What happens when you wear black lipstick? Everyone’s going to notice – they can’t help it. And what’s interesting is that the best black lipsticks look good on everyone.
It’s not only about following a “dark lip trend” or shocking others. It’s about expressing yourself and feeling confident. Follow your heart and be bold.
Here’s a quick overview of the best black lipsticks. Scroll down to see detailed reviews of each one.
| The best black lipsticks | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Alien |
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| Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick WITCHES |
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| Rimmel Stay Matte Lip Liquid, Pitch Black |
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| Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick |
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| MANIC PANIC Raven Lethal Lipstick Creamtones |
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| REVLON Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick, Onyx |
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| COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick Created by Katy Perry Perry Panther |
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| COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lipstick Metallic, Don't Tell |
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How to choose black lipstick
Black usually has either a warm or cool undertone which affects how it looks on the skin and next to your teeth. (Hint: if you want your teeth to look white or, choose a bluish-black). However, there are jet black lipsticks that are stunning on anyone.
An important step in choosing black lipstick is to consider the undertone. If possible, test the color when you’re not wearing other makeup to see how it looks against your skin.
Also, think about the finish. Do you prefer matte, satin, or glossy?
A glossy finish looks less severe and makes the lips look larger. The shine counterbalances how dark lipstick makes lips look smaller.
Meanwhile, a matte finish is more flexible than it seems. It can be very intense but apply a clear gloss over the top and the color softens. It’s much easier to alter the intensity and color of a matte lipstick than a gloss.
How to wear black lipstick
Don’t worry about getting a black lip liner unless it matches your lipstick. Try a transparent mattifying liner to keep your lipstick from bleeding and to make the color lasts longer.
When you rock black lipstick there’s no need to jazz up your eyes – it’s almost too much. Let your lips be the masterpiece.
Lastly, any type of lipstick will perform better if your lips are exfoliated and moisturized. Black lipstick tends to flake and fade more noticeably than other colors, so it’s smart to prepare your lips for it. Even a little lip balm will help – just let it absorb first.
Best Black Lipsticks in 2024
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick – Alien (Black)
Let’s start with the best drugstore black lipstick that also happens to be cruelty-free. NYX’s liquid black lipstick is affordable and beloved by women around the world. It’s creamy when applied and dries to a matte finish within a couple of minutes.
It comes with a doe foot applicator that’s handy for drawing a symmetrical lip line. The lipstick doesn’t typically bleed, so it’s pretty easy to get clean edges even without a liner.
The formula is long-wearing, but drying. It helps to apply lip primer or balm underneath. Still, plan on touching it up after eating. Thankfully, it doesn’t get on teeth or flake off as some matte black lipsticks do.
So, what’s the downside? In our opinion, the color looks best with at least two coats. This requires a few extra minutes (because of the dry time). Also, it’s not 100% flat – it’s more satiny.
Pros:
- Affordable liquid lipstick with a doe foot applicator
- Matte/satin finish that looks attractive on all skin tones
- Lasts for hours with minimal transferring or fading
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- The best results come with at least two coats
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick WITCHES
Which brand has the best black lipstick? Most would agree that it’s Kat Von D. This waterproof black lipstick is pitch black and kiss-proof. It doesn’t transfer even when you’re eating, but it will fade if you don’t layer it.
The compact doe foot applicator makes it easy to do exact lines. The initial texture is creamy, but it dries flat black. It’s probably the best matte finish we’ve seen.
Although the formula has conditioners like sunflower seed wax and vitamin E, it’s still a good idea to keep your lips hydrated with a moisturizing lip balm when you take off the lipstick.
Pros:
- The best matte black liquid lipstick that requires little to no touching up
- Pitch black, waterproof, and resistant to transferring and smudging
- Conditioning formula with vitamin E and sunflower seed wax
- Small doe foot applicator for crisp lines
Cons:
- Requires two layers for a flawless finish and maximum wear
Rimmel Stay Matte Lip Liquid, Pitch Black
This intense velvety black matte lipstick promises twelve-hour wear. Yet the reviews are full of people complaining that it clumps, flakes, cracks, and fades sooner than that. How can you get the best performance out of it?
First, the brand claims that one stroke is enough. We recommend two layers with adequate drying time between them. But it’s actually the preparation that’s key.
Before applying the lipstick, exfoliate your lips. Get rid of any dryness or flakes. You don’t need an expensive lip exfoliator for that. A damp washcloth or soft toothbrush can do the job.
Next, apply lip primer or lip balm and let it completely dry down. That’s the essential part because it keeps the lips conditioned and prevents the lipstick from cracking.
The formula itself is very lightweight and you’re likely to forget you’re wearing it. If you’re not comfortable with the extreme black shade, let it dry completely and smooth on a gloss topcoat. This will soften the color.
