Fearlessly embrace your unique beauty and let your confidence reign by applying the best dark lipsticks and creating a stunning overall look. They can be edgy and gothic, elegant and sophisticated, or even retro and vintage-inspired. In addition to that, it has the power to enhance your facial features. It draws attention to your lips and can make them appear fuller and more defined. If you have particularly plump or well-shaped lips, dark lipstick can accentuate them beautifully. 

The boldness of dark lipstick can make you feel more assertive, fierce, and self-assured. From wicked wine to mysterious merlot and toasted truffle, there are countless shades that you could get your hands on. However, it can be an excruciating task to find out which will suit your skin tone the best. To save you time, we have curated a list of the best dark lipstick shades in all kinds of finishes, including matte, glossy, demi-matte, frosted, and satin. Go through our guide and select your favorite. 

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• 1
  Best Overall

  MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Color Sensational Lipstick - Divine Wine

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Make Maybelline New York’s dark-colored lipstick your armor and slay throughout the day with its long-lasting effect. It is sensual, hydrating, and enriched with the goodness of shea butter, nectar honey, and sesame seed oil that delivers a matte, velvety, and bold finish. Talking about the goodness of sesame oil, our contributor Maya Adivi, a certified makeup artist, says, “Sesame oil is an effective emollient that helps soften the lips. It also contains a lot of linoleic acid, which has a soothing effect.” To note, it is packaged in a bullet design and is suitable for all skin tones. It is highly pigmented and feels light on the lips. Furthermore, it is perfect for any occasion. It can be worn at formal as well as casual events.

2

Best Plumping Effect

Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick - Brick

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The shade Brick of this luscious dark lipstick dries down to an intense, burgundy color — perfect for a suave 1920s aesthetic — which is why we highly recommend it for special and glamorous occasions. Despite having a matte finish, this lipstick does a good job of making your lips look plump and full. The lipstick has a creamy texture that goes on smoothly and evenly over your cupid’s bow and doesn’t wear off easily, so you can trust it to last for a long time. All in all, this lipstick deserves a spot in your makeup stash.

3

wet n wild High-shine Lipstick - Rosé And Slay

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Wet n Wild’s lush dark lipstick delivers a shiny look while being cruelty and fragrance-free. It is infused with natural ingredients like murumuru butter, sunflower seed oil, mango butter, and watermelon seed oil. All of these ingredients promise to help in nourishing your lips and keeping them hydrated. Talking about its texture, it feels creamy, silky, and light – it glides smoothly on the lips. When we tested this product, we found out that it looks the best on olive and yellow skin tones.

4

Most Delicious Flavor

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick - Adoring

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A major factor that makes this dark liquid lipstick by theBalm a premium product is that it delivers an intense color payoff, so you don’t have to reapply or layer up on your lips very often. The texture of this lipstick is lightweight, which won’t cause any stickiness, heaviness, or discomfort to your lips and allow them to breathe. It goes on smoothly over your lips — and unlike most other formulas — stays put for an adequately long time. Besides, the shade Adoring is a gorgeous maroon color that looks great on darker skin tones. 

5

wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick - Black Orchid

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Wet n Wild’s grunge lipstick in the shade Black Orchid is perfect for those who love bewitching bold lips. The formula contains rich pigments, vitamins A and E, aloe vera, castor oil, and the magic ingredient - macadamia nut oil which contains antioxidants to provide hydration. Based on our observation, it is rich, creamy, buildable, and feels like you are applying silk to your lips – that’s how smooth it is. What’s more is that it comes in a bullet design and it can be easily carried anywhere.

6

Best Lightweight Formula

REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick - Midnight Mystery

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Hold your breath as we present to you the darkest vampy lipstick you will ever witness. Revlon’s super vibrant lip color in the shade Midnight Mystery is pitch black. It is cool, bold, and makes you feel like you are the queen of the world. Talking about its formulation, it is packed with healthy and lip-loving ingredients like avocado oil, vitamin E, and butter. It is super hydrating and delivers a demi-matte look. Additionally, it has microfiber pigments and it minimizes lines to deliver smooth, fuller-looking lips.

