5 Best Dark Lipsticks for Pale Skin That Won’t Totally Wash You Out

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen

It’s likely you already own a Soft Matte Lip Cream, but we recommend setting your pinky-nudes to the side (sorry, Stockholm) and picking up Copenhagen instead. The deep plum hue is vampy but still approachable and has a pinky-red tone that works year round. It’s perfect for anyone who’s new to darker hues and is so affordable that you can grab two.

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in Escapist

It’s no secret that we love the Superstay formula — it lasts through virtually any activity and doesn’t leave your lips yearning for moisture. For fair skin we recommend Escapist, a dark purple hue that’s vampy but not overwhelmingly so, and pairs well with a wide range of eye looks.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lipstick in Roseblood

Sometimes the best way to approach a new shade family is to start with a color you’re comfortable with and go a few shades deeper. Such is the case for Roseblood, a dark red shade that feels like true red’s sultrier sister. It’s the perfect shade for fall and lasts up to 16 hours so you don’t need to reapply throughout the day.

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Blackberry Sorbet

In search of a silky lip stain that lasts all day? Cue Sephora Cream Lip Stain, a long-lasting lippie that’s lightweight, infused with lip-loving oils and is comfortable throughout the day. For a deep color that works well on fair skin we recommend Blackberry Sorbet, a deep pinky-purple that you’ll want to wear with every look.

Lime Crime Matte Velvetines in Saint

This cranberry red hue is the kind of lippie you see on the ‘gram and then look everywhere to get your hands on it. Well, your search ends here with the Lime Crime Matte Velevtines in a pretty shade called Saint, a dark red that’ll earn you lots of compliments wherever you go. We love the formula too — it’s long-lasting, smells like vanilla and has a velvety matte finish.