Terracotta Lipstick: The Earthy Tone Taking Over

Move over, standard reds and safe nudes. There is a new color family in town, and it is taking over our social media feeds and our makeup bags: terracotta lipstick. Terracotta—a beautiful, sun-baked mix of orange, brown, and red—is the ultimate "earthy" beauty statement. It’s the color of desert landscapes, vintage pottery, and autumn leaves, and it offers a warmth that is incredibly flattering for a wide range of skin tones.

What makes terracotta so appealing is its "natural" energy. Unlike a neon orange or a bright blue-red, terracotta feels like it belongs on the face. It mimics the warmth of a sunset, providing a glow that makes you look healthy, awake, and sophisticated. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants to branch out from nudes but isn't ready for a full-on "bright" lip.

The Terracotta Spectrum: From Peach to Burnt Orange

Terracotta isn't just one shade. It’s a spectrum that ranges from soft "clay-pinks" to deep "burnt oranges."

• Fair Skin: Look for "peachy-terracottas." These have more pink and less brown, which prevents them from looking too "heavy" on your features. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Sexy Sienna is a beautiful entry point.
• Medium/Olive Skin: You are the lucky ones! Terracotta was practically made for you. It harmonizes with your golden or green undertones in a way that is breathtaking. MAC Cosmetics Chili is a world-famous terracotta-red that looks incredible on you.
• Deep Skin: Reach for the "burnt" and "mahogany" terracottas. These rich, deep oranges provide a stunning, sophisticated contrast that looks incredibly modern. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Unbutton (a peachy-nude) or The Lip Bar in Hot Maple are great choices.

If you aren't sure which earth-tone will make your skin glow, our Shade Matcher can give you a professional recommendation based on your unique skin chemistry.

Why We Are Obsessed With Terracotta

Terracotta is the ultimate "mood" color. In the summer, it looks tropical and sun-kissed. In the fall, it looks cozy and seasonal. In the office, it looks professional and "grounded." It’s one of the few colors that truly transitions through every season and every event.

You can see which terracotta shades are currently capturing the public's imagination in our Trending Shades section. You’ll find a mix of matte liquids and creamy bullets that are currently the talk of the town.

How to Style Terracotta Lipstick

1. Warm Up the Cheeks: Terracotta looks best when paired with warmth in the rest of the face. A bit of bronzer or a warm peach blush will tie the whole look together.
2. Gold Accents: Because terracotta is a warm color, it looks phenomenal when paired with gold jewelry and warm, golden eyeshadows.
3. The Monochrome Look: Try using your terracotta lipstick as a cream blush. Applying the same color to your lips and cheeks creates a "monochromatic" look that is the height of current beauty trends.

If you love the terracotta look but find a designer shade you want is out of budget, our Dupe Finder can help you find affordable versions from the drugstore that offer that same sun-baked pigment for under $10.

Ready to find your perfect shade? Skip the guesswork — try POUT's free Shade Matcher and discover your match in seconds.