For the Love of Lip Color: Melanin-Friendly Fall Lippies

If there’s one thing fall is famous for, it’s the beautiful hues it brings. From the leaves to the lipsticks, fall colors are unmatched.

Now, I’ve already disclosed that I am more of a gloss girl than lipstick, however, this time of year I like to switch it up some! But since I’m on a budget and I don’t even wear lipstick year-round, you won’t find me splurging on a MAC or NARS lippie. Instead, I opt for high quality drugstore brands that keep me bougie on a budget!

In autumn, I stick to four main lip colors- nude, red, plum, and mauve. I feel they are the most widely-used and appropriate for the season. So when shopping for my seasonal lippie collection, I sought out these specific colors.

First things first, before we get into any lip color, we’ve got to start with a base- lip liner. Lip liner is a must when dealing with both bold and neutral colors, and it is especially complimentary for brown girls. While the YouTube makeup gurus might tell you that MAC Chestnut is the perfect lipliner, I’m not shelling out 19 bucks for that. Basic brown liner from your corner beauty supply store will give you the exact same result for about $2.

Now on to the colors! I’ve chosen lippies in both satin and matte finishes for each color category to give you options. (I would like to ask for your forgiveness in advance for the enlarged pores, uneven skin, and girlstache. The changing of seasons is great and all, but it can also do a number on the skin!)

Nudes

News flash- nude isn’t universal. Since I’m a brown girl, my perfect shade of nude is, you guessed it- brown! If you have a fairer complexion, brown is still a perfectly acceptable fall lip color for you too!

Satin Finish

L’Oreal Colour Riche in “Le Beige” (106) – $10.99

Le Beige is not your typical, chalky nude. Smooth and glossy, this lippie is great for everyday!

Matte Finish

NYX Lip Lingerie in “Beauty Mark” (05) – $7

Beauty Mark is more of a “greige” but it still classifies as nude! It blends effortlessly with my skin tone, and would make a great base for an ombre’ lip.

Reds

There is no need to fear red lip color! Yes, it’s bold, but red works for everyone. Personally, I lean more toward crimson shades- I love the richness of the color.

Satin Finish

L’Oreal Colour Riche in “Rouge St. Germain” (120) – $10.99

Like the coating on a candy apple, this lippie is bold and sweet! Not to mention, super moisturizing too!

Matte Finish

Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in “Devotion” (14) – $8.99

This lip color made me fall in love with red. It’s dramatic and sultry, and it transitions very well from fall to winter.

Plums

Berry colors were my introduction into bold fall lipsticks. I found plum was the easiest shade to swallow when I was just sticking my toe in the water of the color world. Now, vampy looks are a must!

Satin Finish

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in ” Sangria” (25) – $5.99

This wine-inspired lippie is simply perfection. It’s fun and flirty, but it can be worn whether you’re at work or at play.

Matte Finish

L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Plum Bum” (362) – $10.99

This matte lippie has the most hydrating formula I have ever used. On top of that, it’s the longest-lasting too! Plum Bum definitely passes the all day wear test.

Mauves

Mauve is an interesting color that has become popular in the last few years. A cross between pink and purple, it is unique and on-trend, but can also be quite difficult to wear for melanated girls. Here are my mauve matches!

Satin Finish

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in “Naturally Chic” (25) – $5.99

This lippie is more pink than purple, and has a lovely shimmery undertone. Either way, I say it’s a win!

Matte Finish

Victoria’s Secret Velvet Matte in “Perfection” – discontinued

This lippie is one from a season ago that I’ve never gotten rid of! I usually stray away from pink matte colors because they can read very ashy, but this one doesn’t. It can still be found on various third party sites, and it’s worth the hunt.

Finding the perfect lip color can be difficult for someone on a budget, and even more difficult if you’re a brown girl like me. But you don’t have to dip into your savings to look fabulous this fall! Drugstore makeup is just as good as the big brands. So the next time you’re picking up a prescription, take a stroll through the makeup aisle! You’ll be surprised at what you find!

Kisses,