The Best Dark Lipsticks to Wear This Fall and Beyond

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

It doesn't need to be fall to wear dark lipstick, but there's something about the cooler temperatures, longer evenings, and changing leaves that makes a lot of people want to break out deeper, vampier lip colors like burgundy, plum, espresso, and even pure inky black. While picking out a gorgeous dark-hued lipstick is a lot easier than say, finding your perfect neutral, the mass amount of options on the market does make it intimidating to know which ones to invest in. That's why we consulted some of the top makeup artists to come up with a comprehensive list of the best dark lipstick shades out there.

For starters, many of the makeup artists we spoke to prefer dark matte shades over dark shades with a shiny or satin finish. "It's personal preference, but I feel it looks more modern and it is easier to wear knowing it stays put," said London-based makeup artist Caroline Barnes, which is a point makeup artist Samantha Lau (who regularly works with Dua Lipa, including that major blue eye shadow moment at the Grammys) reiterates. ("As an artist, I'm drawn to the soft matte formulas for dark lips if I'm using a lipstick that has medium or full coverage — I feel it just looks better in the overall look," she added.) Still, there are also a few sheer and shiny options for those who don't like the look or feel of matte lipstick, or who want a subtler way to play around with deeper lip colors.

Another important factor when wearing dark lipstick actually has nothing to do with color at all, but rather the prep work you should do to ensure your lipstick doesn't look dry or flakey. "Prepping the lips is definitely one of the most important things before applying any lipsticks in general, but especially crucial for dark lipsticks," said Lau, who has her process down to a science. "First, I slather the lips with a hydrating lip balm. I do the rest of the makeup and when it comes time for lips, I blot off the excess lip balm (if it hasn't been absorbed into the skin already), and follow up with the Lanolips lip scrub ($17) to make sure all the dead skin is off. I then wipe off the scrub and reapply lip balm. I let that sit for a bit before blotting off the excess and then lips are ready for lipstick application."

Now that we've addressed formula and process, all that's left is perusing through these pro-recommended shades that range from makeup artist-developed brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath Labs to drugstore options from companies like Maybelline and Revlon, with a few indie brands like MDM Flow and Surratt Beauty thrown in the mix. Many of the colors on this list work with all skin tones, simply because of how much pigment they contain. "With bold shades you are making an impact with your look," said Barnes. "The shades which are deep and rich create a stunning contrast against any complexion."

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Brown
Net-a-Porter.com

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Brown

"Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Divine Brown ($45) is such a gorgeous chocolate brown," said Barnes. "Deep, rich, and expensive looking, you can always mix it with a lighter neutral-colored lippy to add shade and volume to your lips."

Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Mover
target.com

Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Mover

A dark lipstick option you can easily pick up your next trip to the drugstore is the Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Mover ($8). Not only is the shade gorgeous — a deep plumy mauve with blue undertones that works on a wide variety of skin tones — the formula is one of the longest lasting on the market, according to makeup artist Grace Lee.

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Wild Night
sephora.com

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Wild Night

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Wild Night ($26) is a gorgeous deep purple that can look brighter or deeper depending on your underlying natural lip tone," said makeup artist Daniel Martin, the man responsible for Meghan Markle's ultra-pretty wedding-day makeup. "It's great as a stain underneath your face mask. A tip to help mask transfer from your lipsticks (especially liquid lipsticks): blot with blotting papers before you put your mask on."

AJ Crimson Beauty Lipstick in Ex-Factor
ajcrimson.com

AJ Crimson Beauty Lipstick in Ex-Factor

"The perfect deep brown lipstick does exist, and it was created by one of my favorite Black-owned beauty brands, AJ Crimson Beauty," said makeup artist Porsche Cooper, whose Instagram feed is not only full of photos of her fabulous clients like Andra Day, Niecy Nash, Winnie Harlow, as well as icons such as Mary J Blige and Iman, but also of photos of herself rocking an array of bold lip shades (and the sharpest winged liner we've ever seen). "AJ Crimson Beauty Lipstick in Ex-Factor ($20) is a chocolate nude with cool undertones and feels as delicious on the lips as it looks," she said of one of her favorite dark lipstick shades.