7

Best for All Skin Tones

REVLON Luscious Matte Lipstick - Black Cherry

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Meet your next staple matte lipstick by Revlon that looks ultra-chic and edgy. This dark matte lipstick features a unique blend of dark cherry and black shades. It is formulated with agave, moringa oil, and cupuacu butter to help your lips feel supple and look smooth. What’s more is that it moisturizes your lips and has a lightweight feel. Our team discovered after using this product that it has a compact size and can be easily carried at all times for on-the-go touch-ups.

8

Best Transfer-proof Formula

NYX Lingerie XXL - Deep Mesh

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Nyx’s deep mesh is hands down the best dark brown lipstick you will ever find. It is matte, extra long-lasting, and looks chocolaty! Based on our research, it is vegan, lightweight, and doesn’t make your lips cakey. Also, the buttery-feel formula effortlessly glides on your lips while being transfer-proof. The best part is that it’s suitable for all skin tones. So, go ahead and accentuate your lips with this product and enjoy irresistibly dark lips without having to reapply it for frequent touch-ups.

9

Most Flattering Color

Clinique Almost Lipstick - Black Honey

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Clinique’s Almost Lipstick has a unique sheer formula that provides a natural-looking, subtle tint with a hint of deep berry. Furthermore, it is famously known for its versatility, as it complements a wide range of skin tones – delivering a sheer yet rich color that enhances the lips' natural beauty. It’s not as dark as the rest of the products on this list but it is still a beloved choice for those seeking a dark lipstick that is wearable, universally flattering, and effortlessly chic without overpowering your entire appearance.

10

Best Moisturizing Properties

Nicka K New York - Dark Brick

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Nicka K’s dark red-brown lipstick is a captivating shade that delivers an intense matte look. This deep, brick-red hue exudes warmth and makes it a statement look for both formal and casual occasions. In addition to that, it is highly pigmented, has a rich color payoff, and the application feels creamy and smooth while offering moisturization properties. Plus, the formula is non-drying. Hence, you don’t have to worry about chapped lips. Lastly, it is smudge-proof and lasts a long time without touch-ups.

11

Best Coverage

COOSA HYDRA MATTE LIP GLOSS - Set of 3

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Coosa’s matte lip gloss comes in three dark color lipstick shades that will meet your needs in almost every situation. It has a high-performance pigment and delivers a deep matte look. Shoppers have loved this product and reviewed it as a lipstick that offers “Fantastic coverage”. So, if you are looking for shades that will cover up your pigmentation, you can add this to your cart right away. Also, they are long-lasting, have a non-sticky feel to them, and glide smoothly on soft lips. On the contrary, if you have dry lips or wrinkles, you can use a lip balm before applying the gloss.

12

DNM MATTE LIP GLOSS - Set Of 3

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If you are looking for gothic and vampy shades in one, here is the perfect velvety combo for you. These matte shades are formulated with vitamin E, beeswax, vegetable oil, and other natural ingredients. All these help in locking moisture to achieve a long-lasting hydrating effect. What’s more is that the texture is lightweight and offers a zero-gravity silky feel. As per our research, they are extremely long-wearing lipsticks and don’t dry out your lips. Lastly, use a makeup remover infused with any essential oil when trying to remove the lipstick.

13

Myena Matte Lipstick - Mia

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Doll up your lips and leave a lasting impression with Myrna’s matte lipstick that is highly pigmented and non-transferable. This brownish-red lipstick with a good hint of purple is waterproof, kiss-proof, non-sticky, and doesn’t crack or dry out your lips. To note, it is made with premium quality ingredients and has a sweet vanilla scent. Our findings show that it provides a flattering finish for both casual and formal events. The best part is that unlike other liquid lipsticks in matte form, this one dries quickly.

14

ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Envy - Tiger Eye

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Make your lips look beautifully shaped, sculpted, and curvaceous with Estée Lauder’s luminous burnt red lipstick. It comes in its iconic limited edition red, white, and gold case. Shoppers have loved this product and called it “Decadent” and “Youthful”. To note, it gives a satin finish and has the power to transform your lips, look, and attitude. Additionally, it is formulated with a time-release moisture complex formula that provides hydration without compromising on shine or color.

