If your search for lipsticks for dark skin has born little fruit, quit the endless Sephora scrolling. Our experts have found your perfect match.

There was a time when finding <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/national-lipstick-day-best-lipsticks-shopping-deals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lipsticks</a> for dark skin was borderline impossible. Whether scouring the aisles of drugstores or perusing higher-end retailers like Sephora and the first floors of any department store, the offerings for deeper skin tones were sparse. The options were always nudes or reds that, unfortunately, only suited fair to medium complexions. Even foundation shades that were labeled "for dark skin" were usually too light.&nbsp;
But in 2017, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/rihanna-blonde-hair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rihanna</a> launched her makeup brand <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-fenty-beauty-products-rihanna-makeup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fenty Beauty</a>. At that time, offering a range of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/makeup-brands-widest-foundation-shade-ranges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40 foundation shades</a> was entirely new, and it paved the way for inclusivity in the beauty world. Soon, brands saw that embracing diversity was important to resonate with broader markets and compete with brands like Fenty.&nbsp;
Seven years later, limited foundation and concealer options are increasingly rare (and honestly just bad PR), with inclusivity extending across <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/history-of-contouring-makeup-kardashian-drag-queens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contours</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-winter-bronzers-makeup-guide-shopping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bronzers</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/best-blush-sticks-that-deserve-a-space-in-the-makeup-bag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blushes</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/10-best-liquid-highlighters-shop-summer-skin-glow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlighters</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/purple-eyeshadow-beauty-trend-rihanna-dua-lipa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eyeshadows</a>, and lipsticks.
Despite the increase in options compared to previous years, finding the right lipstick for dark skin can still be challenging. Some are still too pale or ashy, or may not match with your undertone. But fear not, L'OFFICIEL has found your perfect match.&nbsp;

L'OFFICIEL USA&nbsp;may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links.

You've probably heard of Charlotte Tilbury's viral Pillow Talk line. It started as a lip kit featuring a pink nude lip liner and matte lipstick. As the line became more popular, the brand released different variations of blushes, lipsticks, highlighters, and eyeshadow palettes. But as gorgeous as the original Pillow Talk lip kit was, it was not friendly to darker complexions. Thankfully, Charlotte Tilbury knows how to listen. Alas, the Pillow Talk Intense lip kit joined the family. This deep, rose pink is everything you could ask for in a moisturizing lipstick for dark skin: not ashy, not pale, just sultry.&nbsp;
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Pillow Talk Intense, $35, <a href="https://fave.co/49xKItm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Revolve</a>

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Intense. Photo courtesy of Revolve.

Charlotte Tilbury

If you're dying to make a splurge but need the safety of a reputable brand, Pat McGrath is always a trustworthy option. Though it's a light pink nude, it complements dark skin tones to get that no-makeup makeup look. Plus, it includes hydrating ingredients like shea butter and pomegranate flower extract, ensuring 24-hour comfort.&nbsp;
Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Nude Romantique 2, $30, <a href="https://fave.co/3I4T54e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Pat McGrath SatinAllure Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Sephora.

Pat McGrath Labs

Technically, this is a tinted lip balm. But the formula and pigment are so unique, that we had to add this to the list. If you've been on any social media this last year, chances are you've seen people raving about this Hourglass Cosmetics lip balm. And for a good reason. Sure, tinted lip balms can sometimes lack the buildable color you need, or even end up feeling overly sticky. But this one defies expectations: it glides on smoothly, maintains lip hydration, and offers visible, vibrant color. Hourglass offers it in 16 different shades, from pinks to browns and reds. But Lure stands out as the perfect deep berry shade that you can take from day to night.
Hourglass Cosmetics Phatom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Lure, $35, <a href="https://fave.co/3uDEI3E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hourglass Cosmetics</a>

Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm. Photo courtesy of Hourglass Cosmetics.

Hourglass Cosmetics

Though red is a classic color that belongs in every lip collection, it's one of the most difficult shades to shop for given how striking it is. Some options are too matte, others overly glossy, and some even veer into an unflattering orange hue. Enter the Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue. Unlike your typical lipstick, this gem offers a duo experience. On one side, you'll find a velvety matte liquid lipstick, while on the other, a luscious glossy top coat. Whether you're in the mood for a bold matte moment, a radiant glossy finish, or simply a subtle touch-up with the top coat as the day winds down, this lipstick has you covered for your every need.&nbsp;
Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue in Passionate Red, $35, <a href="https://fave.co/48npLR3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomingdale's</a>

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's.

Chanel

Love a good red lipstick for dark skin, but don't want it to be too intense? This lipstick from Merit in Tiger is a brick red that strikes the perfect balance between boldness and subtlety. Plus, it boasts a lightweight formula, so you can feel confident without the heaviness or stickiness of a regular lipstick.&nbsp;
Merit Beauty Signature Lip Lightweight Satin Lipstick in Tiger, $26, <a href="https://fave.co/3UIsMs7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Merit Beauty Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Sephora.

