15 Best Red Lipsticks for Dark Skin Beauties to Rock Any Look

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 19, 2024
Best Red Lipsticks for Dark Skin Beauties
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Most women feel more confident, stylish, and chic by wearing red lipstick. After all, reds are known for their fierce nature and create stunning lip looks that no one can avoid. Those obsessed with this vibrant shade would love to explore the best red lipsticks for dark skin available on the market. 

Reds are one of the most versatile colors that look great on every skin tone, including darker skin tones. The right red shade aligns your skin complexion and tone, enhances your boldness, and brings out your inner charm. The new-age red lipsticks for dark-skin beauties that are available today are designed in such a way that the shade compliments the complexion without looking gaudy. From deep red to burgundy, we have a wide range of red shades to choose from. 
Based on our first-hand experience, we have curated a list of the best red lipstick for dark skin tones that will empower your beauty in a few swipes.

15 Best Red Lipsticks for Dark Skin

Enjoy effortless application with ANNA SUI's vibrant lipstick. Apart from the gothic-inspired packaging, the lipstick moisturizes the delicate skin on your lips. The creamy texture feels soft on the skin and prevents chapping. This lipstick is formulated with rosa canina fruit extract, rosa canina extract oil, peach kernel oil, macadamia tern-folia seed oil, and camelia japonica seed oil. You can use this directly on the lips or use a lipstick brush for precise application.

Pros
  • Trendy packaging
  • Creamy texture
  • Soothing ingredients
  • Moisturizes lips
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Most Luxe

    Lipstick by Elizabeth Arden

    Lipstick by Elizabeth Arden
  • Nothing comes close to the luxury formulations of Elizabeth Arden. This highly pigmented red lipstick is enriched with advanced ceramide complex, vitamin E, and maracuja oil. Apart from being a hydrating lipstick, it also works wonderfully as a pigmented lipstick. The creamy texture offers a satin finish to the lips that amps up even the most boring ensemble. The lipstick also offers an anti-aging formula that makes it the ideal option for long wear.   

    Pros
    • Rich pigment
    • Soft texture
    • Natural ingredients
    • Luxe packaging
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Overall

    Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

    Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
  • It wouldn't be right if you don't show your love to this best red lipstick for dark skin lovelies by Revlon. The high-impact lipstick color is an iconic formula and is popular among beauty enthusiasts. It feels so comfortable that you won't take it off. Thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil, the formula nourishes and moisturizes lips while leaving a super lustrous shine. Each stroke gives you a powerful lip look to make a bold style statement.

    Pros
    • Sheer finish
    • Rich pigment
    • Creamy texture
    • Doesn't weigh down
    • Best for combination skin
    Cons
    • Mere hints of red, not absolute red
  • Best Non-drying Formula

    NYX Professional Matte Lipstick

    NYX Professional Matte Lipstick
  • This NYX Professional's OG red shade lipstick is a cult favorite as the color is dynamic. You can effortlessly doll your lips in a bright, rich pigment that never feels dry. This red lipstick for dark skin tones comes with a matte finish and is perfect for ladies who prefer vibrant and not-so-dewy lip looks. The bold lipstick goes on smoothly without hindrance to sculpt your cupids perfectly. This unapologetic hue will let you win every event and opportunity, be it a job, business meeting, or date.

    Pros
    • Smooth formula
    • Perfect shade
    • Keeps lips moist
    • Cruelty-free Formula
    • stays in place
    Cons
    • Some may find the shade orange or pink on their skin
  • Best Matte Finish

    Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick

    Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick
  • A satin red lipstick is what you need to begin your slay game. The Maybelline New York lipstick is designed with special pigments that revive dull lips within the blink of an eye. This dark-skin-red lipstick leaves a stunning and sensational color with every use. Your cupids will never feel dry as the formula is made with honey nectar that offers maximum hydration and moisturization. The unique pointed bullet-shaped tip ensures precise gliding on the curves for a flawless look.

