Lipstick is one of the most versatile and fun makeup products that can instantly transform your look. Whether you want to go for a bold, glamorous, or natural style, there is a lipstick shade that can suit your mood and personality. However, finding the right lipstick shade for your skin tone can be tricky, especially if you have dark skin. Many lipsticks can look too pale, ashy, or washed out on darker complexions, or clash with your undertones. To avoid these pitfalls, you need to know how to choose a lipstick shade based on your skin tone and undertone, as well as the occasion and the season. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to pick the best lipstick shades for dark skin tones, as well as some of our favorite products that you can try.
What is Your Skin Tone and Undertone?
Before you start shopping for lipsticks, you need to determine your skin tone and undertone. Your skin tone is the surface color of your skin, which can range from fair to deep. Your undertone is the subtle hue that shows through your skin, which can be cool, warm, or neutral. Knowing your skin tone and undertone can help you find the most flattering colors for your complexion, not only for lipsticks, but also for clothes, jewelry, and hair.
To find out your skin tone, you can use the Fitzpatrick scale, which classifies skin tones into six categories based on how they react to sun exposure. The categories are:
Type I: Very fair skin that always burns and never tans
Type II: Fair skin that usually burns and tans minimally
Type III: Light to medium skin that sometimes burns and tans gradually
Type IV: Medium to olive skin that rarely burns and tans easily
Type V: Tan to brown skin that very rarely burns and tans very easily
Type VI: Brown to dark skin that never burns and tans very easily
If you have dark skin, you are likely to fall into the type V or VI category. However, this is not enough to determine your best lipstick shade, as you also need to consider your undertone.
To find out your undertone, you can use one of these methods:
Check the color of your veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they appear green or olive, you have a warm undertone. If they appear blue-green or hard to tell, you have a neutral undertone.
Hold a piece of silver and a piece of gold jewelry against your skin. If silver looks better on you, you have a cool undertone. If gold looks better on you, you have a warm undertone. If both look equally good on you, you have a neutral undertone.
Try on a white and an off-white shirt. If white makes your skin look more radiant, you have a cool undertone. If off-white makes your skin look more radiant, you have a warm undertone. If both look equally good on you, you have a neutral undertone.
Once you know your skin tone and undertone, you can use them as a guide to choose the best lipstick shades for your complexion.
The Best Lipstick Shades for Dark Skin Tones
As a general rule, the darker your skin tone, the more pigmented and saturated your lipstick should be. This is because light or sheer lipsticks can look too pale or chalky on dark skin, while rich and vibrant lipsticks can enhance and complement your natural beauty. However, this does not mean that you have to stick to only dark or bright lipsticks. You can also experiment with different shades and finishes, as long as they match your undertone and the occasion.
Here are some of the best lipstick shades for dark skin tones, based on your undertone and the season:
Cool Undertones
If you have a cool undertone, you should look for lipsticks that have blue or purple undertones, as they can balance and contrast your skin tone. Avoid lipsticks that have orange or yellow undertones, as they can make your skin look dull or sallow. Some of the best lipstick shades for cool undertones are:
Berry: Berry shades, such as raspberry, cranberry, or blackberry, are perfect for cool undertones, as they can add a pop of color and warmth to your complexion. Berry shades are also versatile and can work for any season or occasion. For a casual look, you can opt for a sheer or glossy berry lipstick, while for a more formal or dramatic look, you can go for a matte or metallic berry lipstick. A great berry lipstick for dark skin tones is the Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Give Me Mocha, which is a deep mauve shade that lasts for hours and feels comfortable on the lips.
Red: Red is a classic and timeless lipstick shade that can suit anyone, but especially those with cool undertones. Red lipsticks can make your teeth look whiter, your lips look fuller, and your skin look more radiant. However, not all reds are created equal, and you should choose the right shade of red for your skin tone and undertone. For cool undertones, the best reds are those that have a blue or pink base, such as cherry, ruby, or crimson. Avoid reds that have an orange or coral base, as they can clash with your skin tone. A stunning red lipstick for dark skin tones is the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in La Fascinante, which is a rich and velvety red that glides on smoothly and delivers a matte but luminous finish.
Plum: Plum shades, such as purple, violet, or magenta, are ideal for cool undertones, as they can create a bold and edgy look that stands out from your skin tone. Plum shades are also great for the fall and winter seasons, as they can add some drama and depth to your makeup. However, plum shades can also be tricky to pull off, and you should choose the right intensity and finish for your skin tone and undertone. For cool undertones, the best plums are those that have a blue or pink base, such as indigo, lavender, or fuchsia. Avoid plums that have a brown or red base, as they can look too muddy or dull on your skin. A gorgeous plum lipstick for dark skin tones is the [Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Best Red], which is a vivid and creamy plum that delivers a smooth and pigmented application.
