The Best Lipstick Colors for Dark Skin

Before you go shopping for cosmetics, it helps to have the right colors for you in mind. This hub gives Black/African women ideas on the right lipstick colors for dark skin based on warm and cool skin tones.

We take glamourous inspiration from dark-skinned models Adeola Ariyo, Ataui Deng, Alek Wek, Oluchi, and also Tika Sumpter for beautiful examples of the best lipstick colors for dark skin.

Violet-Nude Shade for Cool Skin Tones

If you have blue or purple undertones to your skin, as does Adeola Ariyo, above, then try using a glossy lipstick that is slightly lighter than your skin color, but has a violet tinge to it. This is a modern look that makes your lip color coordinate with the naturally occurring blue-purple undertones in your skin. It is subtle yet beautifully expressive.

Red Lipstick for Cool Dark Skin

All eyes shift to Tika Sumpter's luscious bold red berry stained lips, a perfect color for black women with cool undertones.

Soft Maroon-Brown for Warm Skin Tones

Ataui Deng's look above is all about softness. She accentuates the warm brown in her skin with a lipstick that has a touch of maroon in it - giving her lips color without making them the sole focus of her look. The rose-orange blush on the apples of her cheeks matches her lipstick and rounds out her cosmetic routine.

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Tri-color Effect for Cool Skin Tones

Alek Wek, pictured above, accentuates the deep blue-purple tones in her skin by wearing lipstick colors that make her lips pop. Her lips are thinly lined in purple, colored in orangey-red, and glossed over very lightly with a clear violet hue. Because she has her lip colors coordinated with purple that matches her skin tone, she can carry off the orange beautifully.

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Soft Brownish Pink for Warm Skin Tones

Oluchi, pictured above, chooses the perfect brownish pink lip color to complement her golden brown skin tones. The lipstick coordinates with the blush on her cheeks and under her eye area.

It can be hard to find the right pink lipstick for you. When in doubt, when you are at the cosmetics counter, always hold the tube of lipstick against your face. If the tones of the cosmetic and your skin work well together, then the shade will work for you. Also think about what color clothing you wear so you can coordinate your lipstick colors to your wardrobe as well!