9 Best MAC Lipsticks for Dark Skin from Bold Reds to Subdued Nudes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
MAC Lipsticks for Dark Skin from Bold Reds to Subdued Nudes
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

We understand the struggle of finding the perfect lipstick shade that complements both your pout and your skin tone. Not all lipsticks are created equal, and it often takes numerous conversations with friends and trial and error to find the right match. But fear not, we're here to make it easier for you, especially for all you dusky beauties out there – we are here to help you find the best MAC lipsticks for dark skin. 

With an impressive range of over 150 shades of traditional lipsticks and nearly 40 shades of liquid lipstick, MAC leaves no stone unturned. Their extensive options cater to everyone's preferences and skin tones, especially those with darker complexions. 

When it comes to choosing lipstick shades, the world is your oyster. Embrace hues that enhance the warm and golden tones of your beautiful complexion. To save you the hassle of trial and error, we have done our research and compiled a list of fail-proof lipstick shades specifically curated for dusky skin. Now you can confidently pucker up and flaunt your luscious lips with the perfect lip colors for dark skin that complement your unique beauty.

To make things easier, we have curated a list of 9 exceptional MAC lipsticks to compliment dusky skin tones.

9 Best MAC Lipsticks for Dark Skin

The MAC Matte Lipstick in shade Marrakesh is a stunning addition to your makeup collection. Marrakesh is a warm, earthy red that perfectly complements dark skin tones. Its smooth, matte finish offers a bold and long-lasting color payoff. The highly pigmented formula ensures vibrant and intense coverage with just one swipe. This dark skin lipstick is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated and dramatic look. Whether you are attending a special event or want to elevate your everyday style, embrace your beauty and make a statement with this must-have lipstick.

Pros
  • Smooth and hydrating glide
  • Long-lasting finish
  • High color payoff
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • May wash out those with cool undertones
  • Best Red Lipstick

    MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick - Devoted To Chili

    MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick - Devoted To Chili
  • This lipstick is a must-have for those with dark skin tones who desire a soft, blurred, and velvety finish. The unique formula combines the lightweight feel of a powder with the moisturizing benefits of a traditional lipstick, offering comfortable and nourishing wear. The stunning shade boasts a rich and warm terracotta red hue that complements dark complexions beautifully. Experience the perfect balance of color and texture, achieving a diffused and effortlessly chic look with MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Devoted To Chili.

    Pros
    • Hydrating formula
    • Offers buildable coverage
    • Luxe powder finish
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Easily transferable
  • Best Nude Lipstick

    MAC Lipstick - Creme in Your Coffee

    MAC Lipstick - Creme in Your Coffee
  • This iconic lipstick by MAC in the shade Creme in Your Coffee, is a delightful addition to your makeup repertoire. This lipstick offers a creamy and luscious formula that glides on effortlessly, leaving your lips feeling moisturized and comfortable all day long. This shade is a versatile, medium-toned brown with hints of mauve, making it a perfect choice for dark skin tones. If you're going for a natural everyday look or adding a touch of sophistication to your evening ensemble, this shade provides a beautiful balance of warmth and subtlety. Embrace the luxurious texture and captivating color of this nude lipstick for dark skin!

    Pros
    • Nourishes lips with its balmy texture
    • Semi-gloss finish
    • Natural formula
    • Suits all skin tones
    Cons
    • Can feel drying
  • Best Overall

    MAC Matte Lipstick - Smoked Purple

    MAC Matte Lipstick - Smoked Purple
  • The MAC Matte Lipstick in the captivating shade of Smoked Purple is a bold and alluring choice for dark skin tones. This rich, deep eggplant hue exudes confidence and makes a statement wherever you go. The matte finish offers a velvety texture that glides on smoothly and stays put for hours. Highly pigmented and long-lasting, Smoked Purple ensures an intense color payoff that demands attention. Whether you're looking to make a striking impression at a special event or want to elevate your everyday look, this dark MAC lipstick is the ideal choice for those who dare to be bold.