Warm Undertones
If you have a warm undertone, you should look for lipsticks that have orange or yellow undertones, as they can harmonize and enhance your skin tone. Avoid lipsticks that have blue or purple undertones, as they can make your skin look ashy or gray. Some of the best lipstick shades for warm undertones are:
Nude: Nude shades, such as beige, caramel, or peach, are perfect for warm undertones, as they can create a natural and effortless look that matches your skin tone. Nude shades are also versatile and can work for any season or occasion. For a casual look, you can opt for a sheer or glossy nude lipstick, while for a more formal or sophisticated look, you can go for a matte or satin nude lipstick. A great nude lipstick for dark skin tones is the [Maybelline New York Color Sensational The Creams Lipstick in Mauve It Up], which is a warm and creamy nude that delivers a smooth and moisturizing application.
Coral: Coral shades, such as salmon, tangerine, or apricot, are ideal for warm undertones, as they can add a pop of color and brightness to your complexion. Coral shades are also great for the spring and summer seasons, as they can reflect the sunny and cheerful mood. However, coral shades can also be tricky to pull off, and you should choose the right shade and finish for your skin tone and undertone. For warm undertones, the best corals are those that have an orange or peach base, such as mandarin, papaya, or melon. Avoid corals that have a pink or red base, as they can look too harsh or clash with your skin tone. A stunning coral lipstick for dark skin tones is the [MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger], which is a fiery and matte coral that delivers a long-lasting and pigmented application.
Brown: Brown shades, such as chocolate, coffee, or mocha, are ideal for warm undertones, as they can create a rich and elegant look that complements your skin tone. Brown shades are also great for the fall and winter seasons, as they can add some warmth and depth to your makeup. However, brown shades can also be boring or dull, and you should choose the right shade and finish for your skin tone and undertone. For warm undertones, the best browns are those that have a golden or caramel base, such as honey, toffee, or butterscotch. Avoid browns that have a gray or purple base, as they can look too cool or muddy on your skin. A gorgeous brown lipstick for dark skin tones is the [Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Unveil], which is a universal and liquid brown that delivers a weightless and soft-matte finish.
Neutral Undertones
If you have a neutral undertone, you are lucky, as you can pull off almost any lipstick shade, as long as it matches your skin tone and the occasion. However, you should still avoid lipsticks that are too light or too dark for your complexion, as they can make you look washed out or overdone. Some of the best lipstick shades for neutral undertones are:
Pink: Pink shades, such as rose, blush, or mauve, are perfect for neutral undertones, as they can create a sweet and feminine look that suits your skin tone. Pink shades are also versatile and can work for any season or occasion. For a casual look, you can opt for a sheer or glossy pink lipstick, while for a more formal or romantic look, you can go for a matte or satin pink lipstick. A great pink lipstick for dark skin tones is the [L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Fairest Nude], which is a soft and creamy pink that delivers a smooth and hydrating application.
Orange: Orange shades, such as coral, peach, or tangerine, are ideal for neutral undertones, as they can add a pop of color and fun to your complexion. Orange shades are also great for the spring and summer seasons, as they can reflect the sunny and cheerful mood. However, orange shades can also be tricky to pull off, and you should choose the right shade and finish for your skin tone and undertone. For neutral undertones, the best oranges are those that have a yellow or peach base, such as mango, papaya, or apricot. Avoid oranges that have a red or pink base, as they can look too harsh or clash with your skin tone. A stunning orange lipstick for dark skin tones is the [Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren], which is a bright and glossy orange that delivers a smooth and moisturizing application.
Wine: Wine shades, such as burgundy, maroon, or oxblood, are ideal for neutral undertones, as they can create a rich and sophisticated look that complements your skin tone. Wine shades are also great for the fall and winter seasons, as they can add some drama and depth to your makeup. However, wine shades can also be overpowering or vampy, and you should choose the right shade and finish for your skin tone and undertone. For neutral undertones, the best wines are those that have a balanced mix of red and purple, such as merlot, plum, or berry. Avoid wines that have too much brown or black, as they can look too dull or gothic on your skin. A gorgeous wine lipstick for dark skin tones is the [NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte], which is a bold and matte wine that delivers a long-lasting and pigmented application.
These are some of the best lipstick shades for dark skin tones, based on your skin tone and undertone. However, you should also feel free to experiment and try different shades and finishes, as long as they make you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself with your lipstick. Happy shopping!
