Image credit: @chitrangda
Are the lipstick recommendations by international influencers and Hollywood actresses not working out for you? Well, we are here to take you through the top 5 lipsticks for dark skin and how you can find the perfect nude shade as well.
Lipsticks can make or break a look depending on how light or contrasting they are with the rest of your outfit. With all of us having different skin tones, there is no one colour that can suit everyone. If you have a dusky complexion, it can feel like going to the end of the world to find just the right lipstick for dark skin. Well, don’t fret. Not only are we here to recommend some of the best lipstick colours but also to help you find the right nude shade.
Image credit: @priyankachopra
Lipstick for dark skin tone - the basics
While India may still have some way to go when it comes to embracing beauty as is, thank the gods for all the self-love and positivity going around on the internet with the new motto of self-acceptance and love. The key is to flaunt your natural style with a little bit of pop here and there. No more gatekeeping light colours for light-skinned people! But if you do not have time to experiment with peaches and lavenders, let’s go through some foolproof lipsticks for dark skin.
Brown lipstick
When in doubt, go brown. Whether you are on the lighter or the darker side of the Indian skin tone spectrum, the brown shade suits everyone. Lakme 9 To 5 Primer + Matte Lip Color’s ‘Red Rust’ is the perfect lipstick for dark skin as it is not too dark not too light to make your lips look ghostly. And if that wasn’t enough, it has a red undertone which can make it the perfect nude shade for some of us dusky beauties.
With a smooth application and an intense colour payoff, this Lakme lipstick also comes with a built-in primer that sets a flawless matte base and evens out your lips. Highly pigmented, you can wear it for work or even for a night out as it lasts up to 12 hours without the need for a touch-up.
Purple lipstick
Purple is yet another evergreen colour that looks good on all Indian skin tones. However, it can be tricky if you don’t style it right. But what are we here for? The trick is to find a purple with hints of pink. We’d suggest the wine shade of Lakme Absolute Matte Revolution Lip Color called ‘Dynamite Berry’. On top of it, this matte lipstick is feather-light while containing a creamy formula so you don’t have to worry about wearing it over chapped lips.
This lipstick is also perfect because it lasts all day long and has an intense payoff, so you don’t have to keep reapplying after every meal. An added plus for those with dry lips is that it is nourishing with the goodness of raspberry seed oil.
Maroon lipstick
A true beauty junkie knows not to argue with those who cannot differentiate between the diverse lipstick shades calling them all red. While wine and berry shades have hints of pink, maroon heads in the direction of red and is more suited for outfits with warm undertones like brown, red, and green. Maroon has been a staple for Indian women for a long time now. The Lakme Absolute 3D Lipstick’s ‘Maroon Magic’ is just the right intensity as it's not too dark to be considered black but not too light to make your lips look fluorescent if that is something you don’t like.
On top of it, this lipstick adds another dimension to your lips by giving a hint of shine to the matte finish without making it too frosted or glittery. Perfect for a corporate party where you dress to impress and can experiment just a teensy bit, this bold and vibrant lipstick adds definition to your lips without the need for a lip liner. With a rich pay-off in just one stroke, it lasts all day.
Red lipstick
It may seem that your quest for the perfect red may have finally come to an end. The Lakme 9 To 5 Primer + Matte Liquid Lip Color’s ‘Driven Red’ is not too orange or not too pink, not too fluorescent or not too dark and can actually back its claim that it suits all skin tones. Make your lips the highlight of your whole look with this intense yet hydrating red lipstick.
But let’s be honest, we have all been on the fence with liquid lipsticks especially when we are having a bad lip day. Chapped lips can end up looking even drier after the liquid lipstick dries. But not this Lakme Liquid Lip Color. It also contains vitamin E and argan oil so that you don’t need to put on lip balm and mess up the matte finish while applying it. With a built-in primer, it smoothens lips and gives a crease-less finish. And with it being waterproof, it stays all day long thanks to the weightless formula.
Pink lipstick
Are you tired of people telling us dark-skinned girls to stick to magenta shades? Or that light pink might make us look washed out? Well, the Lakme Absolute Plush Matte Lip Crayon allows us to have fun with pinks too with their ‘Cherry Pop’ shade as it's made keeping Indian skin tone in mind. Whether you want a playful look or a subtle and muted look, you too can channel your inner Barbie with this pink lipstick.
You can also play around and experiment with the intensity with this crayon as it has an ultra-creamy, smooth texture and non-drying matte formula that keeps the lips supple and soft. Get that extra oomph by outlining and filling in your lips thanks to the crayon shape without letting your lips dry out.
Image credit: @bhumipednekar
How to find the perfect nude lipstick for dark skin
Finding just the right nude lipstick for dark skin can be a chore, especially if you don’t know what to look for. If you have been jealous of dusky beauties like Priyanka Chopra and Bhumi Pednekar sporting the perfect nude shade, now so can you.
Look for a colour that is slightly darker but warmer than your skin tone.
Make sure that the lipstick has an instant pay-off especially if you naturally have dark lips.
Don’t try and emulate white celebrities or influencers as their peach or nude recommendations might not look the same on you. Basically, avoid shades that are lighter than your skin colour.
Search among brown or taupe shades that have red or orange undertones. Stay away from lipsticks with cool undertones.
FAQs on lipstick for darker skin tone
What is the best colour lipstick for dark skin?
Dark shades of brown suit all types of dark skin tones on all occasions. It is an attractive colour for those who want a sexy look while also being appropriate for a work look and goes with all outfits.
How to pick the right lipstick shade?
The best way to pick the right lipstick shade and not regret it once you’re home is to try it on. But if it's not allowed due to the shop policy or the pandemic guidelines, your next best option is a swatch test on the inner side of your wrist and under natural lighting. If you are shopping online, check reviews of users with the same skin tone as you or use the virtual try-on feature.
Will nude lipstick look good on dark skin?
Contrary to popular belief, nude is not a shade but a makeup trend. There is no one ‘nude’ colour that works for all skin tones. The whole idea behind this trend is to apply lipstick that makes it look like you are not wearing any lipstick aka a nude or natural lip. So, if you do find a lipstick that is close to your skin colour, it will be considered your nude lipstick shade and of course, it will look good on you.
Seems like searching for the right lipstick for dark skin isn’t that difficult once we know what to look for. Well, what are you waiting for? From light shades like pink and brown to dark purple and the perfect red, play around with lipsticks according to your outfit.
Written by Lopa K on Sep 12, 2022