Finding the perfect lipstick for dark skin can be both exciting and essential. The right colour will not only enhance your beauty but also help you feel more confident. Previously, it wasn’t easy to find shades that suited this skin tone. Now, the situation has changed. You no longer have to settle for lipsticks that don’t suit you. This guide features the best options, selected by professional makeup artists. It will help you find the perfect lipstick for your skin tone and highlight your natural beauty.
Best Lipsticks for Dusky Skin
The beauty industry now offers a wider variety of lipsticks in every shade for dark skin. You can find rich reds, vibrant berry shades, warm browns, and beautiful nude colours. The best lipstick shades for dark skin are those that complement your undertone and make you feel good. The key is choosing highly pigmented formulas for maximum colour intensity.
What lipstick shades are best for people with dark or olive skin? Among the most popular are rich plum, blue-toned reds, terracotta browns, and bright fuchsia. We’ve compiled a list of ten must-have lipsticks that look gorgeous on darker skin tones.
1. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
MAC Cosmetics’ Ruby Woo lipstick is a favourite in the world of makeup, and for good reason. This red lipstick stands out because it suits almost everyone, even those with darker skin tones. Its blue undertones make the colour vibrant and perfectly complementary to any skin tone. You get a bright, striking shade that enhances the face without being too overpowering.
Ruby Woo has a matte finish that looks rich and sophisticated. Its texture is smooth, with a velvety finish that never goes out of style. Despite the matte finish, it applies easily and lasts a long time. If you’re wondering which red lipsticks are best for dark skin, Ruby Woo is always among the top choices. Its formula makes it look vibrant on both light and dark skin tones.
For a flawless result, pair this red lipstick with a lip liner. The liner helps define the lips and prevents the lipstick from bleeding. Whether you want to create a special look or add a touch of glamour to your day, MAC Cosmetics’ Ruby Woo lipstick is one of the best options to make your lips look stunning.
2. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in Voyager
If you’re looking for a lipstick that lasts all day, try Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in the shade Voyager. This matte lipstick delivers a rich red colour and stays put for up to 16 hours. It doesn’t smudge or fade. If you have a busy schedule, this liquid lipstick is perfect for darker skin tones, as you won’t need to touch it up throughout the day.
Its pigmentation is very intense. With just one swipe, you get a vibrant, saturated colour that looks gorgeous on darker skin tones. The arrow-shaped applicator makes application easy, ensuring precise and perfect lip contours every time. The matte formula dries quickly without drying out your lips.
The shade Voyager is perfect for both daytime and evening makeup. The warm tone and rich colour suit all types of dark skin. You’ll look flawless and be ready for any occasion. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and effective lipstick, Maybelline is the perfect choice.
3. Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Griselda
The Fenty Beauty brand, founded by Rihanna, has revolutionised the beauty industry by prioritising inclusivity across all skin tones. The Mattemoiselle matte lipstick line embodies this goal. The shade Griselda is a rich burgundy, designed to look stunning on darker skin tones. It’s a bold colour that exudes confidence and elegance, making it one of the best lipstick options for women with dark skin.
What truly sets Griselda apart is its formula. It provides a creamy matte finish that feels lightweight and smooth on the lips. Most matte lipsticks for darker skin tones can be drying, but this one isn’t. The pigmentation is intense, and the texture is creamy. One swipe is enough for full coverage. With Griselda, you get a matte finish without sacrificing comfort.
If you want to be bold with your makeup, Griselda is an excellent choice. This deep wine colour looks incredible on darker skin tones and makes a statement. It’s perfect for a party or any occasion where you want to stand out. Fenty Beauty uses high-quality pigments in its lipsticks, so the colours look vibrant and natural on all skin types.
4. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Mona
If you love a rich, creamy texture on your lips, the NARS Audacious lipstick in the shade Mona might be perfect for you. This lipstick has a deep brown tone with warm, reddish undertones. It’s an excellent choice for those with darker complexions, as it enhances their natural beauty. You can wear this lipstick during the day at work or in the evening at a party. It’s very versatile and allows you to change your look effortlessly.
The Audacious formula is highly valued for its smooth, creamy texture that delivers intense colour. It glides onto the lips like silk, but provides the coverage of a traditional lipstick. It gives the lips a subtle sheen, making them look plump and hydrated. Its creamy consistency keeps the lips comfortable and nourished, unlike some matte lipsticks, which can dry them out. Therefore, if you’re looking for intense colour and maximum comfort, this lipstick is one of the best options.
The shade Mona is ideal for creating warm makeup looks that complement darker or olive skin tones. It’s not as bright as red or pink, but still attracts attention with its rich, earthy shade. These shades are perfect if you want to create a natural, understated makeup look that still gives your lips beautiful colour and shape. Try Mona for a simple yet elegant look that’s suitable for any occasion.
5. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Divine Wine
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche lipstick in the shade Divine Wine is an affordable red lipstick that rivals the quality of luxury products. The rich red colour with berry undertones suits many skin tones and looks especially good on darker complexions. The warm undertones of this lipstick add depth to the lips, creating a look that is both classic and modern.
Colour Riche lipstick contains special ingredients, such as argan fat and vitamin E, that nourish and moisturise the lips. Its creamy texture provides a smooth, satin finish, preventing the dryness often associated with other matte lipsticks. Thanks to its moisturising properties, the lips remain comfortable and well cared for.
The Divine Wine shade has intense pigmentation and is easy to apply. You can use a lip insert to define and shape your lips for a flawless, long-lasting result. This creamy lipstick stays put and maintains its radiant look for several hours. With L’Oréal Divine Wine, you get an affordable lipstick that looks and feels like a luxury product. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have elegant and high-quality lips.
6. NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Balm in Copenhagen
NYX Professional Makeup’s Soft Matte Lip Cream liquid lipstick is very popular thanks to its unique texture and wide range of colours. The shade Copenhagen is a rich, matte plum colour that adds a vibrant accent, especially on darker skin tones. This deep berry colour stands out without being too flashy, making it suitable for almost any occasion.
Its formula differs from classic lipstick or lip gloss. It’s a lightweight, creamy lipstick that applies easily and dries to a soft, matte finish. The product feels comfortable on the lips and doesn’t dry them out, which is ideal for a matte lipstick. As a liquid lipstick, it delivers flawless, precise coverage every time.
Copenhagen is the perfect shade if you want to try something different from red or nude. Its cool berry undertone pairs beautifully with warm, dark skin tones, creating an attractive look that won’t go unnoticed. It’s a popular, elegant addition to your makeup collection and is affordable.
7. Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Bawse
The Smashbox Always On liquid lipstick in the shade Bawse was created in collaboration with YouTube star Lilly Singh. This bold, vibrant red shade looks stunning on all skin tones. It looks especially striking on warm skin tones. It’s perfect for when you want to look bold and confident.
The Always On formula provides a long-lasting, waterproof matte lipstick. The matte finish lasts up to eight hours without smudging or transferring. Thanks to high-quality pigments, this liquid lipstick offers perfect coverage in just one swipe. Its formula, enriched with an oil complex, feels happy on the lips and doesn’t dry them out, despite the matte finish.
The Bawse shade is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want your makeup to stay flawless. This matte lipstick will give you a radiant glow for hours and the confidence you need wherever you go. An intense matte colour like this truly transforms your look.
8. Milani Colour Statement Lipstick in Teddy Bare
Finding the perfect nude lipstick for darker skin tones can be challenging. But the Milani Colour Statement lipstick in Teddy Bare makes the process easy. This warm, brownish-nude shade is universally flattering and provides a natural, enhancing effect. It doesn’t make lips look ashy or pale. It’s an excellent choice for everyday makeup that will accentuate your natural beauty.
Its creamy formula contains vitamins A and C, which help keep lips soft and moisturised. It applies smoothly and leaves a satin finish. The pigmentation is intense, so the colour looks natural on the lips. Teddy Bare is the perfect nude lipstick for those looking for warmth and depth to complement a darker skin tone.
This shade is incredibly versatile. You can wear it alone for a simple look or pair it with dramatic eye makeup for a more sophisticated look. If you’re looking for a creamy, flattering lipstick that enhances your natural beauty, Milani Teddy Bare is a great and affordable option.
9. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Interview
Makeup artist Huda Kattan founded the Huda Beauty brand. The brand is known for its matte lipsticks and high pigmentation. The Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Interview is a peachy-nude shade. This shade is ideal for darker skin tones. It was created as a nude shade that looks good on many people.
This matte lipstick provides a completely matte finish. Its formula is highly pigmented, so the colour is intense and looks great after just one application. It contains ingredients that keep lips soft and moisturised, which helps prevent dryness. The pointed tip makes application and lip contouring easy.
An interview is an excellent matter of lipstick. Some wear it daily because it adds warmth and a flawless look to the lips. In the beauty industry, this matte lipstick is highly valued for its sophisticated finish and comfort.
10. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Raisin Rage
Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in the shade Raisin Rage is a classic, beloved by many women with darker skin tones. This reddish-brown shade with berry undertones has remained popular for many years. The colour is rich and warm, with a subtle plum tint. It beautifully complements darker skin tones and adds elegance to any occasion, whether it’s a night out or a simple everyday look.
