15 Best Lipstick Colors That Were Practically Made for Dark Skin Tones

If you're looking for a lipstick that stays put through eating, drinking and beyond in a gorgeous matte berry shade that pops on deep skin tones, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is the formula for you. The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's longwear lipstick test, users raved about how long this matte lipstick stays in place. They said the lip color stayed put without transferring, smudging or fading throughout the day, making it a go-to for long-lasting color. 

Liquid lipsticks give the best of both worlds: They're easy to apply like gloss, but have the long-lasting power of a lipstick. That's why this NYX Cosmetics lippie is our top pick. This formula comes in a variety of colors that pair perfectly with dark skin tones, like this deep purple. It also performed well in the GH Beauty Lab's liquid lipsticks test — testers loved that it offers precise, even application. This lipstick scored major points in the hot drink transfer test, which means it's the perfect pick to wear as we reach for hot drinks to stay warm in cooler weather. 

Not quite brown, not quite brick red, this earth-toned matte finish lipstick from Fenty Beauty was a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's longwear lipsticks test and it proved to look especially good against brown skin tones. And since this lipstick stayed put throughout the day in Lab testing, we were sold after the first wear. 

This MAC Cosmetics red lipstick has a cult-following for a good reason. For starters, it's a blue-based lipstick that looks amazing on all skin colors, dark tones included. It's so beloved by users that in North America alone, one of these poppy red lipsticks in sold every minute. Plus, it's a go-to for top makeup artists and Hollywood's A-listers. 

If we didn't know any better, we'd say this NARS lipstick was made for dark skin tones. It's a creamy chocolate brown with hints of merlot red and a mega-shine finish. It's also chock-full of ingredients that not only hydrate your pout while you wear, but nourish and soften it, too. 

Yes, it's possible to add a hint of glimmer to your pout without going too bold, as seen in this MAC liquid lipstick. This copper lip color is like rose gold pumped up a notch with a warm metallic finish. It can be worn day or night and looks especially sultry paired with a dark smokey eye. 

On days when you're sporting a "no-makeup" makeup look, appropriately-named Flesh Beauty is the color for you. It gives lips a hint of shine, but the color is almost translucent and naturally enhances brown skin. It's like a subtle gloss without the overpowering shine. 

Once the leaves start changing and the temperatures drop even the slightest bit, we're itching for a vampy lipstick shade like this cranberry from Mented Cosmetics to get us through the cold weather season. The deep wine hue has a matte finish, but won't rob your lips of moisture and crack mid-day. It looks best on deep complexions with red undertones, like some shades of dark Indian skin.

If this fuchsia pink Fenty Beauty hue is considered one of Rihanna's faves, we're confident it will be flattering on any dark complexion. In addition to the color being bold, vibrant. and feminine, it's rich in pigment so you only need one swipe to get its full effect. The applicator makes it easy to apply without going outside of the lip line. 

Let's be honest, coral is one of those colors that looks ah-mazing against dark skin and this Chanel luxury lipstick is no different. It has the perfect balance of orange and pink tones that pops flawlessly against brown skin. The color's brightness makes it ideal for spring and summer. 

Perhaps it's not your everyday shade, but you'll have fun pairing this bright orange lipstick from L’Oréal Paris with poppy-colored outfits. It's totally appropriate for a summer soirée or a night on the town and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the wearability of this wallet-friendly option. For a subtle tint of color, apply one layer, but for a statement pout, you'll want to layer this on. 

When you're a lipstick lover, there's no color that's off limits,  including this gorgeous navy blue-black from KVD Vegan Beauty, perfect for when you want to make a striking statement. We love this most for melanin-rich skin tones because it has true blue hints and isn't so dark that it's pure black. And since the liquid formula blends easily and doesn't bleed or fade, we're sure this one is a keeper. 

If any brand knows how to make colors perfectly complementary to brown skin, it's Iman Cosmetics. This deep, plum purple looks great on a range of brown skin tones from medium to dark. And you'll be pleased with how long-lasting the pigment actually is, especially considering it's less than $10. Hands down, this lippie is one the best drugstore buys for brown gals. 

Don't let the bold gold hue scare you: This The Lip Bar lipstick is full of versatility. You can wear this shimmery, opaque gold shade on its own for a bit of glitz and glamour or swipe it on top of your favorite lip colors to add a golden glimmer for a festive look. 

It's no shocker that Tom Ford's shimmering lipstick topped our list for best glitter lippie. This deep auburn shade is filled with warm toned shimmer and gold sparkles that pairs perfectly with coffee-colored skin. The best part is, the glitter isn't overwhelming so you don't have to worry about looking juvenile while you wear it.