Dark makeup has been a persistent look since at least the ‘90s, and for good reason. Black lipstick—like black clothing—is universally flattering, if only people gave it a chance. Luckily, the black lipstick trend isn’t escaping us in 2021. From a simple matte formula to a chic ombré, there are plenty of ways to rock a dark lip color, and we have tips from the experts to prove it.
Meet the Expert
- Kelli J. Bartlett is a makeup artist and founding member of Glamsquad.
- Jamie Dorman is a New York City-based makeup artist who works with clients like Bella Hadid and Dascha Polanco.
Keep scrolling for some gorgeous and totally wearable ways to rock black lipstick.
01
of 09
Liquid Onyx
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-453669265-6445a0cf5a484a879c5739dc97277250.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__250801__black-lipsticks-250801-1519845166226-main.700x0c-0759bad1129f415c8cd955fdc484a553.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-458044040-8c62e623da4f4d4a801161379d1a1bb4.jpg)
There’s a ’90s revival, which means wearing lip liner that’s darker than your lipstick is not only accepted but encouraged to make a statement. Overdraw your lips using a liner for a super-defined look, or try a modern twist on the decades-old ombré trend. To get the look, pick up a black lip pencil, two similar moody lipstick shades, and a lip brush. Apply the lightest lipstick in the center of your lips (avoiding the liner) before applying the darker shade near the lip pencil. Then, blend where the shades meet. It’s interesting yet simple, and it makes your lips look plumper.
For liner with a saturated pigment and precise application, we love the NYX Cosmetics Retractable Lip Liner ($5). Since it’s mechanical, there’s no need to sharpen it, and it’s really creamy, which makes it easy to glide on.
05
of 09
Gothic Gloss
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27879764_191057014988334_249577852331098112_n-be4690775f9045a5bfefc263928ee920.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/47585086_132376491113114_6031116947424907538_n-c73242ca56aa48cb8147f7820abd7f36.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/67287148_693868351054821_9019426660663376886_n-78af0d3fc4e6423ab4c127b59cef9008.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-509896304-0d1d47d8bd474469990b60f193f67321.jpg)
With both black lip liner and black lipstick, you can go extra edgy. For an ombré look like this, pick a much lighter color or concealer to apply to the center and create contrast.
For a more subtle ombré, Dorman suggests the reverse. “Apply concealer around the lip line and into the middle of the lip. Choose a [black] lipstick that has a buildable coverage. Tap lipstick in the most opacity at the center of the lip with a finger or a brush. Blend it gently into the concealer as you work out towards the lip line. You make want to use a fluffy brush to blend smoothly,” she says. Either way, Dorman says it’s important to exfoliate and moisturize the lips before adding product.
To finish the look, add a clear, iridescent, or glittery gloss to the lips, and if you opt for the softer ombré lip look, pair it with a smokey eye.
Dorman recommends Rituel de Fille’s Enchanted Lip Sheer ($25) for its semi-matte and semi-sheer finish, which makes it an easy product to manipulate for an ombré look.
The 16 Most Epic Lipstick Hacks, Revealed
