How to Wear Black Lipstick

Last Updated: August 9, 2021 References

Black lipstick is coming back in style, and it's a fun trend to try if you know how to wear it right. Black lipstick can look like part of a Halloween costume if you aren't careful with the rest of your makeup and accessories, but if you balance it with brightness it can make a stylish statement. Learn how to wear black makeup so you look striking, not scary.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Black Lipstick

1
Exfoliate and moisturize your lips. Black lipstick starts to look streaky and flaky more quickly than other colors. To prevent this from happening, it's important to prep your lips before you apply it. Make sure you remove all skin flakes and moisturize your lips so they're soft and supple.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} If your lips are chapped, you might want to save the black lipstick for another time.
- Exfoliate by brushing your lips with a soft toothbrush, or use a lip scrub.
- Moisturize with a rich lip balm or coconut oil.
2
Line your lips. Apply black lip liner around the outline of your lips, taking care to draw the exact shape you want. This will keep your lipstick looking defined and intentional. Without liner, black lipstick tends to run outside the lines of your lips, which can make you look smudged and messy.
- If you don't have black lip liner, you can use a black eye pencil instead.
- Always use a shade of liner that's a little darker than your lipstick.
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3
Fill in your lips. The best way to apply black lipstick is with a lipstick brush. If you don't have a lipstick brush, spread out your lips. This will help ensure that the lipstick gets into all of your lips' tiny creases. Run a lipstick brush (or another small makeup brush) over the lipstick, then use it to carefully apply black lipstick to completely fill in your lips.^{[2]
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- After you're finished, smile in the mirror. Fill in any creases that didn't get coated.
- Keep a cotton swab handy in case you accidentally go outside the lines.
4
Add a second layer. This will keep your lipstick from fading and streaking as you go about your day. You can apply the second layer using your lipstick directly on your lips. Take a look in the mirror to make sure the lipstick is nice and neat.
5
Top with gloss. Black lipstick can look a little flat, so try adding a layer of clear gloss to finish your look. The extra shine will give your lip color extra depth. It also serves to help keep your lipstick from fading or streaking.
6
Keep your black lipstick on hand in case you need to reapply. Black lipstick will probably need to be reapplied each time you take a drink or eat something. If you're wearing it to a cocktail party or another event at which you'll be eating and drinking, don't forget to bring along your lipstick. Faded black lipstick tends to look gray and drab, so you'll probably need to do a touch-up at least once before the evening is over.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Balancing it With Makeup

1
Keep your face clean and neutral. Black lipstick makes a big statement, and you don't want to distract from that by wearing too much other makeup. Create a clean palette by using a neutral foundation the exact color of your skin. Use just the barest hint of blush, bronzer and other face color so as not to overwhelm your black lipstick.
2
Use black eyeliner to balance your lip. Completely bare eyes might look too naked in contrast to your lips. While you don't want to go overboard with eye makeup, using black liner and mascara adds a nice touch. Try a light cat-eye look, or simply rim your top and bottom lids with a sleep of eyeliner.
- Use black eyeliner to match your black lipstick. Using a different color could cause your face to look to busy.
- Avoid piling on the liner or doing a smokey-eye look. This could take your face from looking striking to overly goth.
3
Add some colored eyeshadow. Using a hint of color will brighten your face and keep your look from getting too dismal. Apply a light layer of jewel-toned eyeshadow to your lids, brushing the color out toward the corners of your eyes. If you're feeling daring, sweep a little color under your eyes as well.
4
Try a dark plum or berry color for a less severe look. If you love a dark lip but don't want to wear jet black, there are still plenty of options that will cause heads to turn. Dark purples, reds and browns are a little easier to pull off than full-on black. All dark lipsticks should be applied with the same care as black, since streaking and flaking will show up more easily than with lighter shades.^{[3]
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- Don't forget to exfoliate and moisturize your lips first.
- Use lipliner a shade darker than your lip color.
- Apply two layers of color, then top with gloss if you'd like.
5
Add a layer of shimmer for a striking nighttime look. If you want to add another gorgeous dimension to your black lipstick, try topping it with a layer of clear shimmery gloss. Your lips will sparkle under the low lights at the club or bar where you'll be hanging out. Since this look can take on a costume makeup appearance, save it for special occasions that call for getting dressed up in style.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Pairing it With Clothes and Accessories

1
Wear it with dark jewel tones in the winter. Black lipstick is a natural fit with dark jewel-toned clothes that you start to reach for in late fall and throughout the winter. It looks great with sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green and dark fuschia. Try black lipstick with one of these looks:^{[5]
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- A dark blue velvet dress with black lace trim.
- A green silk blouse paired with a black pencil skirt.
- A ruby red coat and black riding boots.
2
Wear it with neon in the summer. Black lipstick doesn't have to be relegated to the winter months; it looks fabulous in the summer as well. Black looks particularly striking when paired with bright neon shades; the contrast is truly eye-catching. If you like neon, try one of the following looks paired with black lipstick:
- A neon yellow sheath dress and black strappy heels.
- Hot pink sunglasses and a wispy black dress.
- A neon patterned boho dress with jet black accessories.
3
Contrast your lipstick with a preppy outfit. It can be fun to thwart people's expectations by pairing black lipstick with a traditional outfit that would normally be seen with a tame pink lip gloss. If you have a playful sense of humor and are looking for a way to take your prim and proper outfits up a notch, try pairing black lipstick with one of these looks:
- A soft, sky-blue sweater and a white tennis skirt.
- A white button-up blouse and a pair of preppy jeans.
- A pink sundress and black flats.
4
Go totally goth. Why not go all out? Use black lipstick as part of an overall style that says "look, but don't touch." If you love black, don't hold back: project your interesting personality by pairing black lipstick with one or more of the following:
- A black dress, skirt, jacket, or black jeans.
- Black fishnets and boots.
- Black and red or black and pink plaid patterns.
- Dyed black hair, black nail polish, etc.

Community Q&A

Question

Why do people use black?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

People wear black lipstick to make a statement! It's super cool, dark, and mysterious. It also makes your teeth look super white and clean.
Question

Can I wear black lipstick as a 14 year-old?

Community Answer

Yes, but you might want to check for permission from a parent or guardian first.
Question

How do I wear berry, Bordeaux or burgundy lipstick?

Wikihowhelperlena

Community Answer

Try do opt for a more natural eye to have the focus on your Bordeaux, etc.lips. and make sure to use a lip liner to make the whole look better and cleaner.