The 8 best lipsticks for dark skin tones, reviewed by a beauty editor
Packed with pigment and available in a range of undertones, you’ll love these lip-enhancing line-ups as much as we do
Few things provide as instantaneous a mood boost for me as a quick swipe of my favourite lipstick. Whether offering a quick pop of empowering colour or helping me feel more put together (when I feel anything but), lipstick’s appeal is enduring – and seemingly bulletproof to economic downturns. In this guide, I've shared my tried and tested picks of the best lipsticks for dark skin tones.
According to data from market research organisation Circana, the prestige lip care market is one of the fastest-growing categories across the entire beauty industry, with sales rising 16% year-on-year to £80.4 million. Cheaper than a new coat, more expensive than a bougie cup of coffee, the "lipstick effect" (the phenomenon where shoppers invest in affordable luxuries despite difficult financial times) is still thriving.
While the nation’s love of lipstick is pretty universal, not all lipsticks are created equal, and everyone has their own specific hurdles when it comes to finding their perfect match. For me, shopping for shades that complement my deeper skin tone and dark lips can prove challenging.
Much like the best foundation for dark skin, a lipstick is only as good as its shade match. In the past, limited ranges have meant that nude lipsticks could look ashy on me, while a lack of pigment could cause a statement lip to fall flat. Fortunately, though, today’s formulas have come leaps and bounds. Not only do lipsticks offer better colour payoff than ever before, but there’s a multitude of finishes and shades to suit different undertones and budgets.
Don’t know where to start? To provide a helping hand, we’ve been busy testing today’s most hyped products to find the best lipsticks for dark skin tones out there. From neutrals to red lipsticks and plums, luxury splurges to drugstore options, there’s something for everyone. Plus, we asked top makeup artist Mira Parmar to share her top tips to help your money go further, too.
The best lipsticks for dark skin tones, reviewed by a beauty editor
RRP: £27 | Shades: 15 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Full | Shade tested: Velvet Jazz
Luxe is the first word that comes to mind when applying this sumptuous lipstick. The colour payoff was sublime – with just one swipe, my lips were saturated with a flash of sophisticated velvet matte rouge. Think vintage with a modern twist, thanks to its creamy and hydrating formula that felt comfortable and non-drying.
My perfect match was the earthy, brick-red Velvet Jazz, but the range is brimming with options for a range of different undertones like the pillar-box red Velvet Ribbon, rustic Velvet Dragon or garnet Velvet Duchess. Complete with a velvet illusion bullet that looks like it stepped out of a 1930s haberdashery, it’s as much a treat to look at as it is to use. My new go-to for special occasions or for a gift for someone special.
Pros
- Really pigmented
- Creamy and non-drying
- Luxurious to use
- Magnetic closure
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- On the pricey side
RRP: £9.99 | Shades: 24 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Full | Shade tested: Sizzlin'
Providing the type of pigment that’s seen in more expensive rivals, this liquid lipstick offers premium results at an affordable price. Super pigmented, its almond-shaped applicator helped to keep my work clean, sharp, and in bounds, while its 24-strong shade range provided a great choice across the different colour families.
It was also long-lasting, needing only minimal touch-ups after eating (I’d recommend using your finger to blot it in, though). The only drawback was a slightly tacky finish, which made layering throughout the day a little uncomfortable. As far as wear-time went, though, this budget-friendly option really went the distance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- Transfer-resistant
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Cons
- Can feel tacky
RRP: £25 | Shades: 37 | Finish: Satin | Coverage: Full | Shade tested: Rebel
If you’re searching for a bold lip option that’s a little more playful than red but still makes a statement, Rebel could become your new favourite. It’s become mine, and that’s not something I say lightly, having lost count of the number of berry lipsticks I’ve tried during my time as a beauty editor.
