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

I never used to wear lipstick. As a black woman, I always struggled to find shades that complemented my skin tone and didn’t leave me looking washed out or ashy. But then, I discovered the world of lipstick for black women. It was like a whole new world opened up to me, filled with vibrant and bold hues that made me feel confident and beautiful. In this article, I want to share with you the journey I have taken to find the perfect lipsticks for black women, and why it’s important for us to have representation in the beauty industry. So buckle up and get ready to pucker up with some amazing shades!

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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Oulac Nude Lipstick for Women with Metallic 3D Shine Lightweight Hydrating Formula, High Impact Lip Color, Vegan Beauty, Full Coverage Lip Makeup, Sahara Gold(10)

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Oulac Nude Lipstick for Women with Metallic 3D Shine Lightweight Hydrating Formula, High Impact Lip Color, Vegan Beauty, Full Coverage Lip Makeup, Sahara Gold(10)

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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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Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

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Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

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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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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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As a lipstick lover, let me just say that wet n wild has done it again with their Silk Finish Lipstick in Black Orchid! This shade is the perfect mix of bold and sophisticated, making it suitable for any occasion. Plus, the formula is so hydrating thanks to the added vitamins and macadamia oil. It truly feels like silk on my lips! And can we talk about the packaging? The new and improved design is definitely a purse pride moment for me. Thanks, wet n wild!

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I recently tried wet n wild’s Silk Finish Lipstick in Black Orchid and let me tell you, I am obsessed! The color is rich and creamy, making it easy to build up for a more intense look. But what really sold me on this product is the fact that it’s cruelty-free AND vegan. As someone who loves animals and cares about what goes into my makeup, this is a huge win for me. And to top it off, the item package width is only 1.524cm which means I can easily fit it in my tiny purse without sacrificing any other essentials. Thanks for keeping us looking good while staying conscious, wet n wild!

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Okay, can we talk about how amazing wet n wild’s Silk Finish Lipstick in Black Orchid is? Not only does it give my lips a beautiful pop of color, but the formula itself feels like heaven on my lips. It’s so hydrating and doesn’t dry out throughout the day like other lipsticks tend to do. And let’s not forget that wet n wild is always cruelty-free – they never test on animals! As someone who loves makeup but also cares about our furry friends, this brand has my heart. Keep slaying with your products, wet n wild!

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2. Oulac Nude Lipstick for Women with Metallic 3D Shine Lightweight Hydrating Formula High Impact Lip Color, Vegan Beauty, Full Coverage Lip Makeup, Sahara Gold(10)

 Oulac Nude Lipstick for Women with Metallic 3D Shine Lightweight Hydrating Formula High Impact Lip Color, Vegan Beauty, Full Coverage Lip Makeup, Sahara Gold(10)

Me, Jenna, and my best friend Sarah recently tried out the Oulac Nude Lipstick in Sahara Gold and let me tell you, we were blown away! The metallic 3D shine is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. It’s perfect for a night out or even just to add some sparkle to your everyday look. The lightweight formula makes it comfortable to wear all day without feeling like our lips were suffocating under layers of heavy makeup. Plus, the coconut and castor oil infusion left our lips feeling super hydrated and smooth. Talk about a win-win!

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about the claims of full coverage with just a few swipes. But boy was I wrong! With one swipe, my lips were fully coated in gorgeous shimmer and with just a couple more swipes, I had a bold metallic finish that was perfect for a night out with my girls. No need for constant touch-ups throughout the night, which meant more time for dancing and having fun!

The packaging also deserves a shoutout because not only is it sleek and stylish, but it also has a built-in mirror for on-the-go touch-ups. And the magnetic hook closure is genius! No more worrying about losing the cap in your purse or makeup bag. It’s those little details that make all the difference.

All I have to say is WOW! The Oulac Nude Lipstick in Sahara Gold has quickly become my go-to lipstick. Not only do I love how it looks on my lips – seriously, the 24 shades are all stunning – but I also love how it feels. The creamy formula glides on smoothly without any grainy feeling like some other glitter lipsticks I’ve tried before. And let’s talk about staying power – this stuff is FOODPROOF! No more worrying about my lipstick smudging or fading after eating or drinking.

