Want a quick style refresh? A new lipstick is your answer! Go bold, dark, or natural – it’s the easiest way to instantly elevate your look in 2025.
If you have darker skin, you’ve probably heard to stick with “safe” beiges and plums. This can make trying new lipstick colors feel intimidating. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled the best bright, dark, and neutral lipsticks perfect for dark skin tones. Get ready to experiment and find your perfect match!
What Shade?
Let’s debunk a common myth! Dark and black skin tones absolutely *can* rock vibrant lip colors. While berry and deep plum shades are classic choices, a bold lip can be stunning with a few key tips.
What Tone?
Skin tones are diverse, extending far beyond simple classifications like dark or pale. Each of us possesses unique undertones that significantly influence which colors complement our appearance most effectively.
People generally have either cool or warm skin undertones. A quick way to determine yours is by checking your wrist veins. Blue veins usually indicate cool undertones. Greenish veins suggest warm undertones. Remember, skin tone doesn’t dictate undertone. Any complexion, even darker ones, can have cool or warm undertones.
Photo Credit: Beautylish
After identifying your skin tone category, you can start looking for the perfect lipstick. Cool complexions look amazing with lipsticks that have blue or purple undertones. If you have warmer skin, opt for peach, orange, or coral shades. These colors complement your skin’s natural warmth.
What Finish?
Choose lipsticks with rich, intense color for dark skin. Avoid sheer or under-pigmented formulas that can make your lips look ashy. Check the ingredient list and select lipsticks with less Titanium Dioxide, which dilutes color. Matte or gloss finishes are ideal. Gloss adds plumpness and reflects light. Matte textures deliver high-impact, long-lasting color that truly pops.
Bright Lipsticks for Dark Skin
Contrary to popular belief, dark skin tones aren’t limited to just berry shades. In fact, women with darker complexions can rock a wide range of colors, especially those with rich pigmentation. Embrace bold and vibrant hues!
Finding the perfect red lipstick for brown skin? Consider your undertones! Cool undertones pair beautifully with classic, deep reds. Warm undertones shine with orange or coral-based reds. Olive skin? Opt for deeper red shades. For warm and black skin tones, try reds with a hint of pink. Lipstick isn’t just about red, though! Feeling bold? Explore oranges, purples, vibrant pinks, or even blues. Here are nine of our favorite bright lipsticks designed to pop on dark skin:
Dark Lipsticks for Dark Skin
Dark lipsticks remain a stunning choice for deeper skin tones, and it’s easy to see why. They enhance your features, make a statement, and effortlessly elevate any makeup style. While most dark shades complement your complexion, consider these tips for an even more flawless look. For mahogany skin, explore dark mauve and rich brown lipsticks. If you have olive skin, deep plum and berry shades will be your best friends. Discover our top nine dark lipstick recommendations:
Bonus: Nude Lipsticks for Dark Skin
The idea that nude lipsticks don’t suit dark skin is a myth. Many nude shades actually look stunning on deeper complexions. Cool taupe tones are often a great choice. However, browns and nudes can sometimes make olive or caramel skin look washed out. To avoid this, choose a gloss to add light and prevent a dull appearance. Here are three nude shades that prove bold isn’t always the only option:
Celebrity Lip Looks
Not sure if a bold, dark, or nude lip suits you? Get inspired by these stunning dark-skinned individuals! They prove that dark skin tones can rock any color imaginable.
Bold Brights
Joan Smalls, Rihanna, and Gabrielle Union boldly experiment with lip colors. They demonstrate that confidence is key to rocking any shade imaginable.
Daring Darks
Rihanna, known for her daring makeup choices, demonstrates how stunning black lipstick can be on dark skin. Meanwhile, models Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell showcase the impact of deep plum and softer red lipsticks. These shades offer a similarly striking look if you prefer a less intense approach.
Natural Nudes
Forget the outdated rules! Jennifer Hudson and Gabrielle Union (left and right) showcase how nude lipsticks beautifully complement dark skin, offering a naturally enhanced look. Meanwhile, Freida Pinto (centre) illustrates how a nude gloss can enhance Indian skin’s natural lip color, creating a stunning pairing with a smoky eye. These looks are still trending in 2025!
