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Looking for an eye-catching lip color? Black lipstick looks bold and modern, and it's also an excellent shade for layering. Plus, black lipstick comes in all sorts of finishes and shades, from opaque mattes to sheer satins. However, it can be tricky to buy lipstick online, especially if you're new to black colors.
To help you find a formula, shade, and finish you will love, we researched the 10 best black lipsticks available online. Our favorite is Lime Crime's Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick for its long-wearing and pigmented matte formula. You can find the rest of our picks in our best 10 list, and be sure to read the buying guide, with advice and tips from a makeup artist, for all the information you need to make a confident purchase.
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Choosing the best black lipstick for you comes down to finish, formula, ingredients, and shelf life. Check out the guide below to learn more!
Most lipsticks are classified as matte or satin, and the choice ultimately comes down to your preferences. However, these categories aren't strict, and you will also see semi-matte, ultra-matte, glossy, glittery, and sheer options!
If you want to stand out during the day, a matte black lipstick won't disappoint. These also do well on nights out at parties, clubs, or bars because they stay on your lips well. Plus, they are less likely to feather or smudge.
However, these lipsticks are known for being stiff and dry on the lips. Matte lipsticks often include more pigment and less oil, giving you a deep, rich color that lasts. A matte lipstick's non-shiny finish may also make your lips appear smaller.
A matte lip applies a rich color and delivers a bold, mature look. It also gives the face a strong look and is so quick to apply and long-lasting. A matte look draws attention to the lip and gives you that "I am strong" look.
A dewy glow skin look can make the matte lip pop even more. A matte lip looks best on camera because it gives off pure color. A matte lip can also help make the teeth look a little brighter and whiter. The best part about a matte lip is that you can expect a five- to eight-hour wear.
A lipstick with a satin finish offers a bit of shine. The shine adds depth to your lips, making them appear fuller. Satin lipsticks are a classic choice and are a bit less bold than mattes. If you're new to black lipstick, try a sheer satin option for a tint of dark color.
These types of lipsticks are also great for layering. Try glittery lip gloss over a black shade or use it to darken a matte red lipstick.
However, satin, sheer, and glossy lipsticks aren't known for their staying power, so you may need to reapply throughout the day. They are also much more likely to feather, smudge, and transfer than mattes.
Black lipsticks come in two forms: solid or liquid. Typically, solid lipsticks come in a range of finishes, while liquid lipsticks are often matte. Both forms have pros and cons.
Solid lipsticks typically consist of a tube that houses a solid piece of lipstick and a lid that snaps shut. Since they have a solid, creamy formula, they often contain more moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips nourished. Plus, they are easier and faster to apply, making them a better choice for beginners.
Solid lipstick also comes in a wider range of finishes and opacities, including satin, sheer, matte, and glossy. So, it may be easier to find a solid lipstick in the exact black shade and finish you're looking for!
However, solid lipsticks may not be as long-wearing or smudge-proof as liquid options. So while the solid malleable formula makes it easier to correct application mistakes, it's also more likely to transfer or feather. Plus, unlike liquid options with screw caps, you may find that the lid has popped off in your purse.
Liquid lipsticks consist of a tube of liquid formula and some form of applicator wand. It takes more skill and time to apply liquid lipstick since you need a steady hand. However, some people like the precise lines that a liquid lipstick applicator creates.
Liquid lipsticks are available in a range of finishes, but matte is by far the most common, especially for black. Liquid lipsticks are known for their staying power, often lasting for hours with minimal smudging or transfer. They are also highly pigmented, with most options being completely opaque.
However, liquid lipsticks are also known to be less nourishing and more drying than traditional lipsticks. They may also look patchy on dry lips! So, you may have to moisturize and exfoliate your lips before application to get the best results.
With a black lip, you want it to look at its best at all times so it doesn't look messy and ruin your look. A bold lip should stay as long as you are needing it to last and to remain smooth looking throughout the day. A liquid lipstick is your best bet when it comes to a bold black lip.
A traditional lipstick can tend to bleed or smudge easily and with a black lip, that would be a mess. It may be harder to apply with the applicator from a liquid lipstick, so if it is easier to apply with a crisp line, use a smaller flat lip brush. A matte look for a black lip will last you the longest and look the boldest which gives you a powerful look.
Since you typically wear lipstick for hours at a time, we recommend looking for formulas with conditioning oils, plant extracts, and vitamins to keep your lips healthy.
Look for nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, avocado oil, or jojoba oil. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are also beneficial. Antioxidants provide a layer of protection on the lips, keeping them from drying out, cracking, or chapping.
It's extra important to look for nourishing ingredients if you're choosing a black lipstick style known to be drying, like liquid or matte options. To confirm that they feel comfortable and moisturizing, read the customer reviews.
We know it can be tough to part with cosmetics, especially if it's a discontinued shade. Still, it's advised to stick to the expiration date. Over time, bacteria will accumulate on the lipstick. You risk skin irritation, breakouts, infection, and other lip complications by using an expired product!