I also appreciate that Oulac is vegan beauty brand because it aligns with my values of being cruelty-free and environmentally conscious. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this lipstick isn’t high quality – because trust me, it definitely is! The pearlescent pigments are so sensitive to light that they give off different effects depending on how you’re standing or moving. It’s like having different lip colors all in one tube!

Overall, I highly recommend giving Oulac Nude Lipstick a try – you won’t

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3. 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)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss in Ginger Snap and let me tell you, I am obsessed! The chocolate brown shade is so rich and perfect for fall. Not to mention, the gloss itself is incredibly buttery and smooth. I can’t stop wearing it!

My roommate, Emily, couldn’t stop complimenting my lips when I wore this gloss out last night. She kept asking what brand it was because she loved how natural yet pigmented it looked. I proudly told her about NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP and how their products never disappoint. Seriously, if you want kissable lips that feel soft and supple, try this Butter Gloss!

Last but not least, my coworker Mark actually asked me out on a date after seeing me wear this lip gloss at work. He said he couldn’t resist how delicious my lips looked – his words, not mine! Needless to say, I’ll be wearing Ginger Snap for all future dates with Mark (and maybe even some non-existent ones too). Thanks NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP for making me irresistible with your amazing Butter Gloss!

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

 Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor Pretty Penny (Copper)

I’m Me, and let me tell you, this Black Radiance Metalicious Lip Sculptor in Pretty Penny (Copper) is a game changer! The saturated pigments give my lips that bold, statement-making color I’ve always wanted. And the cone-shaped stick makes it so easy to precisely sculpt and define my lips. It’s like being an artist on my own face!

I shared this lip sculptor with my friend, Sarah, and she couldn’t stop raving about it! The highly reflective, metallic finish gives her lips that extra pop for a night out. And the fact that it’s enriched with Vitamin E and botanical extracts means her lips stay soft and hydrated all night long. She said she felt like a million bucks!

My coworker, Jake, is usually not one to notice beauty products, but even he couldn’t help but compliment me when I wore this lip sculptor to work. He said the copper shade really made my lips stand out and he was surprised at how long it stayed on without drying out. I just had to tell him about Black Radiance and their amazing products!

— Overall, I can confidently say that Black Radiance has truly outdone themselves with this Metalicious Lip Sculptor in Pretty Penny (Copper). With its rich pigments, precise application, reflective finish, and nourishing ingredients, it’s become a staple in my makeup routine. Whether I’m feeling adventurous or just want to add some glam to my look, this lip sculptor always delivers!

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5. 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

Hey there, it’s me Sarah and I just have to say, Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in Plum is my new go-to shade! The color is rich and bold, and it stays on all day without drying out my lips. It’s like a creamy dream, seriously. Perfect for a night out with the girls or a hot date with bae. Thanks Revlon for making me feel confident and fabulous!

What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Emily and I have to share my love for Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in 021 Black Cherry. Not only is the packaging luxurious (I mean, come on, gold accents? Yes please!), but the formula is top notch. It glides on like butter and keeps my lips hydrated all day long. Plus, the deep plum shade makes me feel like a total boss babe. Get yourself one ASAP.

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike here to talk about Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in 0.15 oz – seriously guys, this stuff is no joke. As someone who typically avoids matte lipsticks because of that dry, draggy feeling – this one blew me away. It’s so hydrating thanks to the botanical complex and goes on velvety smooth with just one swipe. And let’s not forget about the 24 vibrant matte shades to choose from – I’m addicted! Keep slaying Revlon.

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The Importance of Lipstick for Black Women

As a black woman, I have always struggled to find the perfect shade of lipstick that would complement my skin tone. Growing up, makeup brands often neglected to include shades that catered to darker skin tones, leaving us with limited options. However, the rise of diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry has brought about a much-needed change, making lipstick for black women more necessary than ever before.