    Pros
    • For normal skin type
    • Matte, satin finish
    • Great stay power
    • Budget-friendly
    • Aligns with neutral and pink undertone
    Cons
    • Melts if not stored in cool place
  • Most Comfortable

    Milani Color Statement Lipstick

    Milani Color Statement Lipstick
  • Milani knows what your lips need. The brand offers a wide range of lipstick colors for women of all ages and skin tones that last all day. And this best red lipstick for brown skin is no different. Whether you're traveling on a hot sunny day or planning to attend a summer concert, the perfect shade won't fade away easily, even on your toughest days. The infused vitamins make the nourishing so you can achieve healthy lips throughout the day. Amp up your confidence by wearing this bold lipstick and attract eyeballs.

    Pros
    • Creamy formula
    • Suits brown skin tone
    • PETA-certified
    • Comfortable wear
    • Versatile lipstick color
    Cons
    • Might be drying for some
  • Best Glossy Red Lipstick

    Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick

    Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick
  • For those biased toward glossy, radiant red lipsticks, here comes a great deal for them. The Almay bright red lipstick for dark skin tones is available in a gel format and provides full to medium coverage with a shiny finish. It's perfect for on-the-go touchups and preps you for different occasions without frustration. Whether it's a girl's night party or an evening date, quality lipstick lets you achieve sassy looks anytime, anywhere. Carry this formula in your handbag, and get ready to dazzle.

    Pros
    • Hydrating formula
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Dermatologist tested
    • Glossy finish
    • Includes a protective case
    Cons
    • Needs frequent reapplications
  • Best Lightweight

    Wet n Wild Megalast Catsuit Matte Liquid Lipstick

    Wet n Wild Megalast Catsuit Matte Liquid Lipstick
  • The Wet n Wild lipstick accentuates your beauty. The liquid deep red lipstick for dark skin is perfect for creating some serious lip styles right from the comfort of your home. You can't resist using this highly pigmented formula as it fulfills your dream of getting into the spotlight. The ultra-precise liquid promises high performance and offers intense pigmentation. You can never doubt its potential. The formula doesn't dry your lips and locks hydration for a fuller and thicker lip appearance.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Vivid color
    • Long-lasting
    • Comfortable wear
    • Includes a brush applicator
    Cons
    • All may not like the shade
  • Best Moisturizing

    Madame Gabriela Red Lipstick

    Madame Gabriela Red Lipstick
  • Madame Gabriela knows what it needs to prepare for a fashion runway. A red lipstick!! The clean, moisturizing natural lipstick is a true classic that aligns with all skin tones and puts your best face forward. It's a blend of unique ingredients, such as manuka honey, shea butter, avocado, sunflower, and rosemary oils. These natural stuff exhibit antioxidant properties to heal chapped and damaged lips. Our analysis of the product shows that the formulation is easy to apply and adheres to the lips for long hours.

    Pros
    • Satin finish
    • Sulfate-free High lipstick
    • color payoff
    • Moisturizing formula
    • No gluten or artificial scent added
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Long-lasting

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
  • Rihanna loves dazzling in a bright red lip look. And if you too want to be a showstopper like her, this dark red lipstick for dark skin tone by Fenty Beauty needs to be in your makeup collection. The sensational lip color keeps your slay game on throughout the day. The rich pigment perfectly fills the gaps and offers a pro-like finish in a few strokes. Wear it once and forget reapplication, this Stunna Lip Paint won't feather and stay kissable smooth.

    Pros
    • 12-hour long-wear
    • Soft and precise brush
    • Weightless
    • Cruelty-free
    • Matte finish
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Kissproof

    Maki Yika Burgundy Red Lipstick

    Maki Yika Burgundy Red Lipstick
  • Allow us to introduce this Maki Yaki red lipstick. The burgundy gothic lipstick color lets you stand out from the crowd. It's perfect for achieving bold lip styles and expressing your style. Maki Yaki matte red lipstick for dark skin is a long-lasting formula that stays for up to 24 hours without transferring. You can sip coffee or eat your favorite eatables without fearing sticking and fading. The formula is so lightweight and creamy that you won't feel you have applied anything. The bold lipstick goes on seamlessly without pulling or skipping. 