The shelf-life of most lipsticks is two years and can be confirmed by the "24M" or 24 months icon on the product or product packaging.
Since lipsticks are sealed, the expiration date period starts when you open them, not when you purchase them. However, if you notice a change in color, consistency, smell, or texture, it's time to toss it out for your safety.
It's recommended to store lipsticks in a cool, dry place at all times. So, you should avoid leaving them in hot cars or humid bathrooms.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick | $20.00 Mid | Best for a Very Matte Finish and Pleasant Scent | ||
2 | Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick | $42.00 High | Best for a Luxurious Satin Black Lip | ||
3 | Sephora Collection | $15.00 Mid | Best Liquid Matte That's Comfortable and Creamy | ||
4 | Maybelline | $9.49 Low Mid | Best True, Dark Black That Won't Budge | ||
5 | Colourpop | $9.00 Low Mid | Best Creamy Semi-Matte Liquid Lip | ||
6 | Smashbox | $24.00 High Mid | Best Matte That Lasts Through Eating and Drinking | ||
7 | Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick | $10.99 Low Mid | Best Sheer Black Lipstick With a Smooth Formula | ||
8 | MAC | $22.00 High Mid | Best Classic Dark Black Liquid Lipstick | ||
9 | Rituel de Fille | $24.00 High Mid | Best Sheer Lipstick for a Hint of Black | ||
10 | NYX | $8.00 Low Mid | Best Matte Black Solid Lipstick That's Easy to Apply |
Pros:
Cons:
This liquid lipstick is pigmented and gives you a velvety matte finish that lasts for hours. This opaque true black shade is an excellent choice for a bold lip! Plus, it has a gentle vanilla scent and is vegan.
According to a few reviewers, the lipstick takes a good 15 minutes to dry properly. On a positive note, this lipstick is widely praised for its full-coverage and long-wearing formula. Reviewers also confirm that this black shade is neutral-toned, opaque, and velvety. Many love the scent too, saying that it's not overpowering.
Pros:
Cons:
This creamy yet intense lipstick comes in a gorgeous gold case with artwork by Italian fashion designer Alessandro Michele. The formula is vegan and free of many chemical agents known to irritate the skin in some, such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
A few reviewers note that the formula has a powdery scent and isn't very long-wearing. However, most reviewers say the shade is stunning and pigmented. They also like that it feels smooth and is easy to build up.
Pros:
Cons:
This liquid lipstick from Sephora offers a matte finish that won't dry out your lips. It contains conditioning petroleum jelly, beeswax, and avocado oil that give the formula a comfortable feel. Plus, this black shade is deep and pigmented.
A few users note that this color may not last all day. However, the vast majority praise this lipstick's creamy formula, confirming that it doesn't dry out their lips or flake off. Many say it performs just as well as prestige brands they've tried! Reviewers also love the deep black color, saying it's truly opaque.
Pros:
Cons:
This liquid black lipstick focuses on staying power, promising hours of wear. It has a pointed applicator that makes it easier to place on your lips, and it dries to a deep matte black. Plus, it's highly pigmented!
A few reviewers note that it can feel sticky and is difficult to remove. However, most confirm that it stays put all day! They also appreciate that it's a rich, deep black shade that can look chic or goth. Some even say this drugstore option performs as well as prestige brands.
Pros:
Cons:
If you like the matte look but dislike how matte lipsticks feel, this unique creme option may be for you. The formula has a soft, creamy texture that doesn't dry down, creating a semi-matte finish. Plus, this black liquid lipstick has nourishing passion fruit seed oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
A few reviewers note that it transfers quite easily, so you may have to touch it up throughout the day. However, most confirm that it's very comfortable to wear and not drying at all. They also love the black color, saying it's opaque and rich.
Pros:
Cons:
If you're looking for a long-wearing matte that you won't have to touch up, consider this option from Smashbox. This deep, opaque black shade contains nourishing oils, like jojoba oil, to keep your lips healthy.
There are some reports that it dries out in the tube rather quickly. However, most love that it lasts all day without transferring or flaking, even through eating and drinking! They also like that the shades are highly pigmented and bold.
Pros:
Cons:
If you're looking for a subtler form of black, this sheer lipstick has a less pigmented formula that glides on smoothly. The vegan lipstick is also infused with monoi oil and coconut oil for added moisture.
Even though Milani says this is a matte lipstick, reviewers note that it's too glossy to be matte. They also report that it's not long-lasting. However, they like the creamy formula, saying it's easy to apply and remove. Reviewers also appreciate that it's buildable.
Pros:
Cons:
This classic black liquid lip from MAC has a matte finish that should last for hours. It's highly pigmented, offering a bold, dark black look. Plus, the formula has petroleum and avocado oil to prevent dry lips.
A few reviewers say that it's challenging to apply evenly, noting that it can be patchy on the first swipe. However, most praise the formula for being long-lasting and vibrant. They also like this shade, saying it's a dark true black.
