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Not to sound dramatic, but finding the perfect lipstick shade for my skin tone changed my life. For most of my beauty-obsessed life, I’ve been a nude gloss kind of girl and shied away from lipsticks because I was afraid of “doing too much.” As a teenager, I was told that wearing bold lipstick shades made me look too grown; as a young adult, I was sold the myth that bright lipsticks don’t look good on dark skin women (false!). Now that I’ve fully grown into loving and celebrating the beauty of being a dark skin Black woman, exploring the endless shades of lipsticks on the market is all the more fun. With the help of a few makeup experts and inspiration from famous beauties, including Lupita Nyong'o, Naomi Campbell, and Jackie Aina, I’ve found the select few lipstick shades that pop against my complexion; stay on all day, and allow me to flex my beauty and confidence. Since I’ve cracked the code, it’s only right to share; here are 11 lipstick shades every dark skin woman should keep in rotation.
NYX Line & Load All-in-One Lippie in Ride or Die
NYX Line & Load All-in-One Lippie in Ride or Die
The name of this shade defines how I feel about most NYX lip products; I’m a die-hard NYX fan. I started with the cult-favorite butter glosses, and once I felt confident enough to begin exploring bolder lip colors, this all-in-one lippie served as my intro course. The soft matte formula doubles as a liner and lipstick, and this shade of brown is perfect for the dramatic pouty brown lip liner look that black women have perfected. Take it one step further after lining and fill in for a bold and rich brown lip.
NARS Air Matte Lip Color in Joy Ride
NARS Air Matte Lip Color in Joy Ride
Pink has never really been my go-to for lips, for this warm pink shade from Nars changed that. It’s bright and highly pigmented, but the soft matte finish makes it subtle and oh so pretty—a spring-time must-have.
Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick- Torch Song
Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick- Torch Song
This vivid orange shade is perfect for when you need a bold pop of color to bring your look to life. It looks redder before application but leaves a bright orange finish that is vibrant without being overwhelming.
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Rihanna and Fenty Beauty never disappoint, and this lip color is no exception. Unlocked is one of the prettiest shades of pink you’ll ever wear. The depth of this shade makes it great on dark complexions and compliments cool undertones.
Makeup Forever Rouge in Rockin’ Rust #414
Makeup Forever Rouge in Rockin’ Rust #414
You can never go wrong with a dark red lip on dark skin. Some shades of red can have orange undertones that may overpower the red when applied, but Rockin’ Rust is a perfectly balanced shade with an elegant effect.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Extravaganza
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Extravaganza
Every Black woman knows that Pat McGrath is the truth when it comes to makeup for dark complexions. This shade is a go-to when you want a darker pink lip that’s still bright and vibrant. A hybrid between pink and purple, this rich magenta shade will make you look unforgettable in the best way.
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I’m convinced purple was made for Black women—and if not made, then definitely perfected. When I want to wear a purple lip, I usually reach for a dark plum shade, but this brighter shade of purple from Flesh pops against dark skin for an attention-grabbing look.
I used to be intimidated byred lipstick, but as I’ve tried different shades, I discovered the ones that feel comfortable, and this shade from Dior is a go-to. It’s a classic in every sense of the word, and while it looks great on almost every skin tone, it’s particularly stunning on darker complexions.
Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipsticks in Foxy Brown
Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipsticks in Foxy Brown
The subtle red/brown shade is a step up from when you want a basic nude. The deep copper tone compliments dark brown skin shades so well without blending in.
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It can be hard to figure out which shades of pink work best on dark skin. Some can be too bright and look chalky, while others look dull. This soft pink from Hourglass is the perfect balance of bright and deep, not to mention the addition of shea butter makes it equal parts nourishing and vivid.
Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Coretta
Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Coretta
After watching Jackie Aina slay effortlessly in this shade for one of her youtube tutorials, I immediately added it to my cart. This lipstick is the pink you put on when you want to feel pretty. This shade, along with brown lip liner, is a classic lip combo.
Annie Blay
Annie is a Fashion and Beauty writer, with a love for skincare and an obsession with bubble baths. When she's not writing, you can find her online shopping with a glass of coffee or matcha (usually iced), and a candle nearby. Keep up with her on Instagram.
I'm Annie Blay, a Fashion and Beauty writer with a deep passion for skincare and an obsession with bubble baths. My expertise in the beauty industry is grounded in years of exploration, research, and firsthand experience. I've delved into various beauty trends, tried numerous products, and honed my understanding of what works best, especially for dark skin tones.
In the article you provided, the author highlights 11 lipstick shades that are particularly suited for dark skin women. Let's break down the concepts mentioned and provide additional information:
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NYX Line & Load All-in-One Lippie in Ride or Die
- This NYX lipstick is praised for its versatility as an all-in-one product with a soft matte formula, serving as both a liner and lipstick. The brown shade complements dark skin tones, creating a dramatic and pouty look.
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NARS Air Matte Lip Color in Joy Ride
- The NARS lipstick in Joy Ride is a warm pink shade with a soft matte finish. The author emphasizes that, despite not being a typical choice, this shade is highly pigmented and subtle, making it a must-have for spring.
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Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick- Torch Song
- Torch Song is a vivid orange shade from Shiseido's ModernMatte Powder Lipstick line. It is described as providing a bold pop of color that brings a look to life, offering a vibrant finish without being overwhelming.
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Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Unlocked
- Rihanna's Fenty Beauty brand is known for quality, and the Stunna Lip Paint in Unlocked is highlighted for its stunning pink shade. The depth of color makes it suitable for dark complexions, complementing cool undertones.
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Makeup Forever Rouge in Rockin’ Rust #414
- A dark red lip is considered a timeless choice for dark skin, and Rockin’ Rust from Makeup Forever Rouge is recommended for its perfectly balanced shade with an elegant effect.
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Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Extravaganza
- Pat McGrath is acknowledged as a makeup authority for dark complexions. Extravaganza, a rich magenta shade with hints of pink and purple, is recommended for a bright and vibrant darker pink lip.
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flesh-beauty Strong Flesh in Pleasure
- Purple shades are said to be particularly well-suited for Black women. Pleasure from Flesh is highlighted as a brighter shade of purple that pops against dark skin, creating an attention-grabbing look.
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Dior Refillable Lipstick in 999
- Red lipstick can be intimidating, but Dior's shade 999 is recommended for its classic and comfortable feel. The article suggests that it looks particularly stunning on darker complexions.
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Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipsticks in Foxy Brown
- Foxy Brown from Mented Cosmetics is described as a subtle red/brown shade, a step up from basic nude. The deep copper tone is said to complement dark brown skin shades.
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Hourglass Girl Lip Stylo in Inventor
- Choosing the right shades of pink for dark skin can be challenging. Inventor from Hourglass is praised for striking the perfect balance between bright and deep, with added shea butter for nourishment.
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Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Coretta
- Jackie Aina's endorsem*nt is mentioned for Uoma Beauty's Coretta shade. This pink lipstick, when paired with brown lip liner, is considered a classic combination for a pretty and timeless look.
In conclusion, my expertise in beauty and skincare aligns with the article's recommendations, emphasizing the importance of finding the right lipstick shades that complement and celebrate the beauty of dark skin tones.