Merit Beauty

This Lanc&ocirc;me lipstick is the more intense, velvet finish version of the Merit Beauty lipstick in Brick. It's the sexiest cool fig brown lipstick for dark skin you'll ever find, best served on a night out.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lanc&ocirc;me L'Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in Delice de Figue, $35, <a href="https://fave.co/3OLJ4wk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ulta Beauty</a>

Lancóme Cream Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Ulta Beauty.

Lancôme

If you prefer a more subtle, sheer color, Generation G by Glossier gives that blotted effect so you can achieve that no-lipstick lipstick look in one swipe. But if you suddenly desire a bit more color, rest assured, it's buildable. While all nine of the shades are versatile, Malt, a warm cinnamon brown, offers a rich pigment that complements deeper complexions beautifully, making it the ideal lipstick for dark skin.&nbsp;
Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Malt, $20, <a href="https://fave.co/3SYQUW2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glossier</a>

Glossier Generation G Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Glossier.

Glossier

There's a reason why a lot of the Dior Beauty products fly off the shelves. Whether it's the eyeshadow, glow palette, or lipstick, the pigment is always the ideal balance between pigmented and natural. The fact that its packaging is luxe is just the cherry on top. The lipstick shade Icone Satin, in particular, is the top rosewood lipstick for dark skin.&nbsp;
Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 720 Icone Satin, $49, <a href="https://fave.co/49isBYL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Dior

Don't be fooled by the tube packaging, it's not a cheek tint&mdash;although if you are traveling or in need of a quick touch-up, this Refy lip blush is multi-purpose. Canyon is a dark, reddish brown with a sheer formula that simply enhances your natural lips.&nbsp;
Refy Lip Blush in Canyon, $24, <a href="https://fave.co/3uByv8g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Refy Lip Blush. Photo courtesy of Sephora.

Refy

What is a beauty shopping guide without at least one Fenty Beauty product in it? But it's not just because it's Rihanna's brand. This lipstick's weightless, long-wear formula deserves attention. Sure, the Fenty Gloss Bombs are the best-sellers, but before you apply that gloss, you should definitely have a base on first. The Stunna Lip Paint is the answer to your prayers: it blends seamlessly without drying out your lips. Pink nudes are overrated; Unveil, a chocolate brown nude, is one of the most flattering lipsticks for dark skin.&nbsp;
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Unveil, $29, <a href="https://fave.co/42L1nry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fenty Beauty</a>

Fenty Beauty Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Fenty Beauty.

Fenty Beauty

If you're still partial to pink nudes, the Tom Ford Lipstick in Indian Rose is the best lipstick for dark skin. It may be on the pricey side, but who doesn't love a good "small" treat? And it's totally worth it. Despite the matte finish, it doesn't feather, thanks to its infusion of Vitamin E and Vitamin C derivatives.&nbsp;
Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick in Indian Rose, $59, <a href="https://fave.co/3uCYNqM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Tom Ford Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tom Ford

If you've been wondering who's behind all the glamorous, glitzy looks of Kim Kardashian, it's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, the creative behind the viral Makeup by Mario line. Love the lip stain from red wine? Well, the Forest Hill lipstick shade is the way to achieve just that, except of course, it's a whole lot more pigmented. The deep brown twist makes it the lipstick for dark skin.&nbsp;
Makeup by Mario SuperSatin&trade; Lipstick in Forest Hills, $28, <a href="https://fave.co/3wclgeD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Makeup by Mario Lipstick. Photo courtesy of Sephora.

Makeup by Mario 

If there's one thing Patrick Ta knows how to do, it's create long-lasting pigment. Even his lipsticks are smudge-free, transfer-free, and, you guessed it, kiss-free. Our favorite? The Major Silky Lip Cr&egrave;me which features a velvety soft satin finish. Yes, the consistency is as luscious as it sounds. The standout lipstick for dark skin, however, is the shade Complicated: a rich berry with brown undertones.&nbsp;
Patrick Ta Major Silky Lip Cr&egrave;me in Complicated, $26, <a href="https://fave.co/48fpgIM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patrick Ta</a>

13 Flattering Lipsticks for Dark Skin

Tags

Related Articles

Beauty

Beauty Trends We're Stealing From the Fall/Winter 2024 Runways

Beauty

Best New Beauty Products to Shop in November 2023

Beauty

Best New Beauty Products to Shop in October 2023

Recommended posts for you

Pop culture

Why a Girl’s Journal Might Be Her Most Precious Possession

Pop culture

Pamela Anderson Says Her Career Renaissance Is "A Second Chance"

Film & TV

Everything To Know About the 2026 Golden Globes

Fashion

All The Spring/Summer 2026 Campaigns To Keep On Your Radar

Fashion

This Season's Must-Have Accessory Is The Mini Handbag

Film & TV

Will Callum Turner Be The Next James Bond?

Fashion

Willy Chavarria’s Womenswear Era Has Arrived

Beauty

Unlock Spa-Level Radiance With the Best At-Home Facial Devices