Pros:
Cons:
If you want to try black lipstick in a more subtle way, consider this sheer option! It offers a wash of black over bare lips, but it's also excellent for layering over other lipsticks. The formula contains castor and jojoba oils to hydrate your lips, and it's naturally scented with lavender and rosemary.
A few reviewers note that it can feel greasy if worn alone. On the other hand, this lipstick is widely praised for its unique sheer formula and flattering color! They love that it offers a softer dark look, noting that it's buildable if you desire more coverage.
Pros:
Cons:
This vegan lipstick offers a true black shade with a matte finish. The formula contains glycerin, a moisturizing agent that can help nourish lips. Plus, it comes in a tube adorned with a cute heart!
Some reviewers note that the formula is quite dry and prone to cracking. However, most like that it's very pigmented! They also report that it's easy to apply and feels lightweight.
I like the Ofra Long Lasting Lipstick in the color Bronx. This is a true black color that adds moisture to the lip with vitamin A. The best part is that there is a yummy scent and it's cruelty-free. The Ofra long lasting lipsticks have been my go-to for my brides, photoshoots, special events, and a night out look.
It has a light velvet feel to the lip that does not dry out the lips. I find that this lip product won't budge or smear as you eat and drink throughout the day. The lip products I keep in my kit are ones I know will last for my clients so they have the best makeup experience without having to worry about touching up after I'm gone.
Black lipstick works for all skin tones! Black can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones, just like other colors. However, black is technically a shade and not a color, so it actually can be easier to match to your skin tone! Unlike colors with a wide range of shades and hues, blacks are a little more straightforward.
Black can also be used with other lip colors, letting you play with custom shades. For example, try applying plum on your upper lip and black at the bottom. Smack your lips together and blend to get a sophisticated, deep purple-black shade.
Or, you can layer black lipstick with other lipsticks or lip glosses. A glittery lipgloss can make a black matte shade fun and dimensional! You can usually confirm if a black lipstick mixes well with other shades by reading reviewer comments. They will confirm if it's buildable or highly pigmented, too!
A bold lip can be scary to some and you may want it to look more glam than goth. In that case, you want to balance the bold lip with a more natural eye look and soft skin. Goth or not goth, a black lip can be intimidating, so you want to make sure it will not be too much for the event you are attending.
For a black lip, you have to have a subtle hand and take your time to be sure it is even and as straight as possible. You may have to go in with a concealer on a small flat brush to clean up any mistakes. You also want to make sure the outfit will go along with this bold lip.
If a matte black lip still seems too scary to leave the house yet, add a pop of gloss in the middle of the lip or even add a shimmer eyeshadow in the middle to set the lip and add a pouting look.
It's understandable that black lipstick can feel intimidating. However, this color is accessible and easy to wear. Here are some tips!
You need to buff or prep your lips when going for a black or dark shade. Applying the shade directly on your lips without prep may lead to a patchy, flaky finish or color that wears off unevenly.
Exfoliate, moisturize, and prep your lips with foundation or lip primer to help the lipstick stay put. You can also use a clear or black lipliner for crisp lines and extra staying power. Apply your lipstick, blend, or layer as desired, blot, and then set.
Black matte lipsticks can make your lips look smaller. If you have naturally thin lips, professionals advise applying a dab of gloss at the center of the upper and lower lips to make them look fuller.
With your lips getting all the attention, consider keeping the rest of your look simple to achieve a balanced day look. However, there are no rules when it comes to makeup! Bold, colorful eye makeup can be a fun complement to black lips for a night out or party.
Since black is a bold lip color, we recommend using mascara or eyeliner to help your eyes pop. This will help your makeup look balanced and cohesive! If your black lipstick has cool or warm undertones, try to keep your blush and eyeshadow in the same family.
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Natalya took the time to answer a commonly asked question about black lipstick.
"To make a black lip stay the longest, treat it as you would any other lip color. Get all the oils off your lips by blotting some foundation over the lip with a beauty blender. Or you can simply take a tissue and blot away any oil before applying the lip. This creates a base for your lip color to grip on to," says Natalya.
"You also want to exfoliate the lip as a prep stage to add moisture and to get rid of any texture or dead skin on the lip. The best time to exfoliate the lip is right out of the shower because it applies easier and takes dead skin off smoother. You can also apply the exfoliator on a wet cloth to get the best result.
Applying a liner before the black lip product can create a sharper line and a longer-lasting look that won't bleed on you. Setting the lip with some powder with a small brush can help protect the lip from moving."
Looking for other colors to add to your collection? Check out more of our favorite lipsticks below!
We selected 10 excellent black options, but there are many more lipsticks available! Check out some of Amazon's best selling lipsticks below.
No. 1: Lime Crime|Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick
No. 2: Gucci|Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick
No. 3: Sephora Collection |
No. 4: Maybelline|
No. 5: Colourpop|
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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