    Pros
    • Non-drying formula
    • Suits all skin types
    • Offers up to 10 hours of wear
    • Matte finish
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Matte Lipstick

    MAC Retro Matte Lipstick - Ruby Woo

    MAC Retro Matte Lipstick - Ruby Woo
  • The MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in the iconic shade of Ruby Woo is a timeless classic loved by all. This vibrant, blue-toned red is a showstopper and a must-have for dark skin tones. The luxe formula provides a velvety, matte finish that is long-wearing and smudge-proof. The versatile shade delivers intense pigmentation with just one swipe, ensuring a bold and confident look that lasts throughout the day. When you're attending a glamorous event or even just looking to add a touch of glamour to your everyday style, it is the ultimate pick for achieving a striking and unforgettable lip look.

    Pros
    • Gives full coverage
    • Long-lasting finish
    • Flattering red shade
    • Highly pigmented
    Cons
    • Creases quickly
  • Best Budget Buy

    MAC Lipstick - Chili

    MAC Lipstick - Chili
  • This warm, brick-red hue exudes confidence and adds a touch of spice to your makeup look. The creamy formula glides on smoothly, providing comfortable and hydrating wear. Chili offers a semi-matte finish that is long-lasting and highly pigmented, delivering an intense color payoff. Whether you are aiming to make a statement on a special occasion or want to elevate your everyday style, MAC Lipstick in Chili is the perfect pick for those who crave a vibrant and unforgettable lip look.

    Pros
    • Lightweight feel
    • Smooth texture
    • Budget-friendly
    • Crease resistant formula
    Cons
    • Not very long lasting
  • Best Lustrous Lipstick

    MAC Lipstick - Fresh Moroccan

    MAC Lipstick - Fresh Moroccan
  • This MAC Lipstick in the enchanting shade of Fresh Moroccan is an alluring pick for those with dark skin tones. This deep, reddish-brown color with warm undertones adds a touch of allure to any makeup look. The creamy and moisturizing formula glides on effortlessly, providing comfortable wear throughout the day. Fresh Moroccan offers a satin finish that delivers rich pigmentation and long-lasting color. This is the ideal lippie for achieving a sophisticated and captivating lip look that you’ll love.

    Pros
    • Nourishing balmy texture
    • Lightweight formula
    • Universally flattering shade
    • Offers long wear
    Cons
    • Requires frequent touch-ups
  • Best Splurge Buy

    MAC Frost Lipstick

    MAC Frost Lipstick
  • This unique and versatile color is ideal for those with dark skin and warm undertones, offering a frosty finish that adds a touch of shimmer and shine to your lips. The shade is a beautiful blend of warm coppery brown and hints of gold, creating a captivating and glamorous look. The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, providing hydration and comfort. With its long-lasting wear, MAC Frost Lipstick in the shade O ensures your lips stay vibrant and lustrous throughout the day. Elevate your makeup game with this stunning shade and embrace your inner diva!

    Pros
    • Looks natural
    • Suits all skin tones
    • Buildable coverage
    • Hydrating finish
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Travel-Friendly Lipstick

    Little MAC Lipstick - Whirl

    Little MAC Lipstick - Whirl
  • This mini-sized lipstick is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and conveniently fits in your purse or pocket. The shade Whirl is a beautiful rosy-brown shade that complements dark skin tones flawlessly. The creamy formula glides on smoothly, providing comfortable and hydrating wear. With its matte finish, the lipstick delivers a sophisticated and velvety look that lasts throughout the day. The Little MAC Lipstick in Whirl is the perfect choice for achieving a polished and timeless lip look that your pout will love.

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Travel-friendly
    • Non-transferable formula
    • Highly pigmented
    Cons
    • Requires frequent reapplication

    Now that we have established that there are multiple choices to amp up your lip game, here’s a quick guide on how to pick the most suitable one for yourself.

    How to Choose the Best MAC Lipstick for Dark Skin?

    When purchasing the best MAC lipstick for dark skin, there are several factors to consider that will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

    Undertones: Consider your undertones—whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Dark skin tones can have various undertones, such as red, golden, or even blue. Knowing your undertones can help you choose lipstick shades that harmonize with your complexion.

