Florence Pugh's Rosy-Brown Lipstick Is Giving 2016 Greige
Our take
The resurgence of Florence Pugh’s rosy-brown, almost greige matte lip at the 2026 Venice Film Festival is more than just a fleeting beauty trend revival; it’s a fascinating commentary on the cyclical nature of style and a subtle shift away from the hyper-glossy, maximalist aesthetics that have dominated recent years. The return of this shade, once deemed “controversial” and associated with a particular 2016 era, feels refreshingly considered, especially when viewed alongside the broader trends shaping the fashion landscape. We’ve been observing a quiet rebellion against the relentless pursuit of trend-driven perfection, a movement towards understated elegance, and a desire for beauty that feels inherently *personal*. It’s a sensibility perfectly echoed in the current embrace of quiet luxury – a philosophy we explore in detail with Dani Michelle, whose own style playbook showcases a similar effortless chic Dani Michelle's World: Her It-Girl Style Playbook, Her Interior Design Secrets, and the Trends She Wants Back. The boldness lies not in the shade itself, but in its deliberate reintroduction, a confident nod to the past filtered through a contemporary lens.
The initial reaction to this particular lip shade back in the mid-2010s was often one of confusion – a muted, almost “unremarkable” color that seemed to defy the prevailing beauty standards. It lacked the vibrant punch of fuchsia or the sultry allure of a deep berry. However, what it *did* possess was a quiet sophistication, a sense of understated confidence that now resonates deeply within the current cultural climate. The shift mirrors a broader movement in fashion, where muted tones and timeless silhouettes are gaining prominence, effectively replacing the fleeting allure of the ultra-trendy. This is also reflected in the color palettes being championed by retailers; Zara’s recent pronouncements on fall trends highlight the growing importance of rich, grounded hues Zara Confirmed It—6 Color Trends That Will Make Your Outfits Look More Expensive This Fall, signaling a move away from fleeting neon brights and towards more enduring, sophisticated tones. Pugh’s execution – elegant, polished, and subtly sensual – elevates the shade beyond its initial perception and positions it as a signifier of refined taste.
The significance of Pugh's choice extends beyond just the color itself. It speaks to a broader cultural desire for authenticity and a rejection of performative beauty. The meticulous, often heavily filtered, portrayals of beauty seen on social media have created a pressure to constantly appear flawless. This rosy-brown lip, however, feels grounded, real, and undeniably human. It’s not striving for an unattainable ideal; it’s offering a more approachable, relatable form of beauty. Furthermore, the conscious decision to revive a previously "controversial" trend demonstrates a willingness to challenge conventional beauty norms and embrace the evolution of style. It's about finding beauty in the unexpected, in the shades that don't immediately scream for attention, but quietly exude confidence and sophistication. This aligns perfectly with the discerning eye of someone like a former Nordstrom buyer, who recognizes the need to evolve and move beyond trends that have run their course I'm a Former Nordstrom Buyer—I Put These 6 Fall Items on Pause, and I'm Wearing These 6 Trends Instead.
Ultimately, Florence Pugh’s embrace of this rosy-brown lip represents a powerful shift in the beauty conversation. It’s a move away from fleeting trends and towards a more timeless, nuanced, and emotionally intelligent approach to self-expression. It’s not about chasing the latest viral sensation, but about cultivating a personal style that reflects inner confidence and quiet elegance. The question now is: will this revival signal a larger embrace of previously overlooked or "unfashionable" shades, and how will the beauty industry respond to this growing desire for understated, authentic beauty?
When it comes to film festivals, Venice is right up there with Cannes when it comes to the glamour factor. Every year, models and movie stars hit the Lido in fresh-off-the-runway gowns and immaculate glam. And the 83rd annual Venice Film Festival, which is currently underway, has been no different. So far, we’ve gotten Amal Clooney’s sophisticated blurred brown hair, Kendall Jenner’s glimmering Armani sheath, and Penélope Cruz’s soft updo. The latest addition to the list? Florence Pugh, who just resurrected a controversial makeup trend — a rosy brown, almost greige matte lip — in the most elegant way.
Pugh was spotted in The City of Canals on Sept. 8, clad in a silky, navy blue chemise with matching trousers and stiletto sandals as she hopped onto one of the archipelago’s famous water taxis. And her glam was just as chic: along with an effortless, scarf-tied bun, the actor sported a rosy-brown lip with cool, almost greige undertones in a soft-matte finish. While the details of the makeup haven’t dropped (at least not yet), the chilly look evoked some of the more popular matte lipsticks of the 2010s; think ABH’s Liquid Matte Lipstick in Veronica or KVD’s Queen of Poisons (formerly known as Lolita).
Though warmer hues have dominated beauty in the last decade or so, much like fun eyeshadow looks and bomber jackets, cooler-toned makeup looks are trending once more. And for good reason: Cooler tones — including taupe, gray, chilled pink, and mauve — are great for “a fresh, modern, and sophisticated look,” makeup artist Hannah Jaclyn told TZR earlier this year. “The key is to complement your skin's natural hints of blue or pink with similar cool shades for a harmonious, enhanced appearance.”
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