Matte lipsticks come in several shades and suit various skin complexions, including those that range from tan to dark. They can make your makeup pop, complement several outfits, make you look stunning, and ensure that you radiate subtle elegance when you are photographed. So, if you are looking for the best matte lipsticks for dark skin, continue reading. Here, MomJunction lists some of the best picks based on the features, quality, and reviews of the product.
Top Picks
15 Best Matte Lipsticks for Dark Skin
1. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, Creator
This liquid matte lipstick is designed to last for up to 16 hours once it is applied, even if you eat or drink. It comes with an arrow applicator that lets you apply the lipstick outwards from the middle of the lips and covers the lips in color with one sweep. The lipstick is also resistant to transfers and does not stain cups and cutlery. At the end of the day, it can be removed with the aid of a lipstick remover from Maybelline. You can watch this video to know more about the tester’s experience and understand how the product works before making your choice.
Pros
- Highly-pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Can be combined with a lip liner
- Available in 35 different shades
Cons
- May not be cruelty-free
- May feel slightly sticky
2. Maybelline New York Color Sensational Pink Matte Lipstick, Mesmerizing Magenta
This lipstick comes in an eye-catching shade of magenta and is perfect for pairing with party wear. It is especially ideal when sparkly outfits have to be toned down. The makeup artist-approved lipstick does not have a glossy finish, which makes it perfect for everyday use and provides a touch of color to subtle office outfits.Created with a combination of precious oils, the lipstick is creamy and feels light once applied. It does not dry out the sensitive skin of the lips while proving to be one of the best long-lasting matte lipsticks.
Pros
- Lasts up to 12 hours
- Can be removed easily with Micellar water
- Formulated with honey nectar
- Has hydrating properties
- Traditional bullet format
Cons
- May be slightly thin
- May smudge slightly
Quick tip3. MAC Matte Lipstick Antique Velvet
The MAC matte lipstick in antique velvet shade complements dark skin tones, making it an ideal lipstick for brown skin tones, and delivers a smooth matte finish that will last all day. This shade is formulated to deliver a richly pigmented color that suits any look. Additionally, the makeup artist-approved lipstick contains various hydrating ingredients that prevent dryness of your delicate lips. Whether you are dressing for brunch with friends or a date night, this vibrant lip color will match your vibe, making it one of the best vibrant lipsticks for dark complexions.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-feathering
- Hydrating formula
- Suitable for all skin tones
Cons
- Color may be lighter than expected
- May not be smudge-proof
4. Evpct DNM Matte Liquid Lipstick
Formulated from expert-recommended natural ingredients, the matte liquid lipstick by Evpct delivers long-lasting hydration. The vitamin E, vegetable oil, and beeswax blend offers a non-sticky and smudge-resistant glossy finish. Available in a pack of three nude shades, these lipsticks will work well with most outfits and makeup looks. These shades are suitable for all skin tones, making Evpct one of the most inclusive matte lipstick brands for dark skin tones. In addition, their high pigmentation ensures optimal coverage and a zero-gravity silky feel.
Pros
- Waterproof and fade-resistant
- Transfer-proof
- Lightweight texture
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Some may not like the scent
- Might start to peel off at the end of the day
Do remember5. Milani Color Statement Matte Lipstick, Matte Naked
This matte lipstick for dark skin comes in a striking nude shade and is ideally suited for pairing with a variety of neutral-colored dresses during summer. Compared to other matte lipsticks, this one offers a slightly glossy finish and is ideal when paired with minimal makeup when heading to the office or business events. It is formulated with vitamins A and C that nourish the skin of the lips and rejuvenates it. The lipstick is also certified cruelty-free by PETA, making it one of the most conscientious nude matte lipsticks for dark skin tones.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Rich pigmentation
- Keeps lips moisturized
- Smooth-gliding traditional bullet design
Cons
- May not offer great coverage
- May be somewhat thin
Quick tip6. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Matte Lipstick
If you are looking for a pink matte lipstick for dark skin, then this is one of the best options. It comes packaged in a striking bottle and has an expertly designed doe-foot applicator for easy application. This patina shade of pink lipstick provides full coverage and provides a creamy finish that lasts for up to 12 hours. Infused with avocado oil and rejuvenating vitamin E, it provides hydration to the lips while remaining light and color-rich. Click this reviewer’s video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Creamy liquid form delivers intense moisture
- Offers good shine
- Offers full-coverage
Cons
- May not be transfer-resistant
- May not be water-resistant
7. Wunder2 Wunderbrow Must-Have-Matte Lipstick
If you are looking for moisturizing matte lipsticks, then nourish and flaunt your lips with the Wunder2 Must-Have-Matte lipstick. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it keeps your lips soft and hydrated. This water-resistant lipstick is easy to glide on your lips and lasts six hours. With a bullet-style and creamy texture, this lightweight formula offers a high pigment and won’t fill the fine lines. In addition, it is suitable for all skin tones.
