Search "lipstick" on Sephora, and you'll be met with over 200 product options available in thousands of shades. Narrowing down those many, many options to find the best lipstick for dark and deep skin tones can be an exhaustive swatching process. I need an elegant texture, a long-lasting formula, and a great pigment payoff with a flattering tone.
For deep complexions, the first thing to consider is the natural pigment of your own lip, says celebrity makeup artist Billie Gene. Look for shades that pop against your lips instead of turning them ashy. You also want to keep in mind the level of coverage. “If you’re someone that’s not into a matte finish, you might want to opt for a lipstick with more of a satin finish,” explains makeup artist Camille Thompson. “Or, if you don’t have a lot of time to reapply, you might want to think about a liquid lipstick.”
To help pinpoint some of the top lipstick shades for dark skin tones, we spoke with Gene and Thompson, as well as makeup artists Nick Barose, and Camille Bell. As a longtime beauty writer, I'm also sharing some of my favorite shades to wear for both special occasions and everyday wear.
Best Lipsticks for Deep Skin Tones
- Best Lipstick for Deep Skin Tones Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick in Spark
- Best Luxury Lipstick for Deep Skin Tones: Chanel 31 Le Rouge Satin Lipstick in 7
- Best Matte Lipstick for Deep Skin Tones: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Ashton
- Best Pink Lipstick for Deep Skin Tones: Cheekbone Beauty Sustain Vegan Lipstick in Haki
- Best Satin Lipstick for Deep Skin Tones: Makeup By Mario SuperSatin Lipstick in Forest Hills
Thank the ultra-moisturizing formula for this lipstick’s smooth, plush, and comfortable finish. Infused with a natural wax blend, an oil blend, and a pomegranate jojoba complex, the Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Lipstick features a creamy and emollient consistency that doesn’t settle into lip lines. It’s the perfect, versatile everyday lip—you can sheer it out for a soft wash or swipe on the layers for a pigmented pout.
Finish: Cream
What We Love: High in shine and luminosity; moisturizing formula; lightweight feel
What We Don’t: Glossy finish isn’t long-lasting
MC Review: “This formula feels like wearing a hoodie; it’s a very comfortable experience, from application to wear. It goes on smooth like a balm and shines like a gloss. Even though it isn’t as long-lasting as a matte formula, it fades evenly and doesn’t leave a patchy mess behind.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
Cozy lipstick, cozy hoodie.
“You want the lips to pop without being too over-the-top, so I always pick a more deep-leaning red shade,” explains Barose, who works with Angela Bassett and Lupita Nyong'o. “Chanel 31 Le Rue in 7 is definitely my go-to. It’s a very forgiving matte [finish] that moves with the lips.” The formula is nourishing and hydrating, thanks to gardenia and maracuja oils, making it easy to layer, build, and reapply without any flaking or pilling.
Finish: Satin
What We Love: Glides right on; won’t dry out your lips
What We Don’t: Not super long-lasting
MC Review: “The color payoff on this red lipstick is fantastic, and it didn’t require the usual blot, reapply, and repeat method. The formula stretches with you, which means it doesn’t settle into or emphasize any cracks. I loved the creamy texture—it felt like there wasn’t anything on my lips.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
I grounded this lip color with the Lisa Eldridge Sculpt and Shape Lip Pencil in 3N.
“Ashton is a pretty brown [shade] with warmer undertones that works on a range of complexions. It’s a universal color,” says Thompson when I ask why this liquid lipstick is one of her go-to products. “I would say that it’s red carpet-approved because it’s not going anywhere. It’s so long-lasting.” Also notable is the double-sided flat applicator with a rounded tip, which makes for an easy, even application.
Finish: Matte
What We Love: Easy to apply; very pigmented
What We Don’t: Can start to feel dry after a few hours
MC Review: “This matte formula does feel a little bit dry, but it doesn't give my lips a crackling effect and stays put. After lunch, I looked in the mirror to see if I needed to reapply, and the color was just as I left it. It’s perfect for days when I’m on-the-go and don’t have time to reapply my lip color constantly.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
A matte lip is ideal for a night out.
“If you get bored with the classic red, and you want a shade that pops but isn’t too out there, then this would be a good option for you,” explains Barose. “It’s pink, but it doesn’t turn neon. I love using it as a stain.” Not only does the statement shade deposit a vivid wash of color onto lips, but the shea butter-infused creamy formula offers buildable versatility, too. “Sometimes, I tap it on, then add a lip balm on top, so you get [just] a little color,” says Barose. “Other times, I apply it full on.”
Finish: Cream
What We Love: Pigmented; buildable
What We Don’t: Transfers easily
MC Review: “Not going to lie—I was a little nervous to test out this lipstick shade. On the surface, pink lipstick seems hard to pull off, but this formula is nothing to fear. It goes on sheer at first, and it’s easy to build up to the level of pigment you desire. I got so many compliments when I wore this out—it’s a great alternative to the classic red lip.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
I love how versatile this lip color is for all day wear.
This easy-to-apply, lightweight lipstick is both comfortable and pigmented. It leaves behind an even stain on your lips as it fades throughout the day. Unlike other lipsticks, achieving your desired color only takes one swipe or a few light dabs. My favorite part? The subtle vanilla scent that gives the lipstick a nostalgic touch.
Finish: Satin
What We Love: The formula is pigmented and very comfortable to wear
What We Don’t: Transfers a bit
MC Review: “I absolutely loved wearing this lipstick. This texture is incredibly soft, almost like a lip balm, and the formula didn’t dry out my lips. It does transfer a little bit, but it doesn't feather or migrate onto my teeth.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
I love how warm and soft this rose shade showed up on my lips.
