How to Find the Best Dark Lipsticks for Your Skin Tone

Fair Skin Tone 

It’s on fair skin that dark lipsticks really “pop” due to the large contrast in shades. To achieve a dramatic look without going overboard (aka looking like a vampire), pay close attention to your skin undertones and determine whether it’s warm (yellow) or cool (pink). For cool-toned skin, rich berry shades—like raspberry or blackberry—look great. If your skin is fair and warm, opt for lipsticks with a red or orange base as opposed to blue or purple. 

Try: Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Blissful Berry or Ruby Star, $7.49

Olive Skin Tone

If you have gorgeous olive skin, you’re at an advantage in the lipstick-picking department. A wide range of lip colors and shades complement olive skin, especially deeper ones. You really can’t go wrong with any dark hue, but we particularly love the way a bronze, black cherry, plum wine, and/or deep burgundy looks.

Try: L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Colour in Wild Plum or Divine Wine, $8.95

Medium-Tan Skin Tone

For medium-tan skin, brown-based shades are incredibly flattering, as are reddish-browns and mauves. The right formula should bring out the radiance of your face without washing you out. It might take a little trial-and-error before you discover your holy grail item, but the suggestion below can help point you in the right direction. 

Try: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Nighthawk or Rock Steady, $17

Deep Skin Tone

Perhaps there’s no color that suits a dark skin tone better than deep purple. If we had to choose a runner-up, dark chocolate brown is the winner, especially if you have a warmer undertone. But why settle on just one when you can have both?

Try: Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick in Smoking Plum, $37; NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Aria, $6

Keep in mind: More important than the shade you pick is the preparation of your pout. No lipstick will look good on dry, flaky lips…period. Before you apply your lipstick, make sure to gently exfoliate your lips with a lip scuff and moisturize them immediately afterwards with your favorite balm. Not only will this crucial step help ensure long-lasting wear of your lip color, it’ll help prevent the formula from seeping into dry patches and creases. We share an easy DIY lip scrub recipe here!

Loving the cold-weather, dark lipstick trend? Round out your collection with four must-have vamp lippies shared here!