Pros
- Not tested on animals
- Waterproof
- Limited transfer
- Lasts for six hours and more
Cons
- Shades may be slightly lighter
- May need frequent re-application
8. Naqier Matte Lipstick Set
Use any of these shades of matte lipsticks on dark skin to step out of the house looking elegant and polished. This set consists of eight shades that include peach and spicy touches and are waterproof to ensure that your lips look perfect, come rain or shine. They are transfer-resistant, do not fade, and make your lips look flawless all through the day. Apart from being one of the best lipsticks for women of color, these lipsticks can also be used to make your lips appear fuller when you apply them after lip plumping.
Pros
- Smoothing and moisturizing
- Infused with oils
- Non-sticky
- Easy to remove
- Has no harmful substances
Cons
- May not stay long
- May not be chip-resistant
9. Almay Lip Vibes Go Wild Matte Lipstick
The “Go Wild” shade delivers a rich hue to the lips and makes them stand out. It, therefore, helps you make a statement when heading to a party or walking the ramp or the red carpet. Once applied, it lasts long and does not dry and crack, as the result-driven formula includes nourishing and rejuvenating vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, combined with shea butter. It has a creamy finish and can be applied easily. Check out this video to learn more about this lipstick for deep skin tones.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Non-drying formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
- Color may be slightly different from the one advertised
10. Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick
The subtle matte lipstick is ideal for everyday use and helps create a striking and sophisticated look. It comes in a tube that is embossed with the Revlon logo and is easy to use. Formulated with botanical ingredients, such as cupuacu butter combined with moringa oil and agave, it leaves your lips feeling smooth and hydrated. The professional-grade lipstick lasts long and keeps you comfortable without making the lips sticky or drying them out.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Traditional bullet form
- Velvety finish
- Make lips supple and smooth
Cons
- Could have been more hydrating
- Might be a bit smudgy
11. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Mousse Hyper Matte
One of the best dark skin lipsticks, this liquid-based product delivers a vibrant shade of red that is ideal when heading out for a date or a party. The applicator included allows for precise and easy application of lipstick when contouring the lips from the middle towards the edges. The lipstick is enriched with the scent of mango and vanilla, while the microfine powders used in its formulation allow for it to smoothly glide onto the lips.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smudge-resistant
- Non-drying feel
- Smooth
Cons
- May not last long
- May be pretty messy
12. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick, Plum Bum
Providing the perfect plum shade, this lipstick is ideal for office wear and comes in liquid form. It is designed to provide full coverage and a striking matte finish. It lasts for up to sixteen hours, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
The applicator has a precisely fashioned tip that allows for easy outlining and shaping of lips, while the formula ensures that the lipstick remains non-sticky after application for visible results.
Pros
- Applicator features a pro-sculpt tip
- Provides an ultra-matte finish
- Easily removable with an oil-based makeup remover
- Features a cream and vanilla fragrance
- Does not leave the lips dry
Cons
- May have a sticky consistency
- Color may not be true to image
13. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick
The chocolate shade liquid lipstick is infused with the aroma of chocolate and is designed to stay on the lips all day long. It provides full coverage with a single stroke and lasts for up to 16 hours, irrespective of how much you eat and drink during the day. The pro-tip applicator provided with the lipstick ensures easy application. The liquid lipstick does not dry out and is non-sticky too.