    Bold or Neutral: Decide whether you prefer bold, statement-making lip colors or more neutral, everyday shades. Dark skin tones often carry bold and vibrant colors beautifully, such as rich reds, deep plums, or intense berries. On the other hand, neutral shades like warm browns, earthy nudes, and mauves can create a sophisticated and natural look.

    Consider Finish: MAC offers lipsticks with various finishes, including matte, satin, frost, and amplified. Consider your personal preference and the occasion. Matte finishes often provide a velvety and long-lasting look, while satin finishes offer a touch of sheen and hydration.

    Remember, the best MAC lipstick for dark skin is subjective and depends on your personal style, preferences, and the look you want to achieve. Embrace your uniqueness, have fun exploring different shades, and choose the colors that make you feel confident and beautiful.

    How to Use MAC Lipstick for Dark Skin?

    Using MAC lipstick for dark skin is a great way to enhance your features and create stunning lip looks. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your MAC lipstick:

    Prep your lips: Ensure your lips are smooth and well-hydrated by exfoliating and moisturizing them before applying lipstick. This helps create a flawless base for the color.

    Use a lip liner: To define your lips and prevent the lipstick from feathering or bleeding, use a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or is slightly darker. Carefully outline your lips and fill them in for added longevity.

    Choose the right shade: Select lipstick shades that complement your skin tone and undertones. Bold colors like rich reds, deep berries, and vibrant oranges can make a striking statement on dark skin, while warm browns and mauves provide a sophisticated and natural look.

    Apply with precision: Use a lip brush or directly apply the lipstick to your lips, starting from the center and working your way toward the corners. Take your time to ensure even coverage and precise application.

    Experiment with finishes: MAC offers lipsticks with various finishes like matte, satin, frost, and amplified. Play with different finishes to create different effects and find what suits you best.

    Remember, confidence is always key. Rock your MAC lipstick with pride, and don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and styles to find your signature look.

    Lipstick holds a special place in the hearts of many women—it's more than just a makeup item, it's an emotion. However, selecting the right lip color is not a random choice. A flawless makeup look requires products that complement your complexion. Fortunately, there are numerous MAC lipstick shades available for dark-skinned women to add that extra oomph to their appearance. Don't limit yourself to common shades due to fear or insecurities. Embrace boldness, understand your skin tone and undertone, and with the help of the carefully curated best MAC lipsticks for dark skin listed here, build a lipstick collection that reflects your unique style.

    FAQ's

    What is the best MAC shade for Indian skin?
    Selecting the best MAC lipstick shade for Indian skin is subjective, as it depends on personal style and undertones. Through our trial and error, we discovered that shades like Ruby Woo, Devoted To Chili, and O are often favored. Experimenting with colors like corals, pinks, and plums can help discover the perfect match for your skin tone.
    Which MAC red lipstick is best for brown skin?
    For brown skin tones, MAC has several stunning red lipstick options. Some popular choices as per our expertise are Ruby Woo, Chili, and Fresh Moroccan. These shades beautifully complement brown skin, adding a bold and glamorous touch to any makeup look.
    What is the best lipstick for dark skin?
    When it comes to dark skin, drawing from our experience there is no singular
    What color lipstick is suitable for dark brown skin?
    Dark brown skin tones can beautifully carry a range of lipstick colors. Based on our observations, some flattering options include rich burgundies, deep plums, vibrant oranges, and bold reds. Shades like MAC Diva, Heroine, So Chaud, and Sin can enhance the natural beauty and radiance of dark brown skin, making a striking statement. Experiment and find the shades that make you feel confident and fabulous.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Makeup is the easiest way to express yourself, especially when it comes to bold lip colors. Makeup and beauty expert Sayantani loves to use MAC lipsticks since they’re safe on the skin and offer a wide range of colors for every skin tone. From vibrant reds to soft nudes to pretty pinks, MAC lipsticks suit dark skin to perfection. The author adds that the right shade of lipstick can make you take on the world! 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons! 

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More