Any makeup lover knows that choosing the perfect lipstick shade can be difficult. It’s important to find a color that blends harmoniously with your skin tone and undertone, while also matching your outfit and occasion. For women with dark skin, this was even more difficult in the past, as brands offered limited options to suit their complexion. However, in recent years, a shift has taken place and now many cosmetic brands offer expanded ranges with more shades to suit all skin tones.
If all this choice has you wondering which shade of lipstick suits dark skin tones best, I have the answer for you: I spoke to makeup artist Harriot Babin and got her tips on not only choosing the perfect lipstick shade, but also how to make it last all day (or night, for that matter). And as the woman behind the glamour of TV star Zeze Millz and actress Adelayo Adedayo, she definitely knows a thing or two about choosing a great lipstick.
How to choose a lipstick for your skin tone
“To choose a lip color that suits your skin tone, consider your undertone,” Harriot told me. “Warm tones work well with coral, peach and warm reds, while cool tones work best with berry, plum and blue tones. Also, test shades on your lips (most beauty counters can help you with this) and consider what occasion the color will suit best.”
Which lipstick colors are best for dark skin tones?
“For a daytime look, shades like warm nudes, browns, peaches, light berries and pinks are wonderful,” says Harriot. “These shades complement the rich undertones of dark skin and create a sophisticated and harmonious daytime look.
“(For evening, I love) bold and rich lipstick shades like deep red, burgundy, plum and dark berry tones as they beautifully accentuate and enhance your evening look.”
What is the best technique for applying lipstick?
“My technique for a flawless lipstick is to exfoliate the lips, apply a moisturising balm and then line the lips with a lip liner to give them more definition,” Harriot told me. “As a woman with darker skin, the lip liner is the most important thing when it comes to creating a lip look. I like to use Mac Cosmetics – Lip Liner in Chestnut to define the lip first. Then a fun hack that I like to use is also Mac Cosmetics – Eyeliner in Coffee to intensify the contour of the lips before applying lip color. I (then) apply the lipstick with a lip brush for precision, blot with a tissue, and add a second coat for longevity and vibrancy.”
Now that you know how to choose a shade and how to best apply your lipstick, you may be wondering which lipsticks we recommend as best for dark skin tones. “I love the Lipsticks “Kind Words” by Rare Beauty at the moment as they have the most beautiful nude shades that suit all the darker tones,” said Harriot, however, there are so many brands that offer great shades for dark skin tones. Keep scrolling to see for yourself…
Buy the best lipsticks for dark skin tones
1. Mac Macximal Lipstick in Ruby Woo
(Image credit: LookFantastic)
Ruby Woo by Mac is iconic because it’s a bright lipstick that looks great on all skin tones. The bright red shade has subtle blue undertones that won’t cover dark skin or create an unwanted ashy contrast. The perfect red lipstick for any occasion.
2. Refy Lip Sculpt in Sepia
(Image credit: REFY)
Harriot mentioned the importance of lip liner for precise application and Refy’s Lip Sculpt makes this even easier thanks to its precise pencil-style applicator. For dark skin tones, the shade Sepia is a great option. Described as a warm chestnut tone, it’s one of my favorite brown lip liners. For darker skin tones, it offers either the perfect brown or nude finish depending on your skin tone.
3. Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Color in Velvet Cinnabar
(Photo credit: Lisa Eldridge)
Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Lip Colours are a favourite with beauty editors, so it’s no surprise that I had to include one of them on this list. The shade Cinnabar is truly unique, offering a pigmented swipe of burnt, slightly orange-red colour that looks beautiful on dark skin.
4. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix Lip Gloss in Blazd Donut
(Image credit: Selfridges)
Influencer Toni Bravo told us she wears this lip color every day, so you know it must look good. With a shade between a light nude and a pink, it’s ideal for anyone who wants a soft lip look that suits many occasions.
5. Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush in Rustic Peach
(Image credit: Beautylist)
Peach lipsticks often look too pale on dark skin, but Danessa Myricks has hit the nail on the head with this lipstick. Instead of a cool peach tone, it has warmer, oranger undertones that reflect beautifully on dark skin and create a pretty hint of peach color.
6. Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Amanda
(Image credit: Sephora)
Nothing says fall like a rich, plum-colored lip color, and this one from Makeup by Mario is just that. Although it’s described as a matte finish, I’d say it actually has a slight sheen to it that really gives it a lot of dimension and makes lips look plump and hydrated when colored.
7. Rare Beauty Kind Words Lipstick in Wise
(Image credit: SpaceNK)
Harriot raved about Rare Beauty’s nude shades, saying they’re perfect for dark skin, and I agree. The shade Wise is ideal for anyone looking for an easy-to-wear everyday lip color. Just pair it with a slightly darker lip liner for a soft ombre effect.
8. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Festival Magic
(Photo credit: Harvey Nichols)
Berry-toned lipsticks always look expensive while also conveying a nostalgic 90s feel. Charlotte Tilbury’s “Festival Magic” offers a modern take on the look thanks to its velvety matte finish and rich purple tone.
9. Westman Atelier Lipstick in Minx
(Image credit: SpaceNK)
Rosy pinks stand out against dark skin and add a beautiful pop of color. If you’re not sure which shade of pink to choose, I’d recommend a pink with warm undertones, like Minx by Westman Atelier, for a flattering finish.
