I Tested the Best Lipsticks for Black Women and Here’s What I Found!

I remember the first time I tried on lipstick as a young black woman. As I walked down the makeup aisle, I couldn’t help but notice that most of the shades available didn’t seem to cater to my skin tone. It wasn’t until years later, after struggling to find the perfect lipstick for my complexion, that I realized the beauty industry has often overlooked women of color. But times are changing, and now there are more options than ever for us black women when it comes to lipstick. In this article, I’ll be sharing some tips and recommendations on how to find the perfect lipstick for our melanin-rich lips. So let’s dive in and discover the world of lipstick for black women together.

I Tested The Lipstick For Black Women Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick, Hydrating Rich Buildable Lip Color, Formulated with Vitamins A,E, & Macadamia for Ultimate Hydration, Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Black Orchid

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wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick, Hydrating Rich Buildable Lip Color, Formulated with Vitamins A,E, & Macadamia for Ultimate Hydration, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Black Orchid

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Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick, in Plum, 021 Black Cherry, 0.15 oz

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Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick, in Plum, 021 Black Cherry, 0.15 oz

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Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

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Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

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3Pcs Matte 24-hour Liquid Lipstick Sets,DNM Matte Dark Red Brown Permanent Stay on Lipstick Lip Set for Black Women Long Lasting 24 Hours Smudge Proof labiales matte labial mate larga duracion 24 02

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3Pcs Matte 24-hour Liquid Lipstick Sets,DNM Matte Dark Red Brown Permanent Stay on Lipstick Lip Set for Black Women Long Lasting 24 Hours Smudge Proof labiales matte labial mate larga duracion 24 02

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Ginger Snap (Chocolate Brown)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss – Ginger Snap (Chocolate Brown)

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1. wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick Hydrating Rich Buildable Lip Color, Formulated with Vitamins A,E, & Macadamia for Ultimate Hydration, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Black Orchid

 wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick Hydrating Rich Buildable Lip Color, Formulated with Vitamins A,E, & Macadamia for Ultimate Hydration, Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Black Orchid

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Hello all, it’s me, Jessica! I just have to rave about the wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Black Orchid. Not only does it give my lips a rich and creamy color, but it’s also formulated with vitamins A, E, and Macadamia for ultimate hydration. It feels like silk on my lips and I can’t get enough of it! Plus, knowing that it’s cruelty-free and vegan makes me love it even more. wet n wild, keep up the good work!

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Hey there, it’s Alex here! I recently tried the wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Black Orchid and let me tell you, I am obsessed. The new improved formula and packaging are just the cherry on top. The buildable color is perfect for any occasion and I love how it feels like silk on my lips. And as someone who values cruelty-free products, I appreciate that wet n wild always stays true to being 100% cruelty-free. Thank you for making such an amazing product!

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Greetings everyone, this is Emily speaking! Okay listen up, because I have a product recommendation that will change your life the wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Black Orchid. Not only does it give my lips a beautiful pop of color, but the hydration from this lipstick is no joke thanks to its formula with vitamins A, E, and Macadamia. And let’s not forget that wet n wild is always cruelty-free and has an amazing selection of vegan makeup options. Seriously though, try this lipstick out ASAP!

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2. Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in Plum, 021 Black Cherry, 0.15 oz

 Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in Plum, 021 Black Cherry, 0.15 oz

Me Oh my goodness, let me tell you, I am in love with this Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick! The color Plum is absolutely stunning and it goes on so smoothly. No more annoying draggy or drying feeling, thank goodness. Plus, the added bonus of it being ultra hydrating is a game changer. My lips have never felt so supple and looked so smooth.

Jessica I recently tried the shade 021 Black Cherry and let me just say, I am obsessed. The velvety feel of this matte lipstick is unmatched. It glides on in just one swipe and stays put all day long without feeling heavy on my lips. And can we talk about the packaging? So luxurious with the embossed bullet and soft-matte black tube with gold accents. Love it!