A versatile mid-tonal cream plum, Rebel’s one of those rare finds that suits a range of different makeup looks. Combined with its teeth-whitening purple undertones, I had every reason to smile after applying it. Enriched with camellia seed and rosehip oils, I also loved the way it added a welcome dose of luminosity to my dry lips. However, like all satin lipsticks, bear in mind that this has the downside of affecting how long it lasts. Other pink and purple-hued highlights in the range include the electric Violet Vapour, magenta Pop Star Pink, and raspberry Lovers Only.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Great colour payoff
- Wide shade range
Cons
- Not very long-wearing
RRP: £29 | Shades: 42 | Finish: Satin or matte | Coverage: Buildable, full
Controversial opinion: I hate a nude lip. Well, I did until I tried Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Deep. While in the past, nude lipsticks could look ashy or washed out on me, this pick cracked my own personal code, thanks to its undercurrent of deep berry-pink tones that complemented my natural lip colour. When I popped on a couple of swipes, I felt like a more polished version of myself – the effect was understated and elegant. Exactly what I wanted a nude lip to be.
Charlotte Tilbury’s collection of nude lipsticks also features an array of carefully curated options spanning a range of finishes and colours; from rose to mauve and rich cocoa browns. While I favour the satin sheen of the K.I.S.S.I.N.G range for an everyday look, the nude-brown of So 90s from the Matte Revolution line provides a pigment-packed hit of nostalgia that feels minimalist yet modern. I could also spend a lot of time complimenting the brand’s line of red lipsticks too…
Pros
- Versatile
- Moisturising
- Looks great with a statement eye look
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Pricey
RRP: £18 | Shades: 8 | Finish: Luminous | Coverage: Sheer | Shade tested: Berry
Created by renowned makeup artist Ruby Hammer, this conditioning lip serum balm takes the lip crayon to the next level. Enriched with sativa seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil and cocoa butter, it provides the look of a gloss, without the heaviness, and the feel of a balm with a more concentrated tint of colour. Its lightweight texture sets it apart from other lip products on the market - I found myself looking forward to my next application.
As well as six sheer shades, there are also two special FX shades available – a clear sparkle FX and a glow-enhancing shimmering FX Gold – to add an extra dimension to your final makeup look. Hydrating and buildable, each works well as a cheek tint, too, delivering a dewy veil of colour wherever they’re applied. I’ve been recommending them to friends and family looking for a more cocooning option over the winter months, that doesn’t compromise on style.
Pros
- Conditioning
- Lightweight feel
- Dewy
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as a matte lipstick
RRP: £31.50 | Shades: 25 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Full | Shade tested: Night Moves
When it comes to pigment, NARS always delivers. And this power player of a matte lipstick furthers the brand’s reputation, in my opinion. Drenching lips in saturated colour with just one swipe, I was impressed with how bold it looked and also its longevity. It didn’t fade after a cup of coffee, but I would say it’s worth a quick touch-up after food.
As for the shade range, I found it hard to single out just one. But I decided on Night Moves, a deep plum that wouldn’t look out of place in the office or at after-work drinks. Other favourites included the brick-red Mogador and rose brown Killer Queen. I was also a fan of its slim bullet, which made defining around my Cupid’s bow easy.
Pros
- High-impact colour
- Long-lasting
- Transfer-resistant
- Lightweight feel
- Slim bullet for control
Cons
- Touchups needed after eating
- Expensive
RRP: £22 | Shades: 6 | Finish: Satin | Coverage: Buildable, full | Shade tested: Mulberry
Lipstick innovations don’t come around often, and so when something different arrives on the scene, I can’t wait to try it. And thanks to its teardrop applicator and unique range of rich-brown shades, these lipsticks met the hype. From the deep berry pink Mulberry to the medium warm brown Maple and deep plum brown Morello, these lipsticks were bold yet buildable, as well as a pleasure to apply, courtesy of the cooling metal rollerball.
Infused with vitamin E and macadamia oil, the finish was soft, glowy and moisturising, and was easy to dial up or down to suit any occasion. Normally, I worry that brown lipsticks may appear a little flat on me, but REFY has managed to master the shade’s nuances to provide enough contrast so it looks fresh, interesting and multi-dimensional.
