The 8 Best Lipsticks for Dark Skin Tones in 2026
Finding the perfect lipstick is like discovering the holy grail of makeup. The right shade can elevate any look, boost confidence, and make a bold statement. But let’s be real,many beauty brands still don’t cater enough to deeper skin tones, leaving us with shades that look ashy, dull, or just plain off. If you’ve ever swiped on a lipstick that looked stunning in the tube but washed out your complexion, you know the struggle is real.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up eight of the best lipsticks for dark skin tones, ones that pop, flatter, and bring out the richness of melanin. Whether you love a classic red, a sultry nude, or a daring berry, these picks will have your lips looking luscious and luminous. Keep reading to discover your next go-to shade.
Best Picks
1. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored
Rihanna knew what she was doing when she launched Fenty Beauty, and the Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored is proof. This rich, true red is designed to look stunning on all skin tones, but it’s especially breathtaking on darker complexions. The formula is lightweight yet intensely pigmented, meaning you get full coverage in just one swipe.
Why it works:
Blue-based red that complements warm and cool undertones
Long-wearing and non-drying formula
Precision applicator for a smooth, even finish
2. MAC Matte Lipstick in Chili
If classic red feels a little too bold, MAC’s Chili is the perfect alternative. This brick-red shade with orange undertones is an instant showstopper on deep skin tones, bringing warmth and vibrancy without overpowering your look.
Why it works:
Matte finish that stays put all day
Rich pigmentation that doesn’t need constant reapplication
Works beautifully with brown, gold, and warm-toned eyeshadow looks
3. Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Deep Orchid
Pat McGrath is the queen of luxury beauty, and Deep Orchid is a prime example of why. This deep, sultry plum shade gives a regal touch to any look and is perfect for evening glam or a bold daytime statement. The formula is buttery smooth and ultra-matte without being drying.
Why it works:
Highly pigmented for full-color payoff
Soft matte finish that’s comfortable on the lips
Looks gorgeous against rich, deep skin tones
Pro Tip: Pair this with a plum or brown liner to enhance the shape of your lips.
4. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Cherry Brown
Finding the perfect nude for dark skin can be tricky, too light, and it looks ashy; too dark, and it doesn’t quite give that natural effect. Enter Cherry Brown, a stunning brownish-nude that enhances deep complexions without washing them out. Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink formula is famous for its amazing staying power, so this shade will last through meals, drinks, and long days.
Why it works:
Deep cherry tone that flatters darker skin
Ultra-long-lasting, smudge-proof formula
Affordable and accessible
5. Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipstick in Dope Taupe
Mented built their nudes with deeper skin tones in mind, and Dope Taupe is exactly the kind of “real nude” that does not turn gray or look chalky. It’s a warm, wearable mix of brown and pink that enhances natural lip tone instead of covering it up, so it reads polished and effortless for everyday.
Why it works:
Nude shade made specifically to flatter dark skin tones
Dope Taupe is a balanced brown + pink blend, so it looks natural on deeper lips
Vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA
6. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen
NYX’s Copenhagen is a deep plum shade that delivers a bold yet soft matte finish. It’s lightweight and buildable, making it perfect for layering without feeling heavy.
Why it works:
Affordable yet high-quality formula
Soft matte finish that doesn’t crack
Deep, sultry color that complements dark skin
7. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Walk of No Shame
Charlotte Tilbury’s Walk of No Shame is a unique warm rose shade with a hint of red that adds warmth and vibrancy to darker skin tones. The formula is infused with nourishing ingredients, keeping lips soft while delivering a flawless matte look.
Why it works:
Soft matte finish with a slight sheen
Buildable color that suits any occasion
Comfortable, hydrating formula
8. Juvia’s Place Velvety Matte Lipstick in Toffee
Juvia’s Place is known for creating products that cater to melanin-rich skin, and Toffee is no exception. This warm caramel nude is perfect for everyday wear, providing a subtle yet polished look that doesn’t wash out deeper complexions.
Why it works:
Smooth matte finish without being overly drying
Perfect nude shade for dark skin
Rich, full-coverage pigmentation
How do I pick a nude lipstick for dark skin without looking ashy?
Start with undertone and natural lip color. A nude should look like a slightly enhanced version of your lips, not a concealer shade. In general, matching your nude’s undertone to your skin undertone makes the result look more balanced.
If you have warm undertones, look for caramel, cocoa, cinnamon, or warm rose nudes. If you have cool undertones, try mauve-browns, berry-rose nudes, or plummy nudes. If you have neutral undertones, you can usually swing both ways. Brands also call out that choosing the right nude based on skin tone and undertone helps prevent that ashy effect. When in doubt, go one shade deeper than the “nude” you think you need.
Do I need lip liner for lipstick on dark skin?
Not always, but it is one of the easiest ways to make lipstick look cleaner, fuller, and more intentional, especially with bold colors or lighter nudes. Brown liner is a classic pairing for deep skin because it adds definition and creates that soft, dimensional ombré effect without harsh contrast. For shades like red, brick, or berry, a liner also helps prevent feathering and keeps edges crisp.
A simple method is to outline, slightly shade the corners, then apply lipstick in the center and blend where they meet. Even Maybelline’s liner tips focus on shaping first, then filling and blending for a smoother, more even look.
Which finish is best for dark skin: matte, satin, or glossy?
All finishes work on dark skin, it just depends on the vibe and your lip texture. Matte lipsticks look bold and editorial, and they photograph beautifully, but they can emphasize dryness if you skip prep. Satins and creamy mattes are a great middle ground because they give pigment without making lips look flat.
Balm-like lipsticks (like Bobbi Brown Crushed) are perfect when you want softness and comfort, especially if you have fine lines on the lips. Gloss can be stunning on deep skin because it adds dimension, but it can shorten wear time, so many people use gloss only at the center of the lip. If you want a “luxury lip” look fast, do a matte lipstick with a tiny dab of gloss in the middle.
How do I prep my lips so matte lipstick looks smooth and lasts?
Prep is everything, especially for matte and long-wear formulas. Exfoliate gently first so lipstick does not cling to flakes, then hydrate with balm and blot off the excess so the lipstick can grip. A warm damp washcloth works great for quick exfoliation, and pros often recommend hydrating first, then lightly buffing to create a smooth surface. If you want extra staying power, you can lightly line and fill the lips with liner before lipstick.
For liquid lipstick, apply thin layers and let it set without rubbing lips together. For bullet lipstick, blot once, then reapply a thin second layer. These steps make even bold shades look cleaner and wear longer.
How do I choose the best lipstick from the list for my undertone and lifestyle?
Pick based on two things: undertone and how much maintenance you can tolerate. For low-maintenance days, choose a comfy matte bullet (Pat McGrath, MAC, Charlotte Tilbury) or a balm-like formula (Bobbi Brown) that fades gracefully.
For long events, a long-wear liquid matte (Fenty Icon Velvet, Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink) is your best friend, but prep matters more. For warm undertones, brick reds, chili tones, and warm rosewoods usually glow. For cool undertones, plums, berries, and blue-toned reds tend to look especially striking. If you want one “never fails” category, grab a deep nude plus a statement red. That combo covers almost every look in 2026.
