10 Red Lipsticks That Look Gorgeous On Darker Skin Tones
April 26, 2024
A great red lipstick is like the perfect pair of gold hoop earrings—classic and timeless. A red lip works equally well for day and night, can be worn matte or glossy, and pairs beautifully with both barely-there makeup and full-glam looks. But while red lipstick is a makeup bag staple, it’s important to keep in mind that crimson is not one-size-fits-all: specific shades might work better for certain skin tones. The best red lipsticks for dark skin, for instance, will look very different from those designed to flatter fairer complexions. Your perfect red lipstick will also depend on your skin’s undertones, which can be warm, cool, or neutral.
If you have a deeper skin tone and are on the hunt for your ideal red, we’re here to help. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite red lip colors for dark skin, from softer light red shades to deeper, moodier scarlets and burgundies. Keep scrolling to discover our top picks.
1. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Rouge Avant-Garde
For a matte red lipstick that can take you from the office to happy hour, look no further. This hyaluronic acid-infused lipstick delivers intense color with a smudge-proof matte finish that wears up to 16 hours (so you can say goodbye to midday touch-ups). The vivid ruby red hue has subtle bluish undertones, which makes it an ideal pick for those with cool-toned medium or dark skin.
2. NYX Professional Makeup Duck Plump High Pigment Plumping Lip Gloss in Hall of Flame
If you’re partial to a glossy finish, consider snagging this vivid, cherry-hued lip gloss from NYX Professional Makeup. The ginger-infused formula instantly plumps the lips while adding tons of color and glossy shine. Swipe it onto bare lips or pair with your favorite red lip liner for added definition—just make sure the liner you pick is a cool-toned red like the gloss.
3. Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick in Rosso Valentino Ventidue Rosa
This luxe pick is what we like to think of as the LBD of red lipsticks: reliable, chic, and très comfortable. It packs the immediate color payoff of a classic red liquid lipstick with a moisturizing, satiny finish for all-day comfort. Best of all, the pure crimson shade flatters both cool-toned and warm-toned dark skin, making it ideal for those who aren’t quite sure where they land.
4. Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick in Raw Footage
For those who prefer slightly moodier tones, we recommend this gorgeous deep merlot shade from Urban Decay—the warm hue is vibrant without being bright (and it’s absolutely striking on darker skin tones). The ultra-pigmented liquid lipstick offers intense color in a single swipe, is transfer-and smudge-resistant, and wears for up to 16 hours with a lightweight, comfortable finish. It even holds up to eating and drinking, making it the perfect red lipstick for your next dinner date or happy hour outing.
5. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick Limited Edition, Red My Lips
When you want to look good and feel good, reach for this smudge-proof bold red lipstick from L’Oréal Paris. The smooth, creamy formula contains 75% caring ingredients, including argan oil, and leaves the lips feeling soft and moisturized. Even better: 100% of the profits from this limited-edition candy apple red shade are donated to Right to Be and Stand Up Against Street Harassment, organizations dedicated to fighting against street harassment.
6. NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Slick Click in In a Mood
If you prefer a more toned-down red lip, opt for this lightweight tinted balm from NYX Professional Makeup. The ultra-hydrating formula with avocado, cloudberry, and raspberry oils delivers up to 12 hours of hydration, while the buildable balm delivers a sheer flush of color with a non-sticky, high-shine finish. The deep, wine-y hue of In a Mood is the perfect everyday red for darker skin tones—wear it alone for subtle color, or pair it with a coordinating lip liner for a bolder (but still soft) finish.
7. Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The Tibetan Orange
If you’re looking for a bright red lipstick to wear in the summer, this warm orange-red lipstick from Georgio Armani Beauty deserves to be on your radar. The vivid persimmon shade pops beautifully against warm-toned darker skin, and the legendary formula’s comfortable, velvety-matte finish will make it an instant favorite in your collection.
8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistant Liquid Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris
This powdery, scarlet red lipstick is perfect for taking your look from day to night. Its weightless, hyaluronic acid-infused formula makes this lipstick comfortable on the lips, and the pigment-rich formula wears for up to 16 hours without smudging or transferring.
9. YSL Beauty Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain in Grenat No Rules
This rust red lip stain is a great option for those looking for a matte lip product that offers intense color payoff with a weightless feel. The quick-drying, transfer-resistant formula gives you up to eight hours of wear to easily transition from day to night without needing to re-apply. You’ll definitely be adding this one to your everyday bag collection of lip products (we all have one).
10. Maybelline New York Lifter Plump Lip Plumping Gloss Makeup in Red Flag
This lip plumping gloss from Maybelline is perfect for those looking for a sheer, lightweight red lipstick option. The shade Red Flag offers a tinge of red pigment and plenty of moisture , making it perfect for elevated no-makeup makeup looks.
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