The 18 Best Black Lipsticks Ever
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Reviewed by Jaleesa Jaikaran
With a commanding presence and bewitching appeal, black lipsticks are intriguing. What was once a color deemed for Goth and haute couture fashion, the dark shade has become less taboo over the years, and more acceptable for everyday wear. Plus, it's dramatic enough on its own that you won't even need to worry about the rest of your makeup look.
This color may not be for the faint of heart, but that doesn't mean certain formulas haven't stolen ours. As you dive into the world of black lipstick (and black lip liner!), remember to consider what will complement your skin's undertone when shopping for a shade (yes, there are blue, red, and even gray shades to black lipsticks). If you're ready to live out your rockstar girlfriend dreams, keep scrolling to find which broody black lipstick is the one for you.
NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Blackberry Pie
NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Blackberry Pie ($16)
NYX's Butter Gloss has a strong grip on the makeup community—and for good reason. This buttery gloss glides onto the lips without a sticky, tacky feeling. The shade Blackberry Pie is a rich black, but it's not fully pigmented, making it a great topper option when you want to transform a matte lipstick into a glossy one. Or, wear it alone for sheer coverage.
Manic Panic Lethal Lipstick in Nosferatu
Manic Panic Lethal Lipstick in Raven ($17)
Richly opaque with a smooth, velvety finish, this beloved matte black lipstick is great for dishing a lethal dose of edge to any makeup look.
Black Radiance Perfect Tone Lip Color in Blackout
Black Radiance Perfect Tone Lip Color in Blackout ($2)
As a brand, Black Radiance has paved the way for many an edgy color and formula over the years for Black women– this dramatic lip color isn't an exception. It's also infused with vitamin E to give you a flake-free and moisturizing finish.
NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Alien
NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Alien ($14)
Considered by some reviewers to be "the gateway drug of black lipsticks" this liquid formula from NYX is not only appealing in price but also super wearable if you're new to the whole black lip thing. It's creamy upon first touch and softly wears to a matte finish.
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin in Crystal Black
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin in Crystal Black ($47)
Calling anyone and everyone opposed to matte finishes, this one is for you. Incomparably luxurious, the formula for this black lipstick by Gucci is intensely saturated with color but strategically melts into your lips for a barely-there feel. Then, the creamy formula settles to a softer look of satin while maintaining its punch of pigment.
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Color Beautifying Lipstick in Edgy Black
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Color Beautifying Lipstick in Edgy Black ($25)
If you're looking for something between a matte and a semi-matte formula, look no further. All you need is one swipe of this super black lipstick to get intense coverage and pigmentation. And even better—this intensely moisturizing option won't leave your lips dry and flaky.
Melt Cosmetics Ultra-Matte Lipstick in Bane
Melt Cosmetics Ultra-Matte Lipstick in Bane ($22)
We feel this favorite black lipstick is warranted and 100 percent necessary based on the cheeky name alone (FYI: Bane is a comic book supervillain). And if you're looking for a true black without any blue or purple undertones, this is the one to spring for. It has a vegan-friendly formulation and glides on incredibly smooth without any tugging or pulling.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Lipstick in Night Bird
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Lipstick in Night Bird ($15)
We love Sephora's collection of creamy lip stains for their fair price and for the formula that feels about five times more luxurious than said fair price. Not to mention that the color range is off the charts. Therefore, it's not surprising that the line also has its own iteration of a show-stopping black lipstick hauntingly titled Night Bird. Silky upon application, the signature formula is one of the smoothest and most featherlight we've tried. Avocado oil locks in hydration and moisture for its entire 12-hour wear—no touch-ups required.
Black Up Cosmetics Lipstick in RGE M30
Black Up Cosmetics Lipstick in RGE M30 ($26)
If you're worried about black lipstick having a gray (aka ashy) undertone, we highly recommend trying this pick first. Since Black Up totally gets women of color and how to make colors pop on darker skin tones, we can assure you that they put a little extra TLC into creating this black shade. Not to mention, the color sits comfortably on your pout without cracking or creasing. Sounds like a win-win in our books.
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Caviar
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Caviar ($25)
Liquid lipstick has lots of benefits—it can double as a lip liner, it typically wears longer, and it usually has incredible pigmentation. And all three of these things can be said about the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Caviar. MAC promises up to eight hours of wear and an easy-to-use applicator that makes applying the lipstick incredibly easy.
Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Tar Pit
Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Tar Pit ($12)
Inky black pigment, plus a weightless feel, plus plush hydration equals this Smashbox liquid lipstick. The shade Tar Pit is another true black hue that won't transfer all over your face and teeth after a few hours. And while liquid lipsticks can be incredibly drying, this one keeps your lips nice and hydrated thanks to jojoba, sunflower, and apricot kernel.
HAUS LABORATORIES Le Riot Lip Gloss in Vortex
HAUS LABORATORIES Le Riot Lip Gloss in Vortex ($15)
If you're a gloss person and you're not looking for a full coverage, super pigmented look, try out the Le Riot Lip Gloss in Vortex. It has an extreme-shine, mirror-like look with a sparkly finish that looks like the starry night sky. And trust that, if it has Lady Gaga's stamp of approval, it's going in the cart.
e.l.f. O FACE Satin Lipstick in All Night
e.l.f. O FACE Satin Lipstick in All Night ($9)
This budget-friendly pick from e.l.f is a bargain for the luxurious feel you get from the richly pigmented lipstick. Its long-lasting formula is also nourishing, courtesy of marula oil, squalene, and jojoba esters which moisturize lips for a creamy, satin finish.
KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick in Black Briar
KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick in Black Briar ($23)
If you're looking for your favorite Witches lipstick, not to worry, KVD Beauty just renamed it to Black Briar. It's still the same iconic liquid lipstick, just a newer, lighter-weight formula for a more comfortable all-day wear.
Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sleepwalker
Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sleepwalker ($18)
This vanilla-scented liquid lipstick from Black Moon is vegan, cruelty-, and paraben-free. While it dries down in a few minutes for transfer-proof wear, some users say that it can have a drying effect on their lips, so if your lips are on the drier side to begin with, you may want to prep with a balm.
ColourPop Crème Lux Lipstick in Aeronaut
ColourPop Crème Lux Lipstick in Aeronaut ($10)
We came for the cute star print on the lipstick bullet and stayed for the richly dark pigment and patent leather finish. For a fraction of the price of a prestige lipstick, this one punches way above its weight class and delivers everything you would expect from a long-lasting cream formula.
Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Lipstick in Black Velvet
Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Lipstick in Black Velvet ($15)
This all-day wear liquid matte lipstick is so budge-proof that you'll have to remove it with a makeup remover. We like adding clear gloss over top when we're not feeling the matte vibe.
Make Beauty Cream Supreme High Impact Lipstick in Blackout
Make Beauty Cream Supreme High Impact Lipstick in Blackout ($26)
We love this super slim, aesthetically pleasing option from Make Beauty, which makes application a breeze. A creamy, high-shine finish is thanks to nourishing vitamin E and emollients that create a smooth wear. And bonus, it's refillable!
Up Next: 12 Lipstick Application Tips for Smooth, Long-Lasting Color
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