We know – finding the perfect match for your pout can be an uphill battle especially when keeping in mind your skin tone too. Here’s the thing about lippies: There are plenty of them but not all give beautiful results on a wide-spectrum of skin tones. It takes a whole lot of bathroom conversations with your girlfriends and eventual trial and error until you can only hope that your ultimate pick is a keeper. Dusky beauties, we’re here to make it easy for you, though.
We mean it when we say this: the world is your oyster when it comes to puckering up your pout. All you need to do is this: Lean on hues that beautifully bring out the warm, golden tones of your luscious complexion. To spare you the trial and error, we’ve done our homework to guide you on fail-proof lipstick shades for dusky skin.
Picking Lipstick Shades For Dark Skin
First know your skin undertone. It is the subtle natural hue underneath your skin that determines whether you’re a warm, neutral or cool color. How do you figure that? If the color of the veins on your wrist is blue, it means cool and if it’s green, it means warm. If you are confused between the two or have both, then you are probably neutral. While warm undertones mean lighter skin tone, cool undertones translate to dusky skin tone.
- If you’ve got cool undertones, opt for pink, deeper berry hues, and mauves. You can also make a safe choice with taupe and magenta hues.
- Whoever said bold and bright colors are not meant for deep complexions didn’t realize that these colors are far easier to blend in and look more natural on darker skin tones; think bright red or orange hues for a bolder pout.
- Earth-toned colors, such as shades of deep browns look the most flattering on dusky skin tones.
1. L'Oreal Paris Pure Reds Color Riche Collection Star Lipsticks - Pure Vermeil
Swipe your way to a drop-dead gorgeous look and how! The L'Oreal Paris Pure Reds Color Riche Collection Star Lipsticks - Pure Vermeil empowered with a matte finish, offers rich color payoff while keeping your lips from drying out. Think of it as your secret weapon of destruction that can last through happy hour looking intact. P.S. This lippy will have you thinking you finally hit the lottery with the perfect red for your pout.
2. Kiko Milano Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipstick - 116 Coral
Inspired by the sea creature, coral—a gorgeous mix of orange with pink accents. The Kiko Milano Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipstick - 116 Coral contains Orchid extracts and Hyaluronic filling spheres to deliver a smooth texture with intense pigments. Non-comedogenic, this bold and creamy lippie glides like butter on your lips. Pair it with winged eyes, blushed cheeks and you’re good to go.
3. Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Lipstick - Rusty Orange 26
Rolling into the weekend, feeling feisty and fearless? Go for a combination of red and orange that evokes visions of flames with the rusty orange shade. Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Lipstick - Rusty Orange 26 with its weightless formula offers a smooth and matte finish. Also, you won’t be disappointed with its color payoff. Need a reason more to be convinced? It’s enriched with Almond, Jojoba and Vitamin E that deeply moisturize dry lips.
4. Masaba By Nykaa Lipstick – Pataka
In the mood for some sass? Opt for the retro, iconic shade – maroon – that will take you from basic to statement in no time. The Masaba By Nykaa Lipstick – Pataka, specially curated for Indian skin tone has a velvety matte finish while being intensely pigmented. Pull out this maroon-like shade on days you want to let your lips do the talking.
While we are at it, can we also please talk about its fun and quirky packaging? Love.
5. Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Lip Color - MP20 Pink Post
A lipstick that comes with a built-in primer? Yes, please! The Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Lip Color - MP20 Pink Post ensures your lippies stay colored for hours at stretch thanks to its built-in primer base. This bright pink with a matte finish is universally flattering and should be a definite in the radar of dusky-skinned beauties. To pull off a statement pout with this bright colored lippie, keep the rest of your face muted.
6. Maybelline New York Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds Lipstick -21 Mauve It
Mauves are for days when you want to play it safe. This shade that comfortably sits between violet and pink hues looks sophisticated and fun at the same time. The Maybelline New York Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds Lipstick -21 Mauve It boasts of opaque, hypercolor pigments that deliver a smooth, creamy finish in one stroke. You can wear it from work to club and you won’t even realise it’s there – until someone compliments you, of course.
7. Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Lipstick - Buff Nude 05
The right nude can look undeniably gorgeous on dark complexion. The Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Lipstick - Buff Nude 05 includes ultra-light pigments with a rich, matte formula that offers high color payoff even in a single stroke. Oh and it’s also infused with Almond, Jojoba and Vitamin E Oil to keep your pout hydrated. (Read: no more chapped lips) All of this without doing a number on your wallet!
8. Nykaa So Matte Lipstick - Taupe Thrill 12 M
Women with olive to dusky skin tones can pull off taupes like a pro. Think of it as an ideal middle ground, if you’re more of a red person but also love your reds. Nykaa So Matte Lipstick - Taupe Thrill 12 M effortlessly glides on your pout to give it a soft, creamy and matte finish of warm brown with red undertones. Oh and did we tell you it’s infused with nourishing Vitamin E which means your lips can stay colored up all day without drying out. Now, that’s a relief, innit?
FAQs On Lipsticks For Dark Skin Tones
1. Suggest nude lipsticks for dusky skin.
- Nykaa Ultra Matte Lipstick - Helen 01
- Masaba By Nykaa Lipstick - Nimbu Pani
- Nykaa So Matte! Mini Lipstick - 50 M Cinnamon Crunch
- SUGAR Nothing Else Matter Longwear Lipstick - 01 Browning Glory (Caramel Nude)
2. Recommend pink lipsticks for dark skin.
- Elle 18 Color Pops Matte Lipstick - Grape Riot
- Faces Canada Ultime Pro HD Intense Matte Lips + Primer - 05 Dash Of Pink
- Nykaa Matte Luxe Lipstick – Staycation
- Nykaa So Matte! Mini Lipstick - 15 M Sugar Plum Martini
3. Recommend red lipsticks for dark skin.
- Lakme Absolute 3D Lipstick - Red Carnival
- Maybelline New York Super Stay Crayon Lipstick - 50 Own your Empire
- SUGAR Nothing Else Matter Longwear Lipstick - 05 Coral Dilemma
- Faces Canada Ultime Pro Matte Mini Lip Crayon with Free Sharpener - Midnight Rose 02
4. Suggest brown lipstick for dark skin tones.
- Maybelline New York Color Sensational Powder Matte Lipstick - Toasted Brown
- Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lip Color - Mauve Date
- Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Lip Color - MB11 Espresso Shot
- Nykaa Matte Luxe Lipstick - Artisanal Coffee
