5 Best Dark Lipstick Shades for Brown Skin

Dark lipstick on brown skin? Chef’s kiss. But let’s keep it real—not every inky plum or vampy burgundy deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Some shades turn ashy, others disappear into your melanin, and a few? Pure magic. After testing dozens of formulas (and surviving a few makeup meltdowns), we’re spilling the tea on the 5 best dark lipstick shades that actually pop on brown skin. Spoiler: These aren’t your grandma’s berry stains. 💋

Why Dark Lipstick Works on Brown Skin

First off, brown skin is a canvas for drama. Thanks to our melanin magic, deeper lip shades harmonize naturally with our undertones, creating contrast without washing us out. Dark lipstick doesn’t just “work”—it elevates. Think Lupita Nyong’o’s legendary oxblood pout or Rihanna’s midnight plum moments. These shades add depth, dimension, and a touch of “don’t mess with me” energy. But here’s the key:

Uudertones MATTER

Brown skin isn’t a monolith—it’s a spectrum of warm golden, cool red, or neutral olive undertones. Picking a shade that complements yours is the secret sauce.

A too-cool shade on warm skin can look ashy. Test in natural light!

• Warm undertones? Lean into brick reds, terracottas, or burnt chocolate browns.
• Cool undertones? Go for berry wines, deep plums, or vampy blacks.
• Neutral? You lucky duck—experiment with both!

The Hottest Dark Lipstick Shades for Brown Skin

Let’s break down the cult-favorite hues that’ll make your pout pop:

1. DEEP PLUM

Plum is the MVP of dark lipsticks. Its red-purple base creates a lush, velvety contrast against brown skin, especially if you’ve got cool or neutral undertones. But warm babes can rock it too. Just lean into plums with a hint of brick or bronze (think: “spiced plum”).

• Luxury: Pat McGrath Labs “Deep Orchid” (metallic plum that’s chef’s kiss).
• Drugstore: Maybelline Color Sensational “Plum Paradise” (creamy, hydrating, under $10).

Who It’s For:

Here are recommendations based on your undertone

• Cool undertones: Go for blue-based plums (like MAC “Diva”).
• Warm undertones: Opt for plums with brown or gold undertones (try NARS “Bette”).
• Neutral undertones: You can literally wear any plum. Lucky you.

2. BURGUNDY

Burgundy is that “rich auntie who sips Cabernet in a velvet robe” energy. It’s a deep red-wine shade that flatters warm and neutral undertones like magic, adding instant sophistication.

• Luxury: Charlotte Tilbury “Glastonberry” (berry-burgundy with subtle shimmer).
• Drugstore: Wet n Wild Megalast “Cherry Bomb” (matte, budge-proof, $3.99 queen).

How to choose the right burgundy shade for brown skin?

For Warm undertones, choose burgundies with brown or caramel bases (e.g., Fenty “Uncensored”). And, for cool undertones, Go for burgundies with a berry or purple twist (Anastasia Beverly Hills “American Doll”).

3. CHOCOLATE BROWN

This ‘90s throwback is back and better than ever. Chocolate brown serves earthy, edgy vibes and looks fire on golden and olive undertones. Swipe on a clear gloss for a juicy, modern twist and balance this lipstick shade with winged liner and lashes for a retro vibe. But beware: Cooler browns can look ashy—stick to warm, caramel-kissed shades.

Who It’s For:

• Warm undertones: Embrace browns with red or orange undertones (MAC “Antique Velvet”).
• Neutral undertones: Try muted milk chocolate shades (ColourPop “Skimpy”).

Get the Look:

• Luxury: Bobbi Brown “Black Chocolate” (sheer, buildable, and office-friendly).
• Drugstore: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream “Rome” (velvety matte that won’t crack).

4. BLACKENED BERRY

Rihanna’s blackberry lip at the 2017 Met Gala? Legendary. Blackened berry is like blackberry jam with a dash of mystique. It’s perfect for cool undertones but can work on warm skin if it has a reddish base. This shade is drama in a tube.

• Use a lip brush for precision—this shade is unforgiving if it smudges.
• Pair with dewy skin and minimal eye makeup for a modern goth look.

If you are looking for buy this lipstick shade, here are some options:

Luxury	Hourglass “Icon” (intense pigment with a satin finish).
Drugstore	Revlon Super Lustrous “Black Cherry” (sheer, buildable, under $7).

5. VAMPY BLACK-RED

This hybrid shade is for the bold-hearted. It’s not quite black, not quite red—it’s the lovechild of both.

Black-red lipstick shade is universally flattering on brown skin and instantly adds “main character” energy. It works on All brown undertones. You just need to adjust the base to match your vibe. For example, those with warm undertones should consider Black-red with brown undertone, like Fenty “Uninvited“. On the other hand, for cool undertones, you need to consider a vampy shade with blue hue like NARS ‘Paint it Black‘. Besides these, here are some other options worth considering:

• Luxury: Gucci Beauty “The Gotham” (sheer, glossy, and expensive-looking).
• Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics “Black Cherry” (under $5, creamy, and beginner-friendly).

How to Apply Dark Lipstick Like a Pro on your brown skin?

Dark shades can be high-maintenance, but these hacks keep them flawless:

1. Exfoliate + Moisturize: Scrub those lips (DIY: sugar + honey!) and slap on balm. Dry lips? Cracks? Not today.
2. Line It Up: Bleeding dark lipstick = messy vibes. Use a lip liner close to your natural lip color (or match the lipstick) to Outline.
3. Apply with a Brush: Precision is key. Start at the cupid’s bow and blend outward.
4. Blot & Reapply: Dab with tissue, then add another layer. Boom—longwear magic.
5. Clean Up Edges: A concealer brush dipped in makeup remover sharpens the look.

BONUS: How to make any dark lipstick shade work for your brown skin tone?

• Too ashy? Mix it with a warm brown liner or dab a bronze gloss on top.
• Too intense? Apply sheerly and blend with your finger for a stained look.
• Seasonal switch-up: Dark berries in fall/winter, chocolate browns in spring/summer.

Final Takeaway

Dark lipstick isn’t just makeup—it’s armor. It’s the confidence boost you wear on your lips. So grab that deep plum, channel your inner Rihanna, and slay unapologetically. Brown skin was made for this. 💋

Drop your IG handle if you’ve rocked one of these shades—we wanna stan!