    Pros
    • Kissproof
    • Water-resistant
    • Smudgeproof
    • Easy to apply
    • High-coverage lip color
    Cons
    • Takes time to dry
  • Best Hydrating

    ILIA - Color Block Lipstick

    ILIA - Color Block Lipstick
  • ILIA - Color Block Lipstick is a supreme, high-impact lip color ready to take you to the next level. The true red formula is handcrafted with lush ingredients like organic castor oil that hydrate and nourish your lips with utmost care. You'll get four times the intensity than conventional concoctions with a creamy finish. To achieve perfect red lips for dark skin tones, ILIA is your go-to partner. The long-wear lip tint adds an instant boost of color and hydrates lips for all-day dewy looks.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Plumps lips
    • Boosts elasticity
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Non-comedogenic
    Cons
    • Might transfer
  • Fifth & Skin Better'n Ur Lips

    Fifth & Skin Better'n Ur Lips
  • Pamper dry lips with a moisturizing lipstick color enriched with organic butter, essential plant oils, and botanical extracts. The berry red is a bright red hue with a blue base. The botanical-rich formula features the goodness of vitamins and antioxidants that protect lips from free radical damage. This best matte red lipstick for dark skin is ideal for everyday use that you'd love to wear for evening events and meets or chit-chat catch-ups with your BFF.

    Pros
    • Lead-free
    • Non-GMO product
    • Soothing scent
    • Paraben-free
    • Contains 85% organic ingredients
    Cons
    • Requires multiple applications
  • Hanlady Red Lipstick

    Hanlady Red Lipstick
  • Celebrate your beauty or express your fashion sense and creativity with a new-age red shade of lipstick. This Hanlady's red lipstick on dark skin tone runs precisely while sculpting your lips like a pro. You can design any look in minutes for any occasion. No more effort is needed, please! Just glide the creamy formula and unlock your true beauty. This pigmented red liquid comes with a matte finish and a smudge-free feature. The magical concoction locks in color and looks fresh from AM to PM.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Non-transfer formula
    • 16-hour long-wear
    • Not tested on animals
    • Offers full-coverage color
    Cons
    • Some people might not like the shade
  • Miescher Red Matte Lipstick Tube

    Miescher Red Matte Lipstick Tube
  • The Miescher red lipstick will blow your mind. The 2-in-1 formula is a high quality lipstick cum face paint stick that promises you vivid color effects. Infused with plant-based ingredients, the gentle formula sits well on the lip contours without irritating the skin. It's one of the best red lipsticks for dark skin that comes with a silky oily cream-like texture to ensure smooth and accurate glides. You can easily mix this facial painting stick with other bright hues to draw a stunning art effect. Based on our observations, the stick is strong and won't break in the middle.

    Pros
    • Fast-drying lipstick
    • Easy to remove
    • Travel-friendly
    • Unique stick design
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Not a perfect shade for all

    Keeping red lipstick in your makeup collection prepares you for ready-to-go styling looks. We hope you have found our top recommendations for the best red lipsticks for dark skin useful. Let's go through our user guide below which will aid you in finding the best formula.

    How to Pick a Red Lipstick for Dark Skin Tone?

    Here are a few points to look for while choosing a red lipstick for dark skin women. 

    Ingredients 

    Choose a lipstick made with natural ingredients like honey nectar, vitamins, essential oils, etc. Such quality lipsticks provide a vibrant hue while keeping lips healthy. Avoid formulas infused with parabens, sulfates, gluten, etc., that may irritate the skin and lead to dryness and flakiness.  