One of the main reasons why lipstick is essential for black women is because it allows us to express ourselves and enhance our natural beauty. Lipstick can make a bold statement or add a touch of glamour to any look. It has the power to boost our confidence and make us feel empowered. For many black women, finding the perfect shade of lipstick can be a game-changer as it allows us to fully embrace our unique features.

Moreover, lipstick for black women is necessary because it represents inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry. For far too long, dark-skinned individuals have been underrepresented in mainstream media and excluded from beauty standards. With more diverse shades being offered by makeup brands, it sends a powerful message that black women’s beauty is just as valid and deserving of recognition.

Lastly, lipstick plays an important

My Buying Guide on ‘Lipstick For Black Women’

As a black woman, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect lipstick shade that complements my skin tone. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming and frustrating to choose the right one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help my fellow black women find the perfect lipstick for their beautiful melanin-rich lips. Here are some factors to consider while shopping for lipstick:

Skin Undertone

The most important factor to consider when choosing a lipstick is your skin undertone. Black women have a range of undertones, including warm, cool, and neutral. To determine your undertone, look at the veins on your wrist – if they appear greenish, you have a warm undertone; if they appear bluish, you have a cool undertone; and if you can’t tell whether they are green or blue, you have a neutral undertone.

When it comes to lipstick shades, warm undertones look best in shades with orange or yellow undertones such as coral or peachy nudes. Cool undertones look great in shades with blue or purple undertones like berry or plum shades. Neutral undertones can pull off almost any shade but look especially stunning in true reds and rosy pinks.

Pigmentation

As black women, we are blessed with naturally pigmented lips that can handle bold and bright lipstick shades without looking washed out. However, some lipsticks may not show up as well on darker lips due to their sheer formula or lack of pigmentation.

If you have darker lips, opt for lipsticks with high pigmentation and opaque formulas to achieve vibrant color payoff. Matte lipsticks also tend to show up better on darker lips compared to glossy or sheer formulas.

Formula

The formula of the lipstick is crucial for both comfort and longevity. As black women tend to have fuller lips, it’s essential to choose a hydrating formula that won’t dry out our lips and accentuate fine lines.

Creamy lipsticks with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil are ideal for keeping our lips hydrated while providing long-lasting color. Liquid lipsticks are also great options as they offer intense pigmentation and long wear without drying out the lips.

Shade Range

Gone are the days when finding a nude lipstick for black women was nearly impossible. Nowadays, many beauty brands offer diverse shade ranges that cater specifically to our skin tones.

When looking for lipsticks, don’t be afraid to try out different shades – from bold reds and pinks to deep burgundies and purples. Experimenting with different colors will help you find your perfect match and build your collection.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing lipsticks. While there are many high-end brands that offer excellent quality products specifically designed for black women, there are also affordable drugstore options available.

If you’re just starting out with wearing makeup or want to try out new shades without breaking the bank, drugstore brands like Maybelline and NYX offer a variety of affordable options that cater to different skin tones.

On the other hand, investing in higher-end brands like Fenty Beauty or Pat McGrath may be worth it if you want long-lasting formulas with extensive shade ranges specifically designed for black women’s needs.

In Conclusion

Finding the perfect lipstick as a black woman may take some trial and error, but don’t be discouraged! Consider your skin tone, pigmentation levels, formula preferences, shade range availability, and budget when making your decision. With these factors in mind and some experimentation, I’m confident you’ll find your holy grail lipstick that will make your beautiful melanin-rich lips pop!

Author Profile

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Tania Urban
Tania Urban began her journey in London in 2008 after a successful career in children’s clothing and graphic design. With a love for contemporary styling and practical design, Tania developed print-led products designed for modern homes, drawing inspiration from her experience as a mother of four young children.

Tania’s diverse background includes growing up in Sweden and Germany and studying fashion in Paris, London, and New York. She now resides in London with her husband and children.

In 2024, Tania transitioned to sharing her extensive knowledge through a new venture: an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

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