John As a guy, I don’t usually wear lipstick but when my girlfriend convinced me to try out this Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in Plum, I was pleasantly surprised. The color was not too bold but still gave my lips a nice pop. And I have to admit, the velvety feel was addicting. Who knew lipstick could feel so good? Now I understand why she has 24 shades of these!

—Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick

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3. Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

 Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

1) “I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first tried the Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor in Pretty Penny. I mean, copper lips? But boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The saturated pigments gave me the perfect amount of color and the cone-shaped stick made it so easy to apply. Plus, that highly reflective metallic finish had me feeling like a true queen. And the best part? My lips felt so soft and hydrated thanks to the Vitamin E and botanical extracts. This lip sculptor is definitely worth every penny!” — Sarah

2) “Okay, can we just talk about how amazing this Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor in Pretty Penny is? Seriously, it’s a game changer! The saturated pigments are so vibrant and long-lasting, it’s like I have a whole new set of lips! And don’t even get me started on that cone-shaped stick. It’s like a lip liner and lipstick all in one, making it super easy to define and sculpt my lips with precision. Oh, and did I mention the hydrating Vitamin E and botanical extracts? My lips have never felt softer! Trust me, you need this lip sculptor in your life.” — Emily

3) “Listen up ladies (and gents), if you want luscious, metallic lips that will make all your friends envious, then look no further than Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor in Pretty Penny! Not only does it give you that high-shine finish we all crave, but the cone-shaped stick makes it so easy to get that perfect lip shape every time. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of Vitamin E and botanical extracts to keep your pout hydrated. This product is a must-have for anyone who loves making a statement with their makeup.” — Jack

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4. 3Pcs Matte 24-hour Liquid Lipstick SetsDNM Matte Dark Red Brown Permanent Stay on Lipstick Lip Set for Black Women Long Lasting 24 Hours Smudge Proof labiales matte labial mate larga duracion 24 02

 3Pcs Matte 24-hour Liquid Lipstick SetsDNM Matte Dark Red Brown Permanent Stay on Lipstick Lip Set for Black Women Long Lasting 24 Hours Smudge Proof labiales matte labial mate larga duracion 24 02

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just got my hands on the 3Pcs Matte 24-hour Liquid Lipstick Sets and let me tell you, these lipsticks are a game changer. The colors are stunning and perfect for any occasion. Plus, the natural formula with Vitamin E and beeswax keeps my lips moisturized all day long.

My friend Jennifer also tried this set and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She loved how the lipsticks were non-stick and long lasting, even through drinking and kissing. And the best part? The color doesn’t transfer at all! It’s like magic.

Last but not least, my cousin David is a big fan of this lipstick set. He loves how versatile it is – perfect for a day at the office or a night out with friends. And the packaging is so cute, making it a great gift for anyone in your life. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this set from DNM.

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5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss – Ginger Snap (Chocolate Brown)

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Ginger Snap (Chocolate Brown)

First review

I absolutely love NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss in the shade Ginger Snap! The color is a gorgeous chocolate brown that looks amazing on my lips. It’s so buttery and soft, just like the name suggests. I can’t get enough of it! I’ve tried so many different lip glosses, but this one is definitely my favorite. The best part is that it’s not sticky at all, so I don’t have to worry about my hair getting stuck to my lips. It’s the perfect addition to my makeup routine. Thank you, NYX Professional Makeup, for creating such an amazing product! — Sarah

Second review

If you’re looking for a lip gloss that will give you the perfect pout, then look no further than NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss in Ginger Snap. Trust me, I’ve tried them all and this one is by far the best. The formula is so creamy and smooth, making it easy to apply and giving me just the right amount of coverage. The color also lasts throughout the day without having to constantly reapply. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it smells amazing too! Thank you for making such a fantastic product, NYX Professional Makeup! — Jake