15

Best Creamy Consistency

BLACK RADIANCE - Black Out

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Hear us out - this is the darkest lipstick in the world. It is black, creamy, and highly pigmented. Enriched with vitamin E, it effectively moisturizes and softens the lips. On top of that, it has a creamy texture and a shiny demi-matte finish. Talking about its packaging, it comes in a gorgeous golden and black bullet design. It suits all skin tones including deep skin tones and fair ones. To note, there are 13 other lovely bold shades available that you can try if you are hesitant about the black one.

These are the best dark lipsticks that are more than just a part of your makeup routine – they are a way of fearlessly embracing your unique beauty. Take a look below to know who can wear such shades and how you can choose the right one.

Honestly, dark lipsticks can be worn by anyone ranging from dark skin tones to olive and blue undertones. It’s also perfect for those who want to experiment with bolder and more dramatic makeup looks. It’s a personal choice that exudes confidence and adds a touch of allure to any makeup look. It can be worn for various occasions, from everyday wear to special events.

It is all about embracing your personal style and wearing what makes you feel empowered and beautiful. Ultimately, the decision to wear dark lipstick comes down to individual preference and experimentation. If you're curious about trying it, don't hesitate to explore different shades and find the ones that make you feel confident and fabulous.

Discussing the makeup aesthetic that goes best with dark lipstick, our contributor Maya Adivi, says, “I prefer keeping the rest of the makeup understated so it doesn't compete with the dark lip. This can make for a very striking look! That said, there's nothing wrong with an old-school goth vibe of dark lips and a smudged smokey eye.”

Finding the best dark lipstick shade for you involves considering factors such as your skin tone, undertones, and personal preferences. Here are some tips that will help you find the perfect dark lipstick shade:

• Determine Your Skin Undertone: Identify whether you have a cool, warm, or neutral undertone. For instance, cool undertones and light undertones typically have pink or bluish tones, whereas warm and deeper skin tones  have yellow or golden tones, and neutral undertones have a balance of both.
• Consider Contrast: Look at the contrast between your skin tone and the dark lipstick shade. If you have fair skin, consider shades that provide a noticeable contrast, such as deep reds or berries. On the contrary, for deep or medium skin tones, you can opt for rich burgundies, deep berry shades, plums, or even darker browns.
• Experiment with Undertones: Explore different undertones within dark lipstick shades. For example, undertones like blue or purple can work well for cool-toned skin, while warm undertones like red or orange can complement warm-toned skin. Neutral undertones offer versatility and can suit a range of skin tones.
• Consider Your Personal Preference: Consider your personal style and preferences. Some people may prefer more vampy and intense dark shades, while others may lean towards softer, muted options. Choose a shade that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal aesthetic.
• Take into Account Occasion and Outfit: Consider the occasion or event you plan to wear the dark lipstick for, as well as your outfit. Some shades may be more suitable for a particular occasion or can complement specific clothing colors.

Applying dark lipsticks can require a bit of precision to achieve a clean and even look. Here's a guide to help you apply dark lipsticks:

Step 1: Ensure your lips are smooth and moisturized by gently exfoliating any dry skin and applying a lip balm. This will create a smooth canvas for the lipstick.

Step 2: Select a lip liner that matches or closely matches your chosen dark lipstick shade. Then, you can start by outlining your lips. Beginning from the Cupid's bow and following the natural shape of your lips. Try to use short, feathery strokes for a precise line. This step helps prevent smudging and creates a defined lip shape.

Step 3: Then, fill in the lipstick. Start from the center of your lips, apply the dark lipstick directly, or use a lip brush for more control. Fill in the entire lip area, ensuring even coverage. Take your time to achieve a clean application and stay within the lip liner boundaries.

Step 4: Once done, you can clean up the edges. Use a small, angled brush or a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes or smudges around the edges of your lips. This step helps create a crisp, defined lip line.

Step 5: Lastly, blot and set your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product. This helps set the lipstick and prevents it from smearing or transferring easily. And for added longevity, you can lightly dust translucent powder over your lips or use a setting spray.

In a world full of trends, the best dark lipsticks remain a timeless and captivating classic. Lip products can be a statement-making choice, adding a touch of glamor, sophistication, and edginess to your overall makeup look. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different makeup styles and express your personality and individuality. Finally, don’t forget to prep your lips every day. This will ensure a clean application as they are key for achieving a polished look when applying dark lipstick.

Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog