The Best Black Lip Colors to Shop, Plus 7 Black Lip Looks to Try

The Best Black Lipsticks and Lip Glosses to Try

NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss in Licorice

The NYX Professional Makeup Butter Glosses are known for their hydrating, non-sticky formula packed with loads of pigment. The black shade, Licorice, will make your lips shine like patent leather.

Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seeker

Embrace the drama of a matte black lip with this inky liquid lipstick. The pointed applicator and 16-hour formula make it easy to apply without risk of smudges or transfer.

Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick in Indie Sleaze

This glossy liquid lipstick keeps your lips drenched in color and shine for up to 16 hours. The latex-like formula defies transfer and smudges while remaining comfortable and hydrating all day.

NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick in Naughty Noir

Get bold, saturated color that lasts for up to 16 hours with this liquid lipstick from NYX Professional Makeup. Not only is it entirely budge-proof for up to 16 hours, it feels lightweight and comfortable and won’t strip your lips of moisture.

MILK MAKEUP Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Voyage

If you don’t want to go for a full-on inky lip, a coat of sheer black lip gloss can add an instant smokiness to any color you layer beneath it. Try pairing this one with a dark brown or purple lip liner for a subtle ombré effect. 

How to Apply Black Lipstick

Exfoliate Your Lips

A dramatic lip color will emphasize any dry patches on your lips, especially if you go for a matte black lipstick. Start by exfoliating your lips with a sugar scrub and a warm washcloth or toothbrush, then moisturize them with a lip balm to get them super smooth. 

Apply a Lip Liner

Black lipstick requires extreme precision — you might love a messy smoky eye, but a messy black lip isn’t quite as flattering. Blot off your excess lip balm, then line and fill in your lips using a black lip liner. This will make the lipstick appear more pigmented and help it to last longer. Try the NYX Professional Makeup Line Loud Vegan Longwear Lip Liner in Evil Genius. 

Apply Black Lipstick

Once your lips are filled in, it’s time to fill in your lips with your black lipstick of choice. 

Black Lipstick Looks

Soft and Minimal

Let the matte black lip be the star of the show by pairing minimal eye makeup and fresh, glowing skin. Apply a light layer of the Valentino Beauty V-Lighter Face Base Primer and Highlighter all over the face then spot-conceal as needed for a dewy look. To warm up your cheeks, tap on a terracotta cream blush, like the Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush.

Bold and Iridescent

We love the bold, edgy contrast between a black lip and a neon pink eye. To achieve an iridescent lip similar to this look by @gracemariaellington, apply a small amount of the Valentino Beauty Dreamdust Glitter Eyeshadow in Emerald Queen on top of your black lipstick. Focus the glitter on the center of the lip and blend it outwards with your finger or brush.

Deep and Vampy

Heavily black-lined lips look sultry with a pop of bright red lipstick in the center and a clear gloss on top. You add pointy bat wings to your cupid’s bow, as @char_barker did here, or skip them for a more classic look.

Ethereal and Glittery

These cosmic, star-studded lips are the perfect complement to a practically bare face (they would also look super cool with trendy bleached brows). To create these lips, makeup artist @davidrazzano used a since discontinued glitter gel, but you can get a similar look by using the Urban Decay Heavy Moondust Liquid Glitter Eyeliner in Glam Rock.

Smoky and Graphic

A subtly smoky, graphic eye provides a soft contrast to a matte black lip. Here, @livmadorma paints on the NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick in Naughty Noir.

Nude and Glossy

Ease into the black lip trend by swapping out your typical brown lip liner for a rich black shade. Paired with a nude gloss, the difference will be surprisingly subtle.

Bold Lips and Lashes

A full, fluttery set of false eyelashes add whimsy and balance out your stark black lip. For a dramatic cat-eye effect, try the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Lash! Vegan False Lashes in Ego Flare.