The Best (And Chicest) Black Lipsticks For Your Inner Emo
Once upon a time, black lipstick was reserved just for Halloween. And while its roots stem from the goth and emo movements, black makeup has become more mainstream over time—and happens to look great across skin tones.
“I love a good black lipstick moment! You don’t have to be a goth to try out the trend, either,” says celebrity makeup artist Allie Renee, who describes the look as “bold, moody, unexpected, and can be incredibly chic.” And while you can go all in with coordinating black eyeshadow, “I especially love the way fresh, dewy skin looks with a black lip,” the makeup pro adds.
Dark lipstick takes a bit more prep than your standard lipstick. Here are Renee’s pro tips:
Meet the Expert
Allie Renee is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles.
How To Apply Black Lipstick
1. Exfoliate. “Smoothness and moisture are key, so use a scrub, then apply a lip mask or lip balm,” says Renee.
2. Prime. “Once the lips are properly hydrated, use a lip primer and a lip liner,” explains Renee. “These two products will ensure that your lip color stays where you want it, and seals it in.”
3. Apply. “Then, add a layer of your desired color and preferred intensity,” says Renee, noting that “a matte formula or lip stain will have more staying power than a sheer hydrating formula.”
4. Top it off. If you want, you can add a layer of shine. “For a gorgeous luxe look, apply a gloss over the black lipstick,” suggests Renee.
Now that you’re fully prepped, keep reading below for our favorite black lipsticks, from matte to cream to gloss, and why they’re worth trying.
The Best Black Lipsticks
1. Best Sheer Lipstick:
RITUEL DE FILLE Enchanted Lip Sheer in Black Locust
This semi-sheer, ultra moisturizing lip pigment is perfect for dipping your toes into black lipstick. “I love using black shades that have undertones of plum because they tend to be more complementary and less harsh,” says the makeup artist.
2. Best Matte Liquid Lipstick:
M·A·C Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Caviar Black
With all lipstick, but especially black, you can’t have the color traveling outside your pout. This color won’t smudge for up to eight hours, and somehow stays matte, smooth, and velvety.
3. Best Gloss:
HAUS LABORATORIES Le Riot Lip Gloss in Vortex
Great for a night out, this high-shine, pearlized gloss from Lady Gaga’s makeup line provides the drama of black with a fun, glossy twist.
4. Best Metallic:
URBAN DECAY Vice Lipstick in Voodoo
For a pretty departure from pitch black, this creamy lipstick contains pink shimmer, creating a subtle purple effect that’s equal parts spooky and chic. Packed with moisturizing avocado oil and vitamin E, it also feels as good as it looks.
5. Best Budget:
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seeker
Daring to try black lipstick for the first time? This ultra-matte, long-lasting color is as good as anything we’ve tried, and costs less than $10.
6. Worth the Investment:
GUCCI BEAUTY 700 Crystal Black, Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick
If GUCCI BEAUTY has a black lip on their roster, you just *know* it's going to be good. It’s packed with moisturizing waxes and resins to grip to your lips with a satin finish without drying them out—and the formula can be used on lids, too. And with this ultra luxe gold packaging, every swipe feels special.
7. Best Matte Lipstick:
MORPHE Mega Matte Lipstick in Twisted
If you’re not going the liquid lipstick route, this full-coverage bullet achieves a similar long-lasting matte finish but is a little more convenient for touch-ups.
8. Most Moisturizing:
SMASHBOX Always on Liquid Lipstick in Tar Pit
With an opaque shade like black, hydrating ingredients are key to avoid drying out the lips. Luckily, this one is packed with nourishing jojoba, apricot, and sunflower oils to avoid any cracks.
9. Best Vegan:
MELT COSMETICS Bane Lipstick
Comfortable, velvety, and deeply pigmented, this jet-black lipstick is one of the best out there—and it just so happens to be 100% vegan.
10. Best Lip Liner:
KVD BEAUTY Everlasting Lip Liner in Skully
In a pinch, black eyeliner can work for lining the lips, but this lip liner will elevate your look from good to great. This pencil is vegan, packed with pigment, and keeps color in place for, well, ever.
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