The creamy and lightweight Super Lustrous formula provides a comfortable feel on the lips. The lipstick is enriched with moisturising ingredients and vitamins that add shine and keep lips soft and smooth. It doesn’t dry out the lips like some matte lipsticks. Instead, it provides a subtle sheen, making lips look fuller and healthier. You get rich colour without dryness.
You can apply Raisin Rage in a thin layer for a subtle tint or in several layers for a more intense colour. This lipstick is a timeless choice at an affordable price. You don’t have to choose between colour and comfort. The Raisin Rage shade is always an excellent choice for darker skin. It perfectly complements this skin type and enhances natural beauty.
How to Choose the Perfect Lipstick Shadow for Dusky Skin
To choose the perfect lipstick shade for olive or dark skin, it’s essential to know your undertone. Your skin tone is what you see at first glance, while your undertone is the subtle shade beneath the surface. This undertone will help you determine which lipstick shades will suit you best. First, regulate whether your undertone is warm, cool, or neutral. This step is key to achieving the picture-perfect shade.
Once you know your undertone, choose lipstick shades that complement your complexion. This will enhance your beauty and give your face a radiant glow. Also, avoid shades that might look dull or ashy on your skin. Below, we’ll explain how to determine your undertone and how to use it to choose the best lipstick.
Understanding Undertones: Cool, Warm, and Neutral
Your skin’s undertone is the subtle, underlying colour beneath the surface that doesn’t change with sun exposure. There are three chief types: cool, warm, and neutral. A simple way to determine your undertone is to look at the veins on your wrist. Blue or purple veins indicate a cool undertone, while greenish veins indicate a warm undertone. If you can’t determine your undertone, you likely have a neutral undertone.
Knowing your undertone is crucial for choosing the perfect lipstick. Cool undertones pair well with lipsticks in blue or purple shades, such as berry and plum. Warm undertones look stunning with lipsticks in golden or orange shades, such as brick red, coral, and warm browns. Those with neutral undertones can wear a wide range of colours from both categories.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose colours that suit your skin tone.
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Undertone
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Best Lipstick Hues
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Warm
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Opt for shades like coral, peach, terracotta, and warm or orange-based reds. |
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Cool
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Choose deep berries, plums, wine reds, and blue-based reds. |
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Neutral
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You can experiment with a wide range, including pinks, mauves, and most reds. |
Tips for Picking Everyday and Bold Colours
When you start building your lipstick collection, it’s helpful to have a few everyday shades and some bolder colours for special occasions. For an everyday lipstick, try shades one or two sunglasses darker than your natural lip colour. Looking for lipstick shade ideas for darker skin tones? Warm browns, rich nudes like caramel or cocoa, and soft mauves look gorgeous. These shades enhance your lips without being too bright, making them perfect for any makeup look.
If you want a bold lip colour, don’t be afraid to experiment. Darker skin tones look amazing with vibrant colours. You can wear bold reds, deep plums, bright fuchsias, or even vibrant oranges. There are so many options. The real secret to making a bold lipstick look good is confidence. Start with well-prepped lips. Be sure to use a lip liner for a clean, flawless application that lasts longer.
Here are a few quick tips for success:
- Test the shades: Before buying, try different lipstick shades on your skin to see how they look.
- Consider the finish: If you’re looking for intense colour, a matte finish will give a fresh, modern look and provide long-lasting wear. For everyday use, we recommend a creamy or satin finish, as it feels soft on the lips.
- Balance your look: If you are wearing…
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect lipstick shade for dim skin will help you stand out and enhance your natural beauty. There are many colours to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits your skin tone. The lipsticks featured in this guide are a great place to start. They come in various textures and colours, allowing you to create your desired look. Choose the one that best matches your style and make sure you’re happy with your choice. Take your time, explore these shades, try a few, and choose a lipstick that allows you to express your individuality. Happy lipstick hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nude lipstick shades are best for dusky skin?
The best nude lipstick shades for darker skin tones are usually one or two shades darker than your natural lip colour. Look for warm nude shades with brown, caramel, or reddish undertones. This will help avoid a greyish or ashy look. A creamy lipstick is generally suitable for most people.
Are matte or glossy finishes better for dusky skin tones?
Both matte and glossy finishes look great on darker skin tones. You can choose whichever you prefer. Matte lipstick provides rich colour and a bold look thanks to its high pigmentation. A glossy finish keeps lips soft and moisturised, giving them a slightly fuller appearance. You can choose a matte or glossy lipstick depending on what suits you best or the occasion you’re attending.
What affordable lipstick brands work well for dusky skin?
Many lipstick brands offer high-quality products at affordable prices. Brands like Maybelline, L’Oréal, NYX, and Milani are known for their wide range of shades. These brands guarantee options for every skin tone, including darker complexions. Their lipsticks have excellent pigmentation, so you can find the perfect shade without spending a lot of money.