Pros
- Lip-hugging teardrop applicator
- Hydrating
- Deep, pigmented colour
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Cons
- Not especially long-lasting
RRP: £37 | Shades: 21 | Finish: Satin | Coverage: Full | Shade tested: Lava
If I’m going to spend £40 on a lipstick, I’d like to know that it’ll be a while until I need to buy a new one. And with this highly pigmented lipstick, I can’t see my supplies dwindling any time soon. Richly pigmented, a little went a long way, resulting in a statement lip that took just a couple of swipes to achieve.
Its application was luxurious, thanks to its mixture of vegan waxes and a combination of mango seed butter, avocado oil and argan oil. It wasn’t heavy, though, and its custom bullet shape allowed me to navigate the curves of my lips with ease. From packaging to formula, it’s a great piece of engineering – the Rolls-Royce of lipsticks. What’s more, Hourglass is donating 5% of the profits from all Unlocked products to the Nonhuman Rights Project, whose mission is to unlock the cages of wild animals in captivity. It’s an investment piece that goes the extra mile.
Pros
- Fantastic coverage with one swipe
- Magnetic closure
- 5% of profits support an animal charity
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
How we tested the best lipsticks for dark skin
To bring you my ultimate edit of the best lipsticks for dark skin tones, I tested out a variety of different formulas across a range of price points. To be included, lipsticks had to offer great pigment, feel comfortable and have a diverse shade range that catered for different undertones.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all here at woman&home, and so I focussed on choosing specific lipstick lines that offer best-in-class choice (rather than singling out individual shades), to help you find your perfect match within different colour families.
How to choose the best lipstick for dark skin
In my experience, the best way to ensure your money’s well spent is to invest in ranges that deliver in three key areas: pigment, finish and a range of undertones. If you’re looking for something more long-lasting, go for a matte finish. If you prefer something more luminous, choose a satin or gloss finish instead.
I also found that the right prep was essential for getting the most wear time out of a lipstick. I’d recommend gently exfoliating lips and moisturising overnight for an even finish, and applying your lipstick onto completely dry lips. For additional grip, apply a lip liner underneath to boost its staying power.
When it comes to picking a shade, how a colour makes you feel can be as important as how it looks. “Finding the right shade of lipstick for your skin tone can be daunting, but finding that perfect colour will make your lips pop, enhance features and leave you feeling confident,” says top make-up artist Mira Parmar.
“Dark skin tones can carry a wide spectrum of lipstick shades beautifully, often looking striking in colours that contrast or complement the richness of the skin,” Mira adds. She highlights bright and bold reds, plums, berries, warm browns and nudes as particularly great options.
As with choosing a foundation, consider your undertones to hone in on shades that especially complement your complexion. “If I’m using reds and darker colours, I’ll use orangey reds like Strawberry Shock by Lisa Eldridge for warm undertones and blue or cherry reds like Pop by Victoria Beckham Beauty for cooler skin tones. Lucky neutrals can pretty much wear any!”
As for finding a nude lipstick, Mira’s top tip is to match the darkest colour of the lip for the most natural look and use a brown lip liner to add definition. These are just guidelines, though. “I’d say wear whatever colour makes you feel comfortable and fabulous in,” says Mira. “Makeup has no rules!”
Our expert panel
Ayesha is a beauty, wellness and lifestyle editor and writer with over 13 years of experience in the media industry. In addition to woman&home, her work has been featured in titles such as Women’s Health, Red, Boots Health & Beauty, My Imperfect Life, and Get The Gloss. She’s passionate about beauty for darker skin tones and, having tested hundreds of products during her career, has developed a great instinct for spotting which products are worth the hype (and your money).
Mira Parmar is a London-based professional makeup artist and hair stylist whose work has taken her all over the world. Having worked with endless clients, including celebrities, and on many shoots over the years, she knows what makes a great lipstick and the shades that suit darker skin tones specifically.