Other Lipsticks for Deep Skin Tones We Love
Formulated with avocado oil, this lightweight lip stain goes on smooth and leaves behind a feather-light finish. “I’m a huge fan of the Sephora stains,” says Gene, who works with Winnie Harlow and Kerry Washington. “They’re so rich in color, so they show up really well on deep skin tones.” One layer is all that’s needed for an impressive pigment payoff, and once the color sets, it lasts for hours.
Finish: Cream
What We Love: Striking, opaque finish; don’t have to worry about smudging
What We Don’t: There’s some minor stickiness
This lipstick has a matte, quick-drying formula that’s super pigmented, so you won't have to worry that the color will look different on your lips than in the package. It also stays on all day (or all night) with minimal transfer. It comes in various shades, from classic red to coral to hot pink.
Finish: Matte
What We Love: Longwear; won’t cling to flaky lips
What We Don’t: Formula isn’t drying, but it isn’t hydrating either
Pound Cake prioritizes deep skin tones, so you know you're getting a flattering shade with intense pigment. Cake Batter, in particular, is a liquid lipstick that comes in multiple variations of the same shade for different lip tones. This brand truly understands color theory and recognizes that people’s natural lip tone affects how color appears. Try Strawberry if you have pink lip undertones or Brooklyn Blackout if you have brow lip undertones.
Finish: Semi-matte
What We Love: Moisturizing formula; can be layered with other lip products
What We Don’t: Not totally transfer-proof
Juvia’s Place is another Black-owned and founded brand that always considers deep skin tones when creating its products. This affordable, highly pigmented lipstick is made to show up as advertised on every lip tone and has a long-lasting wear time that reviewers love.
Finish: Matte
What We Love: Creamy formula; affordable price
What We Don’t: Limited number of shades
This drugstore gem from Maybelline is a cult favorite for a reason. It stays on all night, and even the lightest shades it comes in show up on my lips without visible streaking or color distortion. It dries matte and does so quickly, so make sure you're ready to work fast.
Finish: Matte
What We Love: Lasts through meals and drinks
What We Don’t: Can start to feel a bit dry after a few hours
Tom Ford Beauty is home to this full-coverage, highly pigmented, long-wear lipstick with a creamy satin finish. It promises to moisturize lips thoroughly without irritating them and is formulated without mineral oil or parabens. Other ingredient callouts include moisturizing murumuru butter and soja seed extract.
Finish: Cream
What We Love: Lightweight feel on the lips
What We Don’t: Takes a little time to dry down
How to Find the Best Shade for Your Skin Tone
Skin Undertones
It's important to note that everyone should feel good wearing whatever shade they want, regardless of others' opinions or traditional beauty standards. But if you’re not sure where to start when looking for a lipstick shade, consider your skin’s undertone. “For cool tones, I like to use blue-based lip products like a blue-based red or a mauve-pink," says Gene. "For a neutral to warm complexion, I love using orange-based shades like corals or bricks.”
Lip Tone
The natural color of your lips can impact how your lipstick of choice shows up on you, especially if the formula isn't as highly pigmented. "I notice shoppers typically swatch lipstick on their wrists to understand what the color will look like," says Bell. "However, one should try to always swatch the lip color in the middle of their bottom and upper lip.
Lip Liner
Lip liner is your friend. It provides an even base of color for your lipstick to sit on, allowing you to manipulate the lip color to work for you. “Some days you might want your red to be a bit more muted, so then you’d just use a brown liner,” says Barose. “On other days, you might want your lip to pop. In that case, you’d use a matching lip liner.”
Why Trust Marie Claire
The products on this list have either been vetted by freelance beauty writer Ama Kwarteng or have been hand-selected by one of the four experts she spoke to. Each lipstick is also highly rated by reviewers. We've swatched and tested every product on this list. Ultimately, we selected the best lipsticks for dark skin tones based on their staying power, pigment, and ease of application.
Meet the Experts
Camille Bell is the founder of Pound Cake, an inclusive makeup brand dedicated to creating lipsticks that look good on everyone, regardless of skin tone or identity. She is currently based in Philadelphia.
Nick Barose began his formal makeup training assisting Kevyn Aucoin. Since then, he has risen to the top of his field. He counts numerous Hollywood stars as his clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Rachel Weisz, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Amandla Stenberg, Angela Bassett, Willow Smith, Holly Hunter, and more. Barose currently splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles.
Camille Thompson is a New York-based makeup artist. She is known for her ability to create flawless skin and accentuate her clients features with a versatile range of looks from pared back, fresh looks to high-octane glamour. Her clients include Iman, MJ Rodriguez, Elaine Welteroth, Storm Reid, Jasmine Tookes, Jeanine Mason, and many others. Her talent can be seen in editorials for publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, At Large, Hunger, and Elle Brazil, in addition to campaigns for brands including Audemars Piguet, Polo Ralph Lauren, H&M, Tacori, and UGG.
Billie Gene is a professional makeup artist and groomer. Famous for his glowy and radiant makeup looks, Gene’s hands have graced the faces of some of the most in-demand celebrities such as Kiki Layne, Dominique Fishback, Kerry Washington and Chlöe Bailey to name just a few. He is also a male groomer and some of his clients are Colman Domingo, Terry Crews and Jeremy Pope. Billie spends his time between New York and Los Angeles.
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