Dark lipsticks are not for the faint of heart, but once you embrace the trend, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. These bold shades have a way of making you feel instantly chic and put-together. They can elevate a simple outfit, add drama to a night out, and even make your teeth appear whiter. The key to pulling off a dark lipstick is confidence.
If you love dark, bold, or cool-toned lipsticks, this list of shades and formulas will have you covered. Whether you're after a rich plum, a glossy brown, or the perfect nude, these lipsticks cater to various preferences. Wear it with pride and own the look. Let’s look at ten fabulous options to help you make a statement.
1. M.A.C Macximal Matte - Antique Velvet
M.A.C's 'Antique Velvet' is a timeless dark plum shade that flatters most skin tones, especially deeper complexions. The formula provides a matte finish without drying out lips, and the dark plum colour gives a sultry and sophisticated vibe. If you're looking for something intense yet elegant, this is one of the best dark lipstick shades which is truly premium and works amazing for any long late-night event or even a dramatic brunch date.
2. Nykaa So Creme! - You're Latte
Nykaa's 'You're Latte' from the So Creme! range is a dreamy dark nude that has quickly become a favourite for everyday wear. Its non-drying creamy matte texture fits perfectly for dusky skin tones beautifully and doesn’t dry the lips. The colour strikes the perfect balance between subtlety and depth, making it a go-to dark nude lipstick shade for any occasion.
3. Maybelline New York Superstay Vinyl Ink - Witty
The Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink in 'Witty' is a mauve nude with a high-shine finish for a modern twist on nude lipstick. This dark nude lipstick with a mauve undertone is ideal if you want a bit of gloss without sacrificing longevity. The formulation makes sure it stays for hours without budging and needs no touchups. They also have a bunch of other fun shades.
4. FAE Beauty Lip Whip 12H Matte Liquid Lipstick - Stroke
FAE Beauty’s ‘Stroke’ is one of the dark lipstick shades that stands out in cool-toned brown. Its clean beauty and vegan formula give a fresh and edgy feel. It is so lightweight and can last up to 12 hours without flaking, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking out for dark lipstick colours. Whether you like to make a dramatic entrance or need a perfect brownish lipstick for work, this is a beautiful shade that is only going to fetch you compliments.
5. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick - 635 Worth It Medium
A close dupe for the iconic Pillow Talk shade, L’Oreal’s ‘Worth It Medium’ is a beautiful dark nude lipstick that’s universally flattering. This liquid lipstick is transfer-proof while giving a matte finish texture. This shade can be counted as one of the dark lipstick shades for fairer complexions, however for most of the brown population, it is a beautiful nude. So, grab it, wear it all day long and thank us later!
6. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-shine Gloss Stick - Hot Chocolit
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty never disappoints with its inclusive shade range, and 'Hot Chocolit' is a universally flattering brown that adds a touch of luxe to any look. It is a most curated dark nude lipstick as it is ultra-hydrating with a high-shine finish. With its easy-to-apply stick format, it not only enhances the lips but also gives a gorgeous glossy brown look.
7. Huda Beauty Matte Liquid Lipstick - Bombshell
Huda Beauty's 'Bombshell' is an iconic cool-toned nude that's great for those who prefer understated lips with a chic, matte finish. This brownish lipstick is a must-try as its lightweight liquid formula glides on smoothly and dries down to a transfer-proof matte. This dark lipstick shade is perfect for a subtle yet polished everyday look, especially for cool-toned skin even when you wear it all day long.
8. Rom&nd Zero Velvet Tint - 23 Vintage Taupe
Rom&nd’s ‘Vintage Taupe’ is a beautiful brownish taupe shade that gives off a unique blurred lip effect. This Korean beauty favourite offers a soft, velvety finish that feels weightless. This brownish lipstick is great for a natural, no-makeup makeup look. The blurry effect is ideal for achieving that trendy diffused lip look, making it stand out from typical matte formulas.
9. Kiro Four Play Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lipstick - Ultimate Quad
KIRO is an emerging Indian brand known for its clean beauty formulations. The Four Play Non-Stop Airy Matte Liquid Lipstick set comes in multiple shades, offering something for everyone, including darker tones. Its dark lipstick shades have a formula that is lightweight and comfortable, making it a great option for long-wear use without compromising on hydration.
10. NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud High Shine Lip Colour And Gloss - Boundary Pusher
NYX’s ‘Boundary Pusher’ from the Shine Loud range combines the intensity of a dark nude with a high-shine gloss finish. This dark nude lipstick is trending for its extra shine and longevity features. With full-colour payoff, long-wearing and transfer-proof it is considered one of the best dark lipsticks to carry!
From M.A.C’s luxurious ‘Antique Velvet’ to Fenty Beauty's iconic ‘Hot Chocolit’ and homegrown brands like FAE Beauty and KIRO, these best dark lipsticks cater to various preferences while being versatile enough for any occasion.