While nude lips have traditionally been the default for many makeup brands, black women can pull off an incredibly diverse spectrum of shades.
By understanding undertones and texture, you can find lip colors that make your melanin pop.
Rich Reds
Few things complement black skin better than a bold red lip.
The trick is finding the right undertone to enhance your complexion.
Bluish-toned reds with a cool base tend to look best on dark skin.
They add vibrancy while avoiding the washed out look an orangey-red can cause.
MAC’s Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo is a blue-red that flatters a wide range of black skin tones.
The matte formula provides intense, saturated color that won’t slide around.
For fairer complexions, try the orange-based MAC Chilli.
Its warm undertones add liveliness to melanin-rich skin.
If you prefer a cream finish, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl is another knockout red.
The formula goes on smooth, with a subtle sheen that builds in intensity.
For a more affordable option, Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Pioneer provides an electric matte red that won’t smudge or fade.
Dark Purples
Deep plums and purples may seem counterintuitive for black skin.
However, when balanced with the right undertone, they can provide a stunning pop of color.
Avoid pale purples, which can appear dull or chalky.
Instead, go for bold, berry-inspired hues with a blue base.
These darker shades complement melanin-rich complexions beautifully.
Revlon’s Ultra HD Matte Lip color in Addiction and MAC’s Matte Lipstick in Rebel are two standout options.
For a glossy finish, Gucci’s Luxurious Moisture-Rich Lipstick in 25* Goldie Red enlivens the face with a lush blackberry tint.
Pair it with a smoky eye for a sexy evening look.
If you’re not ready for an all-over purple pout, use a darker lip liner to shape and define the lips.
Then fill in with a lighter purple gloss or lipstick to get the best of both worlds.
Vibrant Corals
Contrary to popular belief, bright corals can be incredibly flattering on black women.
The key is choosing corals with a slightly orangey or peach undertone.
These warmer versions provide the perfect pop against darker skin.
By keeping the shade soft rather than neon, you’ll retain a natural, luminous look.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Coral Sands offers buildable sheer coverage with a juicy peach finish.
Fairer skin tones may prefer something like Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Coral Corruption.
Its bright, creamy coral formula leaves a demi-matte finish.
For fuller coverage, Dior Addict Lipstick in Peach Sunrise delivers rich pigmentation with luminous shine.
Use a lip scrub beforehand to prep lips and enhance the color.
A swipe of coral liner like NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Ever can provide additional definition.
Classic Wines
Deep wine colors may seem inherently wintry.
However, rich bordeauxs and cabernets bring out the warmth in black skin tones.
These shades provide versatility through the seasons.
Best of all, they flatter a wide spectrum of complexions.
The moisturizing MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over serves up buildable pigment in a black cherry hue.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella provides precision application for a true, matte blue-red.
Pair it with wine-hued lip liner for added intensity.
For those who prefer liquid lipstick, Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Blackberry Sorbet delivers rich wine color that lasts for hours.
Finish with a touch of lip balm for a semi-matte effect.
Avoid brown-based wines, which can make the lips appear washed out or faded.
Magenta Pinks
While pastel pinks can overload melanin-rich complexions, magenta pinks are an unexpected stunner.
Deep rose tones with a blue base provide vibrancy while seamlessly complementing dark skin.
They’re an ideal option for creating a monochromatic look.
Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored is a cult favorite for its sensational magenta hue.
NARS Power matte Lip Pigment in Stra woman offers similarly bold color with a matte finish.
Pair either with rose lip liner for extra definition.
For lighter coverage, Revlon’s Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish in Embellish adds wet-look shine and a touch of glitter.
Finish with a sweep of rose-toned gloss like NYX Butter Gloss in Madeleine over top.
Brown Nudes
Move aside flat beiges—rich brown nudes better suit black complexions.
Shades like cocoa, cappuccino, or chestnut provide natural enhancement without contrasting too starkly with the skin.
Avoid colors with grey undertones, which can appear dull or washed out.
MAC’s iconic Lipstick in Whirl is a cult favorite brown nude with cool undertones to brighten black skin.
Pair it with chestnut lipliner for added depth.
For a demi-matte effect, Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Unveil provides a creamy mocha shade that works for many.
On the affordable end, e.l.f.
SRSLY Satin Lipstick in Cocoa creates a lush, satin finish.
For deeper tones, Black Radiance Wet Shine Liquid Lip Color in Chocolate provides a glossy, rich chocolate hue.
Use a lip scrub first for smooth application.
Finish with lip balm or gloss for extra moisture.
Peachy Browns
For a softer alternative to brown nudes, peachy browns add warmth while still harmonizing with black skin.
The subtle burst of color keeps lips looking vivid.
Avoid shades with grey undertones, which can look flat or dull.
NARS Power matte Lip Pigment in Don’t Stop offers a creamy, terracotta tone with demi-matte finish.
MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over provides buildable coverage in a browned rose shade.
Pair either with a lip scrub and liner in a slightly deeper tone for full impact.
On the budget side, NYX Slide On Lip Pencil in Blossom creates precision definition with its creamy formula.
For a glossy take, Wet n Wild Mega Slicks Lip Gloss in Bronzed Berry delivers non-sticky shine with a warm, peachy base.
Use a lip scrub beforehand to prep lips and enhance wear time.
Electric Pinks
Vibrant hot pinks may seem counterintuitive for melanin-rich complexions.
However, the right neon pink shade can truly make your lips pop.
Stick to blue-based pinks with fuller pigmentation.
Sheer pinks can appear washed out.
Matte textures also help bright colors stand out against the skin.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored delivers buildable magenta pigment with a soft matte finish.
For those who prefer traditional bullets, MAC Matte Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum provides a matte neon pink that’s ideal for many skin tones.
If you want bold pink with non-drying comfort, Gucci Luxurious Moisture-Rich Lipstick in 25* Goldie Red offers intense pigment with a creamy satin texture.
Use a pink lipliner for definition and to prevent feathering throughout the day.
Shimmering Golds
Metallic lips may seem like a fleeting trend, but shimmering gold lipstick offers timeless flair on black skin.
The warmth of golden tones makes teeth appear whiter while complementing melanin-rich complexions.
Sheer, glossy textures work best to avoid an overly frosted effect.
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Laguna Bronze provides buildable color with a hydrating, glossy finish.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fenty Glow gives a gorgeous iridescent shimmer.
For precision application, use a lip brush and translucent powder to perfect the edges.
On a budget, NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie and Cocoa Butter Lip Gloss in Chocolate Souffle both provide non-sticky shine with golden shimmer.
Exfoliate and moisturize lips first for the smoothest application.
Finish by dabbing the center of the lips to highlight your pout’s natural shape.
Deep Browns
Traditionally, nude lips meant beige or pale pink shades designed to mimic Caucasian skin tones.
However, deep chocolate browns offer a sophisticated, nude look that complements melanin-rich complexions beautifully.
The gourmand shades add richness without contrasting harshly with the skin.
MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over delivers buildable pigment in a lush chocolate brown.
Pair with a mocha lip liner for extra definition.
For instant bold color, Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored provides a creamy chocolate brown with matte finish.