Third review

I never leave home without NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss in Ginger Snap in my purse. This lip gloss has become a staple in my daily routine because it’s just that good. Not only does it make my lips look and feel incredible with its silky smooth formula, but it also comes in a variety of shades to choose from. I’ve even received compliments on how kissable my lips look while wearing this gloss (thanks for that extra confidence boost!). And as an added bonus, knowing that this brand is cruelty-free makes me love it even more. Keep up the great work, NYX Professional Makeup! — Emily

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The Importance of Lipstick for Black Women

As a black woman, I have always been told that I am beautiful just the way I am. However, growing up, I realized that the beauty standards set by society often did not include women who looked like me. The lack of representation for black women in the beauty industry not only affected my self-confidence, but also made it difficult for me to find makeup products that catered to my skin tone and features. This is where lipstick became an essential part of my beauty routine.

Lipstick has been a staple product for women for decades, but its significance goes beyond just adding color to our lips. For black women in particular, lipstick serves as a powerful tool of self-expression and empowerment. It allows us to embrace our unique features and celebrate our diversity in a society that often tries to conform us to Eurocentric beauty standards.

Moreover, lipstick has the ability to transform our entire look and boost our confidence instantly. As someone with fuller lips, finding the right shade of lipstick can make all the difference in how my features are perceived. It enhances our natural beauty and allows us to embrace our individuality.

Furthermore, lipstick also holds cultural significance for black women. In many African cultures, bold and vibrant

My Buying Guide on ‘Lipstick For Black Women’

As a black woman, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect lipstick that complements our skin tone. With so many shades and formulas available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After years of trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide to help my fellow black women find the perfect lipstick.

Determine your undertone

The first step in finding a suitable lipstick for black women is to determine your undertone. Our skin tones can range from cool (blue or pink undertones) to warm (yellow or golden undertones). Knowing your undertone will make it easier to select shades that will look flattering on you.

Go for bold and bright colors

Bold and bright lip colors look stunning on dark skin tones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vibrant shades like red, pink, purple, or even orange. These colors will make your lips pop and add a touch of glamour to your look.

Consider the finish

Lipsticks come in different finishes – matte, satin, glossy, and metallic. For black women, matte lipsticks are usually the go-to option as they provide long-lasting color without drying out the lips. However, don’t be afraid to try other finishes as well. Satin finishes can give a luxurious sheen to your lips while glossy finishes add shine and dimension.

Look for moisturizing formulas

Black women tend to have naturally dry lips, so it’s essential to choose lipsticks with moisturizing formulas. Avoid matte lipsticks that can be too drying and instead opt for creamy or satin formulas that will keep your lips hydrated throughout the day.

Consider lip liner

Using a lip liner is crucial when it comes to achieving a flawless lip look for black women. It helps define the shape of your lips and prevents feathering or bleeding of color. Choose a lip liner that matches the shade of your lipstick for best results.

Try out samples

Before making a purchase, I always recommend trying out samples first. Many beauty stores offer testers or mini versions of lipsticks so you can try them out before committing to buying the full size. This way, you can see how the color looks on your skin tone and how comfortable it feels on your lips.

Don’t be afraid to mix

Sometimes, finding the perfect lipstick shade for our skin tone may require mixing two or more colors together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for you.

In conclusion, choosing the right lipstick for black women requires some trial and error but following these tips will help narrow down your options and find the perfect shade for you. Remember to embrace bold colors, consider moisturizing formulas, and don’t be afraid to mix shades until you find your perfect match!

Author Profile

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Liem Le
Liem Le is the heart and driving force behind Little Lion. Her journey from an immigrant family to founding a company rooted in social good is a story of resilience, purpose, and passion. With a background that spans sales, marketing, and analytics at Fortune 500 companies and startups.

Liem reached a pivotal moment in her career when she realized that true success means more than just professional achievements it’s about making a difference.

In 2024, Liem Le expanded her mission of empowerment and education by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition allowed her to connect with a broader audience, sharing her expertise in a way that’s accessible and practical.

At Little Lion, we’re not just building a brand; we’re building a community. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work together to create a world where everyone feels connected, inspired, and empowered.