Pros
- Offers a sheer finish
- Formulated for dry skin
- Transfer-resistant
- Quick-dry formula
Cons
- Color may be a tad darker than expected
- May be slightly thick
14. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Pillow Talk
If you like a bit of shine, then this lipstick is for you. It delivers a nude shade to lips and is ideal for all-day wear, whether you are heading to the office or out on a shopping trip. Formulated with orchid extracts, it leaves the lips looking hydrated and healthier, while its 3D pigments ensure that the lips appear wide and plump, making it one of the best among dark skin lipstick recommendations. Oils included in the lipstick, in addition to the wax, allow it to easily glide onto the lips, and its square tip ensures that the application is precise.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Glides smoothly
- Fades dry lines on your lips
Cons
- Color may be somewhat different
15. AcM Mac Retro Matte Lipstick Ruby Woo
If you are looking for stunning red lipsticks for dark complexions, then this red lipstick with a matte finish is the perfect option when heading to a party or a date. It is specifically formulated to provide a richly pigmented color and high-fashion texture to the lips with a non-shiny finish, making it one of the top matte lipsticks. The combination of blue-red tones makes the lipstick a favorite among those who want to create a fashionable look that screams glamor and never goes out of style, making it one of the best bold lip colors for dark skin tones.
Pros
- Suitable for combination skin
- Doesn’t bleed
- Long-wearing
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Color may be lighter than expected
- Texture may be a bit dry
How To Choose The Right Matte Lipstick For Dark Skin?
Your skin undertone and complexion will make some matte lipstick shades pop while causing others to fade into the background. So, if you want that perfect shade of matte lipstick that complements your undertone and dark or tan complexion, then you may follow these tips.
- Check your skin undertone
Skin undertones are divided into cool, neutral, and warm, which can be determined by checking the color of your veins. People with bluish veins have a cool undertone, while greenish veins indicate a warm undertone, and a mixture of green and blue veins suggests a neutral undertone. Dark skin comes in a variety of shades, but people with darker skin generally have neutral or warm undertones.
- Find matte lipsticks that suit your undertone and complexion
Matte lipsticks in shades of plum, brown-rose, warm brown, chocolate-brown, peachy-nude, red berry, copper, and bronze are some of the best everyday wear lipstick shades for dark skin tones. Shades of striking red with blue tones are also ideal matte lip colors for dark complexion, as are lipsticks in magenta, purple, and violet that are better suited for parties. While red lipsticks that are combined with orange tone are ideal for tan skin.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is our in-house product writer and researcher who loves reviewing skincare, beauty, and fashion products. In this post, she has compiled a list of the best matte lipsticks for dark skin after comparing several products and considering user reviews. Poulami has also provided a detailed description of each product and included a buying guide to help you pick the right lipstick. These lipsticks are safe and have nourishing ingredients for a smooth finish with proven efficacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which color lipsticks look good on dark skin?
When buying dark skin-friendly lipsticks, you can opt for peach and light pink shades to make the lips look fuller. Lipsticks that have a bronze and brown shade with a matte finish are ideal for work, while liquid red lipsticks with a matte finish are great for after-office parties.
2. Does gray lipstick look good on dark skin?
Gray shades usually look similar to dark skin and do not create a flattering look.
3. How long do matte lipsticks last?
Matte lipsticks may stay for four to sixteen hours. The best matte lipsticks are usually transfer-proof, which makes them long-lasting.
4. Are matte lipsticks safe for the skin?
Although considered safe, prolonged use of matte lipsticks may dry out the lips. Doing a patch test and choosing a lipstick with fewer chemicals can keep the skin safe in the longer run.
5. What ingredients make a lipstick matte?
Less oil and more pigment and wax are used to formulate a matte lipstick to keep it from wearing off even during meals and make it last for a long time.
6. How should I apply matte lipstick without cracks?
A matte lipstick is drying, so it is important to exfoliate and make the skin soft and supple before applying one to avoid cracks. Also, remember to moisturize your lips with lip balm after applying the lipstick.
If you wish to rock bold lips or a subtle glam look, matte lipsticks can be your go-to option. Pigmented and easy to apply, these matte-finish lipsticks are long-lasting and transfer-proof, allowing you a hassle-free makeup look. With different formulas and pigments, you can explore our list of the best matte lipsticks for dark skin to know more. However, before making your pick, ensure it complements your unique undertone, including cool, neutral, and warm. So, play with different shades and experiment with your makeup look.
Infographic: Lipstick Dos And Don’ts For Dark Skin Tones
As lipstick shades can appear different on various skin tones, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines when selecting a shade. It is good to note some essential points when picking lipstick for dark skin tones. The following infographic lists tips and tricks for choosing a lipstick that works best with your skin tone. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
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