Pros:
- Inexpensive intensely black matte lipstick
- Lightweight and wears well underneath a gloss topcoat
Cons:
- Requires primer or lip balm underneath to prevent flaking and cracking
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
If you love long-wear lipstick, you’ve got to try Maybelline’s matte black liquid. It’s good for up to sixteen hours without smudging, transferring, or flaking (if it’s applied properly). This is true even if you’re wearing a protective mask. We’re not kidding, you’re going to need makeup remover to get it off.
The rich black shade is matte and bold. Moreover, it’s straightforward to apply flawlessly because of the arrow-shaped applicator.
Now, about how to apply it – put on thin coats only and let it dry completely between them. Two layers should be enough for most people.
Pros:
- 16-hour wear with no smudging, transferring, or flaking
- Can handle high humidity inside a face mask when properly applied
- Rich black matte shade
- Arrow-shaped applicator for precision lines
Cons:
- It’s imperative to let the coats dry between layers to prevent flaking
- Requires makeup remover to clean
MANIC PANIC Raven Lethal Lipstick Creamtones
So far, we’ve reviewed only liquid lipstick, but we know that’s not everybody’s favorite thing. If you prefer a creamy stick lipstick that moisturizes your kisser, check out this option. It has a buttery texture that goes on smooth and sets semi-matte. Plus, it’s packed in a pretty tube.
Although this is not the blackest black, it’s still bold. And like other makeup products from this brand, it’s cruelty-free and contains no talc, lead, parabens, or gluten.
Build it in layers to intensify the color. Two coats seem to be the sweet spot as this is a “Creamtone” shade and not as highly pigmented. Since it doesn’t set as fast as a liquid lipstick, you can work it with your fingers or a brush.
Does it smudge? Yes, unfortunately, and you’ll need to touch it up after drinking or eating. On the other hand, it keeps the lips comfy and soft throughout the day.
Pros:
- Buttery stick that moisturizes the lips
- Sets semi-matte and can be applied with fingers or a brush
- Lightly pigmented but buildable
- Contains no lead, parabens, or gluten and it’s cruelty-free
Cons:
- Not smudge-resistant
REVLON Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick, 020 Onyx
Is onyx the same as black? Sadly, no, it’s a deep charcoal gray. If you don’t mind doing without deep black, the onyx color is a little bluish and it makes teeth look whiter.
This super-pigmented lipstick might win your heart because the formula is deliciously hydrating. It features botanicals like moringa oil, agave, and Cupuaçu butter to keep your pout pretty. But even though it’s moisturizing, it looks and feels like velvet when it dries.
Furthermore, for a demi-matte shade, it’s surprisingly smooth and not sticky or difficult to apply. Reviewers suggest wearing two coats with primer for maximum coverage and wear time.
Also, it’s interesting that the tube has a finish that’s similar to the finish of lipstick – soft matte.
Pros:
- Moisturizing and velvety, enriched with botanicals like moringa oil
- Deep color with a cool undertone that makes teeth look brighter
- Goes on smooth and velvety
Cons:
- Not a true black
COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick Created by Katy Perry, Perry Panther
Were you wondering when we’d get to this lipstick? After all, it’s super popular, and not just because of the low price or the celebrity who designed it. If you’re curious but hesitant about wearing black lipstick, this is a good place to start.
In the pictures, the color looks richly pigmented and satiny smooth. The satiny part is accurate, but the intensity of the color needs a little help. We highly recommend using liner or concealer to outline the lips first. Then, apply lip balm before layering at least two coats of lipstick. It sets slow enough that you can use a brush with it.
There are no complaints about how well it moisturizes – it’s much more hydrating than many liquid lipsticks are. Still, prepare yourself to touch it up throughout the day because it’s not transfer-resistant.
Pros:
- Hydrating formula that sets to a satin finish
- Affordable and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Getting the most from it requires preparation before and touch-ups
COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lipstick Metallic, Don’t Tell 555
Yes, you can get metallic black lipstick. This one is inexpensive, shimmery, and feels comfortable on the lips. It won’t give you the deepest black color, but it has a unique appeal.
Moreover, it’s long-wearing and more resistant to smudging and transferring than the lipstick above. That’s true even though it’s enriched with shea butter and moisturizers. You might even need makeup remover to clean it off.
Pros:
- Metallic black with a shimmery finish
- Keeps lips soft and comfortable with shea butter
Cons:
- Not a deep black color
Conclusion
To wrap up, we feel obligated to warn you that black lipstick is addictive. Once you try one, you may want to try them all. If you don’t want to blow your budget right away, choose the best black lipstick based on whether you prefer liquid or stick. Then narrow down the options by the finish, whether matte, satin, or metallic.
We hope our reviews helped you discover your new favorite makeup today. If you’re enjoying it, please tell us about your experience in the comments below.