It doesn't need to be autumn [1] to wear dark lipstick, but there's something about the cooler temperatures, longer evenings, and changing leaves that makes a lot of people want to break out deeper, vampier lip colours like burgundy, plum, espresso, and even pure, inky black. And while picking out a gorgeous dark-hued lipstick is a lot easier than, say, finding your perfect nude, the mass amount of options on the market does make it intimidating to know which ones to invest in. That's why we consulted some of the top makeup artists in the business on both sides of the pond — like Caroline Barnes, Georgina Graham, and Pauline Briscoe in London, and Porsche Cooper, Daniel Martin, and Samantha Lau in New York — to come up with a comprehensive list of the best dark lipstick shades out there.
For starters, many of the makeup artists we spoke to prefer dark matte shades over dark shades with a shiny or satin finish. "It's personal preference, but I feel it looks more modern and it is easier to wear knowing it stays put," said London-based makeup artist Barnes [2], a point Lau (who regularly works with Dua Lipa, including that major blue eye shadow moment [3] at the Grammys) reiterated. "As an artist, I'm drawn to the soft matte formulas for dark lips if I'm using a lipstick that has medium or full coverage. I feel it just looks better in the overall look." That being said, while many of the shades on this list are matte, there are a few sheer and shiny options for those who don't like the look or feel of matte lipstick, or who want a subtler way to play around with deeper lip colours.
Another important factor when wearing dark lipstick actually has nothing to do with colour at all, but rather the prep work you should do to ensure your lipstick doesn't look dry or flaky. "Prepping the lips is definitely one of the most important things before applying any lipsticks in general, but especially crucial for dark lipsticks," said Lau, who has her process down to a science.
"First, I slather the lips with a hydrating lip balm, like the Dr. Sturm Lip Balm [4] (£40) or the Omorovicza Lip Balm [5] (£34) (which I understand are quite expensive but I'm quite the connoisseur for lip balms because I have dry lips). I also love the original version of Lanolips [6] (£11), which is fantastic for nighttime and for winter months," Lau explained. "I do the rest of the makeup and when it comes time for lips, I blot off the excess lip balm (if it hasn't been absorbed into the skin already), and follow up with the Lanolips lip scrub [7] (£13) to make sure all the dead skin is off. I then wipe off the scrub and reapply lip balm. I let that sit for a bit before blotting off the excess and then lips are ready for lipstick application."
Now that we've addressed formula and process, all that's left is perusing through these pro-recommended shades that range from makeup artist-developed brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath Labs, AJ Crimson, and Lisa Eldrige, to drugstore options from companies like Maybelline and Revlon, with a few indie brands like MDM Flow and Surratt Beauty thrown in the mix. And lastly, many of the colours on this list work with all skin tones, simply because of how much pigment they contain. "With bold shades you are making an impact with your look," Barnes explained. "The shades which are deep and rich create a stunning contrast against any complexion."
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Brown
"Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Brown [8] (£35) is such a gorgeous chocolate brown," Barnes said [9]. "Deep, rich, and expensive looking, you can always mix it with a lighter neutral-coloured lippy to add shade and volume to your lips."
AJ Crimson Beauty Lipstick in Ex-Factor
"The perfect deep brown lipstick does exist, and it was created by one of my favourite Black-owned beauty brands, AJ Crimson Beauty," said makeup artist Cooper [10], whose Instagram feed is not only full of photos of her fabulous clients like Andra Day, Niecy Nash, Winnie Harlow, as well as icons such as Mary J Blige and Iman, but also photos of herself rocking an array of bold lip shades (and the sharpest winged liner we've ever seen). "AJ Crimson Beauty Lipstick in Ex-Factor [11] (£14) is a chocolate nude with cool undertones and feels as delicious on the lips as it looks," she said of one of her favourite dark lipstick shades.
