How to wear black lipstick

Traditionally, black lipstick has been filed firmly in the Halloween make-up category of colours. Then, it received a high-fashion makeover.

From Rihanna to Jenna Coleman, deep purple and pitch black lipstick hues have long been seen on red carpets, and made a noticeable return on 2023's catwalks. Last season, Bora Aksu, Rodarte and Mark Fast saw models sporting crisp matte lipsticks in coal shades, while SS24 saw Dior opting for an inky stain inside the lip, Burberry models wearing glossy vinyl finishes, and Watanabe showcasing black ombré liners.

Of course, black has long been a classic shade when it comes to fashion, so perhaps it is no surprise that the industry's favourite hue finally spilled into the beauty world too. And, really, a statement lipstick is just another accessory.

Roksanda AW23

Mark Fast AW23

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

But don't think that you require the skills of a professional make-up artist pull it off. MAC's senior artist Dominic Skinner says it is all in the way you wear it. "There is nothing more striking, in my mind, than bold black lips, so it's important to realise that any other make-up on the face is going to look too much," says Skinner. "Keep the rest of your look simple with just full lashes and maybe strong brows to balance out the features." MAC is just one brand that caters for all lipstick colour preferences – from the perfect nude all the way to jet black in the form of the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Caviar.

If a severe black lip feels a little too much for you, Skinner says that it is, surprisingly, one of the few shades that actually suits most people; look to Roksanda AW23, Jodie Turner Smith and Jenna Coleman's recent blackened plum pouts for inspiration.

Gareth Cattermole//Getty Images

"Because black is not a colour – technically it's a shade – there is no undertone, which means it works with all skin tones," says Skinner. "If you fear going too dark, you can try deeper shades of your favourite colour. A simple way of doing this is to apply your favourite shade, then press a black lipstick over the top or apply your favourite lipstick to your bottom lip, a black to your top and rub your lips together."

Rodarte AW23

Another tip we'd suggest is to line the lips fully before applying your lipstick – but there's a fine line between immaculate edging and looking as though you've had a mishap with a pen, and it comes in the form of a good pencil. Try Dior's Universal Contour Lip Liner, which will help ensure any lipstick on top does not budge.

So, go embrace your dark side. When you do, you'll realise that inky-coloured lips no longer need to be saved for the spookiest day of the year.

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