in Express Dark.

Shop the look:

CHANEL ROUGE COCO IN ANTOINETTE

BENEFIT COSMETICS DEW THE HOOLA LIQUID BRONZER

Photography by Alice Mahran; Hair and Makeup by Veronika Moreira

Comment (0)

  1. March 22, 2017
    Casey

    I love the original Urban Decay naked Palette for tons of bronze hues as well! Definitely compliments my deep brown eyes

  2. March 22, 2017
    Kelly D.

    So happy to hear that brown lips are making a comeback – I’ll finally be in style again 😉

  3. March 29, 2017
    Jackie

    Sigourney wears the colour so well!

  4. March 29, 2017
    Bethanny

    Thanks for introducing me to this trend, looks gorgeous! Will definitely be trying it out