For days when you want to feel particularly powerful, alluring or brave, wearing black lipstick can transform your look and amp up your confidence. Black lipstick comes in a surprising range of opacities and finishes, making it wearable beyond Halloween. Even Gucci makes a creamy black lipstick called the Gucci Rouge a Levres Satin Lipstick. Its unique packaging and great coverage make it a top pick. Here’s how to find the best black lipstick for you and how to pull off this daring look.
What to know before you buy a black lipstick
How often you’ll wear it
Black lipstick comes in a wide range of price points, so it’s important to know how often you think you’ll use it. You should also know how much you’re willing to spend. If you only want black lipstick for your Halloween costume, an affordable drugstore version will work just fine. If you want a high-performing formula to wear frequently, it may be worth investing in a prestige or luxury brand.
Black lipstick undertones
Just like there are many shades of red or nude lipstick, there are many shades of black, too. Some have red or purple undertones, while others are more blue or green. Look for reviews from wearers who share your skin tone and swatch lipsticks, if possible, to find the best match for your complexion.
Black lipstick alternatives
If you’re not ready for the leap to pure black, consider another super-dark shade, like a deep eggplant, berry or mahogany. Alternatively, consider a black lip gloss. Lip gloss still shows the impact of rich pigment without the intense coverage you see in lipstick. You can also try darkening a color you’re more familiar with by layering some black lipstick over it.
Black lipstick features
Shine vs. matte
Black lipstick typically has a matte finish, but you can amplify this look by layering clear gloss on top. Adding shine can make black lipstick look more elegant and less serious. If you’re nervous about the impact of matte black lipstick, look for a formula with a shimmer or satin finish.
Simpler makeup
Black lipstick works best when it’s the main feature in your look. It makes a statement, and it’s going to draw the most attention when you wear it. When you wear black lipstick, stick to natural-looking skin and minimal eye makeup. A few coats of mascara may be all you need to complete your look. But makeup is all about expressing yourself, so style your black lipstick however you like!
Liquid vs. bullet lipstick
Black liquid lipsticks, especially matte formulas, frequently tend to last longer. And their wand applicators make it easy to put on the color compared to traditional lipstick. However, traditional lipstick formulas are usually more moisturizing and won’t bleed away from the lip line.
Black lipstick cost
Drugstore black lipstick costs $7-$10. You can find prestige beauty brand lipsticks for $19-$22. Some designer brand lipsticks cost upwards of $50.
Black lipstick FAQ
How do I apply black lipstick?
A. Applying black lipstick requires time and precision. Apply a lip balm to moisturize your lips, blot off the excess and wait a few minutes for it to dry. Then, outline your lips with a lip liner to help keep black lipstick from bleeding or feathering. Next, if you’re using liquid lipstick, carefully apply a single layer of product with the tip of the applicator, filling to the lip line. If you don’t get full coverage with one layer, wait until your lips are fully dry before applying a second layer.
If you’re using traditional stick lipstick and you want more coverage and control, use a lip brush. First, outline your lips, and then fill in using the lip brush. Then, blot with a tissue. Apply a second coat if needed, and touch up the outside of your lips with concealer.
Do I need lip liner with black lipstick?
A. Some matte lipstick formulas stay put without the aid of lip liner, but many lipsticks and lip glosses look more put together if you use a lip liner. Resist the temptation to use black eyeliner as lip liner. Lip and eye products contain ingredients that make it risky to use them interchangeably and using the same eye pencil on both your lips and eyes is not hygienic.
Which black lipstick should I get?
Best of the best black lipstick
Gucci Rouge a Levres Satin Lipstick in 700 Crystal Black: available at Sephora
Our take: Gucci shows that black lipstick doesn’t have to be grunge. Its creamy designer lipstick comes in luxe packaging.
What we like: The satin finish makes this lipstick both long-lasting and comfortable. It’s formulated without sulfates, parabens or silicone. It’s also vegan. The lipstick comes in an elegant etched gold tube.
What we dislike: It’s a pricey option if you don’t intend to wear it very often. The formula needs a few layers to build up color, and the floral fragrance won’t appeal to everyone.
Best bang for your buck black lipstick
NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Alien: available at Ulta, Amazon and Macy’s
Our take: With rich pigmentation and creamy application, this liquid lipstick applies easily and dries down to a velvety finish.
What we like: The formula includes ingredients like olive oil and avocado oil to keep your lips hydrated. It offers a little more shine and dimension than other matte options.
What we dislike: The shade has a slight purple tint to it, so it isn’t a true black. Some users had issues with the lipstick transferring easily.
Honorable mention black lipstick
KVD Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Exorcism: available at Ulta and Sephora
Our take: While KVD’s true-black shade, Witches, is difficult to find, this deep blackberry shade captures the same essence. Its cool-to-neutral undertones give it the vibes of black lipstick.
What we like: The vegan formula is a cult favorite, especially due to its shade range and staying power. It applies easily and doesn’t make your lips feel dry.
What we dislike: It may require a few layers to achieve even coverage. A few users felt that the color wore off too quickly.
Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
