Essential Tips For Wearing Dark Lipstick

Dark lipstick is one of those looks we tend to admire from afar, wondering whether we can pull it off – but never actually take the plunge. Well, guess what? It’s time to change that!

The question is: what look will you go for? Soft and sultry like homegrown beauty Miranda Kerr? A vampy shade a la Lorde? Or a super bold pout like the one and only Rihanna? Whatever you choose, here’s how to rock a dark lip with ease…

Pick your perfect shade

There are many dark shades out there, and finding one that suits your complexion is key to nailing this look. Check out our handy guide below:

Fair skin – Pink-based colours, like Becca Ultimate Matte Lip Colour, $40
Medium skin – Blue-based colours, like Clarins Rouge Éclat Lipstick in Red Wine
Dark skin – Brown-based colours, like Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Crazy for Coffee

Line those lips

Feathering is far more obvious with darker shades. To prevent any mishaps, line your lips with a high-quality lip pencil. For best results, match your pencil to your lippie shade. If this isn’t possible, use one that’s a little darker.

Tone down your make-up

A vampy lip looks great teamed with pared back make-up. Stick to a flawless base, a subtle sweep of blush over your cheeks and look-at-me lashes.

As for your hair, keep that simple too. May we suggest a chic top knot?

Save it for winter

As we approach the middle of the year and the mornings get crisper and the days shorter, it’s an ideal time to switch to a darker make-up palette. Dark reds, purples and browns look amazing when worn with layers upon layers.

Confidence, baby!

Above all, the most important thing to know about rocking a dark lip is to do it with confidence! It can feel a little strange at first, especially if you’re not used to wearing bold colours – but heads will turn in the best possible way. Trust us on that!

Dark lipsticks we love…

MAC Lipstick in Cyber
Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Berry A La Mode
Chi Chi Viva La Diva Lipstick in Lady Bump
Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Can Can
Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 30

Are you a fan of dark lipstick? Do you have any other tips for wearing it?

54 Member Comments

Falak142 5 Nov 2019 2:51 PM

These are great for winter times. However i am more of a lip gloss/lip balm user these would be great for occasion!

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Affy92 5 Jul 2018 10:15 AM

I canNOT pull off vampy lips. I have tried soo many times. I put it on and then I chicken out. The most vampy lip I try is a dark brown. I line my.lips with Mac cork and then put Jeffree Star Celebrity Skin on top.

clearcrystalwater 28 Jun 2018 6:47 PM

One of my fave colours in Mac is So Me and it can actually look quite vampy on my if I apply it heavily. I usually apply it lightly!

Isabelbolton 27 May 2018 9:05 PM

I like going a little darker with my lip colour in winter.

Miss19 10 Nov 2017 3:32 PM

I'm scared to do a dark lip!

Shop A Everyday 9 Jan 2017 1:15 AM

Very dark, not for me though

Stephanie2494 7 Jan 2017 6:09 PM

I recently brought a really dark shade in the maybelline vivid liquid matte range (that is a first for me), I have yet to wear it because I am so worried about it "suiting me", but I will keep this article around.

Chicklet 7 Nov 2016 7:41 PM

I like dark shades on others, but not me.

josella432 25 Oct 2016 11:09 PM

I love dark vampy lips, but I disagree that they're only for the cooler months. Rock those lips all year round!

Emma171 19 Oct 2016 9:11 AM

Good advice, I somehow still can not manage to pull off a dark lip

Asami 14 Jul 2016 10:43 PM

Very interesting article. Love reading things like these. Beauty heaven has some really great informative articles.

Becstar 10 Jul 2016 8:25 PM

Great advice on how to pull off a dark vampy lips! They can certainly be hard!

annieleex 3 Apr 2016 1:40 PM

Great article!

talk-a-lot 22 Mar 2016 3:01 PM

I find the older I get the less vampy I can go, lol. I so love these shades of lipstick.

quinzo 7 Jan 2016 2:18 PM

I love, love, love Chi Chi's Lady Bump!

sporty_ytl 7 Dec 2015 11:10 PM

I actually like dark lipstick a lot, but no idea how or when to wear them. That's why I envy those people who are working in the beauty industry sometimes. Because there can wear it almost everyday if they want to.

Trish_D 4 Dec 2015 11:37 PM

I can just imagine me with a look like this - I'd be looking for somewhere else to live!

Evanescencessy 3 Dec 2015 10:33 PM

I haven't tried a dark lippy but keen to try it, perhaps a deep berry or burgundy. I love wearing black so a vampy lip should add an edgy look.

Pink_Sugar 14 Nov 2015 3:14 PM

This look is scary.... boohoo. Maybe for Halloween!

lynx 7 Nov 2015 8:23 AM

I think I need to be a little younger to get away with this one.

Yohanna 19 Oct 2015 3:29 PM

I think my lips are too small for this :(

Yohanna 19 Oct 2015 3:30 PM

Love purples though, and berry and burgundy

ray_jay 6 Oct 2015 9:54 AM

I can't do dark hmmm

TheUglyDuckling 2 Sep 2015 6:29 PM

I am loving that dark MAC lipstick (the one pictured - Cyber). Also the picture of the model above with the bold brows and eyes is amazing. I love that look!

dreamdream936 10 Aug 2015 4:21 PM

I use to love dark lipsticks but now i feel they are not my thing...

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