    Finish

    The best red lipstick for dark skin can come with different finishes, from matte to creamy, glossy, satin, and sheer. You can try any finish as per your preference. However, you may want to apply a gloss with matte lipsticks to add a subtle dewiness. Or, you may mix lipsticks of different shades and finishes to create custom looks.  

    Undertones 

    Knowing your undertones while purchasing red lipstick for darker skin can help you choose the right red shade. Skin undertone refers to the original color of your skin that remains permanent. It doesn't change, unlike your top skin tone or color. Typically, there are 3 types of undertones- warm, cool, and neutral. Warmer undertones denote hues of golden, yellow, peachy, and similar undertones. Colors like oranges and brick-toned reds look great on warm undertone dark skin women. Cooler undertones are identified with pink, blue, and red hues. Lipstick shades like wine red, maroon, burgundy, etc., are the best for this undertone type. Neutral undertones are a blend of warm and cool undertones. Folks with neutral undertones may pick any shade of red. 
    Now that you've understood how to pick the best red lipsticks for dark skin tone, let's learn how to test different shades of red.

    Which Red Shade Will Look Good on You?

    There's a wide spectrum of red hues which includes multiple colors, from deep and dark red to wine red, burgundy, and more. The secret to knowing which red shade will enhance your beauty lies in the undertones. Here's how you can determine the shade. 

    Red lipsticks for warm and neutral undertones 

    Women with warmer undertones complimented by dark complexion can try different bold red shades without fearing looking too overwhelming. Colors like brick-toned reds, orange-reds, etc., align with your deep skin tone and undertone perfectly. People with a neutral undertone can play with intense colors of the red spectrum. 

    Red lipsticks for cool undertones

    The best red lipstick for black skin that has a blue base is best suited for individuals with cool skin tones with dark skin tones. Hues like maroon, purple, chocolate brown-reds, wine reds, etc., are ideal for deep complexion individuals. These people must avoid lipsticks with a white base as they make lips appear ashy. 

    After choosing your dream red lipstick shade, here are some tips you can follow to apply it correctly.

    Tips to Apply the Best Red Lipstick for Dark Skin Tone

    Follow the given tips to learn how to create perfect red lip looks.

    Exfoliate your lips

    Start with exfoliating your lips. Remove accumulated buildup and dead skin cells to a ensure smooth application. You can use a soft toothbrush or lip scrub to exfoliate the skin. 

    Use a moisturizing lip balm

    Don't forget to apply a moisturizing lip balm before dolling your lips in a rich, creamy red lipstick color. This will create a sleek and smooth canvas to facilitate easy lipstick gliding. 

    Apply your favorite red shade

    After choosing your favorite red shade, glide the lipstick on your lips. Begin from the center and run to the edges to cover the corners. Finish your look with a lipliner to create highlighting effects. 

    Conclusion 

    The best red lipsticks for dark skin are cult classics that are perfect for achieving flawless lip looks throughout the year. Be it summer, winter, or autumn, the shade is super versatile and compliments well with skin complexion with any outfit. Reds add a subtle glam to your overall looks and prep you for all occasions. Besides leaving a vibrant, classy hue, the products mentioned above moisturize and nourish lips to improve lip health. While choosing a red lipstick, look for a few factors like ingredients, finish, and undertone, to find the best pick.

    FAQ's

    How can I make red lipsticks good on deep skin tones?
    Begin with choosing a red lipstick that matches your darker skin tone and undertone. Pick a blendable, rich formula and pair it with a lipliner to complete your look.
    Can I wear red lipstick daily?
    Red lipsticks with creamy matte finish are perfect for everyday formal or casual meets. Glittery and glossy finish red lipsticks align well with special occasions.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Red lipsticks are a game-changer. They instantly transform your looks and add an instant pop of color to dull and lifeless lips. Sayantani, our makeup expert, is passionate about red lip formulas that empower her beauty and express her fashion sense. After trying tons of options, she discovered that lip colors like Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick are ideal for creating bold to subtle looks. 

    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 and fitness on board 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