MAC Matte Lipstick in Sin
"MAC Matte Lipstick in Sin [12] (£17.50) was, and still is, the ultimate deep dark blue red," London-based makeup artist Graham [13] said. "The colour works on everyone and every single skin tone. Especially for fans of '90s minimal cool. And side note, if you didn't wear this shade in the '90s, were you even really there?"
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Wild Night
"Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Wild Night [14] (£23) is a gorgeous deep purple that can look brighter or deeper depending on your underlying natural lip tone," said makeup artist Martin [15], the man responsible for Meghan Markle's ultrapretty wedding-day makeup [16]. "It's great as a stain underneath your face mask. A tip to help mask transfer from your lipsticks (especially liquid lipsticks): blot with blotting papers before you put your mask on."
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Noir Moderne
"I love this slick of dark loveliness," Graham said of the Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Noir Moderne [17] (£31). "It's a deep dark red but the sheer texture makes it feel fresh and young and cool." It also means that it's a bit easier to wear if you want to try a dark lipstick but are hesitant to go full-on matte. On those with a deeper complexion and naturally dark lips, Graham notes this will be more of a neutral colour with a hint of plum.
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick in When I'm Alone
"Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick in When I'm Alone [18] (£31) is a universal burgundy colour that is flattering on all skin tones," New York City-based makeup artist Lau said. "The formula has a bit of shine instead of being a full matte, so I would blot it a little with a tissue to give it a matte finish."
Jacque Mgido Lip Stain in Harare
"Colder temps call for vampy lips and Jacque Mgido's Harare Lip Stain [19] (£14) is a divine deep purple that sets off seductress sirens," Cooper said. "If you have a steady hand, you can skip the lip pencil and trace the outer line of your lips first with the applicator, and then fill in to perfection," she added.
Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Mover
A dark lipstick option you can easily pick up on your next trip to Boots or Superdrug is Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Mover [20] (£8). Not only is the shade gorgeous — a deep plumy mauve with blue undertones that works on a wide variety of skin tones — the formula is one of the longest lasting [21] on the market, according to makeup artist Grace Lee.
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in High Drama
"Another all-rounder is the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in High Drama [22] (£19), which has a long-lasting formula and wears really comfortably, too. It's more of a purpley-wine colour if you apply one coat; however if you layer it, it almost looks black," Lau said [23]. "This is beautiful if you apply with your finger for a stained lip look."
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Done It Again
"Well, all I can say is that when it comes to the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Done It Again [24] (£21), the brand has done it again with this excellent texture and formula. Plus, it's the deepest of rich-red browns that looks and feels great on the lips. I also find that it stays put without feeling dry or flaky and is comfortable to wear," Graham said.
MDM Flow Lipstick in Di La La
London-based cosmetics brand MDM Flow has a wide range of lipstick shades that were formulated with inclusivity in mind. While anyone of any skin colour can wear her makeup, founder Florence Adepoju once told the Evening Standard [25] that "when I'm working, I think 'I am formulating a product so that a Black woman can wear it', so that the colour shows up. With my lipsticks, the darker your skin, the better it looks."
Her traditional matte lipsticks come in a wide variety of shades, including quite a few deep, vampy colours like Brenda (a brick red) and Lupita (a rich, dark brown), but we would be amiss not to highlight the deepest and vampiest of them all, MDM Flow Lipstick in Di La La [26] (£15), an inky black shade that looks both edgy and elegant, thanks to its ridiculously creamy formula.
MDM Flow Lipstick in Vamp
While many of the dark lipstick shades on this list fall on the warmer side of the colour spectrum, MDM Flow Lipstick in Vamp [27] (£15) is a blue-based dark colour that could best be described as a moody magenta. And because it's super pigmented, it's a colour that works on any complexion, from the fairest to the deepest.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Jazz
"Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Jazz [28] (£26) is my personal favourite," Barnes said. "Being blonde, bright reds can look stark and cheap on me, whereas this burgundy red makes me feel sophisticated. I adore the formula: it's lightweight, yet packed with colour. I've purchased three since they were released!"
Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Rust
"Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Rust [29] (£18) is a gorgeous matte chocolate shade which really compliments my skin tone — which is also of a chocolatey hue!" makeup artist Briscoe [30] said.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty
"Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty [31] (£25) is a stunning raspberry red that adds a touch of femininity to your lips," Barnes said. "It's also so pretty worn blotted down as a stain."
Glossier Generation Z Lipstick in Leo
"I am a huge fan of the Generation Z lipsticks for its innovative texture that allows you to create that already matte, blotted feel that you get from just one application," Graham said. "I am putting two shades in here: Jam, which is the ultimate berry goodness, and Glossier Generation Z Lipstick in Leo [32] (£14), (shown here), which is a neutral cocoa brown. These are great on everyone so get one, stat."
Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips in Walk of Shame
"This brick red-brown is great as a pick-me-up when you want a polished lip colour without making a statement," Martin said of his other current favourite, Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips in Walk of No Shame [33] (£25). "It looks beautiful on so many skin tones and the radiant finish makes it modern. I actually like this on the cheeks too to harmonise the colour on the face."
Ciaté Lipstick Wonderwand Lipstick in Royal Purple
"Ciaté Lipstick Wonderwand Lipstick in Royal Purple [34] (£16) is a lovely deep burgundy colour that instantly gives me a glamorous and regal look," Briscoe [35] said of another one of her personal dark lipstick favourites.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rebel
"The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rebel [36] (£11) is a beautifully rich, deep burgundy that lasts for 8-12 hours with its non-drying vegan formula," said Cooper, who also shared her top tip for ensuring your lipstick looks as flawless as the lips in this picture. "For a smooth finish that won't crack, exfoliate your lips, apply a kiss of lip balm, and then blot off the excess prior to application." Unfortunately, Lip Bar is only available in the US for now, so add it to your wish list for the next time you or a friend makes a trip across the Atlantic.
Tom Ford Lip Colour in Black Dahlia
"Oh my god, I love Tom Ford Lip Colour in Black Dahlia [37] (£42), which is this matte, deep-dark reddish-plum shade. It's basically a James Ellroy novel in a lipstick bullet. Think Golden Age Hollywood at its darkest," Graham said.
Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Brenda
Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Brenda [38] (£21.50) is the colour of a full-bodied Cabernet with enough pigment that you can get full coverage with just one swipe. And because it was formulated with dark skin tones in mind, this lipstick looks rich and incredibly saturated no matter what your complexion.
Surratt Lipslique in Au Courant
"Surratt Lipslique in Au Courant [39] (£32) is a sheer blackberry shade," Graham explained. "I love the texture, which is somewhere between a gloss and a balm, making it a great lipstick alternative. I don't want to share this info with anyone, though, as I'm scared it will sell out."
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
"Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria [40] (£25) works better on paler skins compared to some darker lipsticks that can often drain fair complexions," Barnes said. "The warmth of this tone sits comfortably on a paler skin and ticks the box of being a warm, wearable, nude brown."
NYX Slip Tease Full Color Lip Oil In Fire Dancer
"NYX Slip Tease Full Color Lip Oil In Fire Dancer [41] (£7) is affordable and super modern," Graham said. "It feels amazing and is highly pigmented and perfect for those that want an easy glide-on that sets to a satin matte finish. This type of product is exciting to use and is buildable. I'll take all the shades, thanks."
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Hot Chocolate
"Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Hot Chocolate [42] (£8) is amazing because it's dark brown and brown lips are definitely having a moment," makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes [43] said. "And I find that glossy browns, especially, are so hot and sexy. This shade is a great colour for many skin tones. I apply it with a tapered brush that's firm and stubby and push on a little bit of the colour first, so I'm using like 2 percent of that colour and adding more as I go."
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Rouge Noir
Makeup artist Jo Baker, the genius behind most of Lucy Boynton's epic red carpet beauty moments, recommended Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Rouge Noir [44] (£31) on her Instagram feed. "If you want a wearable vamp for #fallwinter ... there's no better than the classic #rougenoir," she wrote in the caption.