MAC Matte Lipstick in Sin
amazon.com

MAC Matte Lipstick in Sin

" MAC Matte Lipstick in Sin ($19) was, and still is, the ultimate deep dark blue red," said London-based makeup artist Georgina Graham. "The color works on everyone and every single skin tone. Especially for fans of 90's minimal cool. And side note, if you didn't wear this shade in '90's, were you even really there?"

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Noir Moderne
chanel.com

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Noir Moderne

"I love this slick of dark loveliness," Graham said of the Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Noir Moderne ($38). "It's a deep dark red but the sheer texture makes it feel fresh and young and cool." It also means that it's a bit easier to wear if you want to try a dark lipstick but hesitant to go full-on matte. On those with a deeper complexion and naturally-dark lips, Graham notes this will be more of a neutral color with a hint of plum.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Hot Chocolate
amazon.com

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Hot Chocolate

"Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Hot Chocolate ($8) is amazing because it's dark brown and brown lips are definitely having a moment," said makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. "And I find that glossy browns especially, are so hot and sexy. This shade is a great color for many skin tones. I apply it with a tapered brush that's firm and stubby and push on a little bit of the color first, so I'm using like 2 percent of that color and adding more as I go."

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seek
amazon.com

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seek

For the boldest of the bold, this Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seek ($8) is for you. (Just note that you have to act fast — the inky black shade sold out just 24 hours after it was released.)

Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick in When I'm Alone
sephora.com

Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick in When I'm Alone

"Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick in When I'm Alone ($36) is a universal burgundy color that is flattering on all skin tones," said New York City-based makeup artist Samantha Lau. "The formula has a bit of shine instead of being a full matte, so I would blot it a little with a tissue to give it a matte finish."

Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Rust
ulta.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Rust

"Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Rust ($1818) is a gorgeous matte chocolate shade which really complements my skin tone — which is also of a chocolatey hue," said makeup artist Pauline Briscoe.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty
charlottetilbury.com

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty

"Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty ($34) is a stunning raspberry red that adds a touch of femininity to your lips," said Barnes. "It's also so pretty worn blotted down as a stain."

Ciaté Lipstick Wonderwand Lipstick in Royal Purple
us.ciatelondon.com

Ciaté Lipstick Wonderwand Lipstick in Royal Purple

"Ciaté Lipstick Wonderwand Lipstick in Royal Purple ($18) is a lovely deep burgundy color that instantly gives me a glamorous and regal look," Briscoe said of another one of her personal dark lipstick favorites.

The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rebel
thelipbar.com

The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rebel

The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rebel ($13) is a beautifully rich, deep burgundy that lasts for eight to 12 hours with its non-drying vegan formula," said Cooper, who also shared her top tip for ensuring your lipstick looks as flawless as the lips in this picture. "For a smooth finish that won't crack, exfoliate your lips, apply a kiss of lip balm, and then blot-off the excess prior to application."

Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips in Walk Of Shame
nordstrom.com

Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips in Walk Of Shame

"This brick red-brown is great as a pick me up when you want a polished lip color without making a statement," Martin says of his other current favorite, Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips in Walk Of No Shame ($34). "It looks beautiful on so many skin tones and the radiant finish makes it modern. I actually like this on the cheeks too to harmonize the color on the face."

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Black Dahlia
sephora.com

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Black Dahlia

"Oh my god I love Tom Ford Lip Colour in Black Dahlia ($55), which is this matte, deep-dark reddish-plum shade. It's basically a James Ellroy novel in a lipstick bullet. Think Golden Age Hollywood at its darkest," said Graham.

Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Brenda
ulta.com

Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Brenda

Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Brenda ($24) is the color of a full-bodied cabernet with enough pigment that you can get full coverage with just one swipe. And because it was formulated with dark skin tones in mind, this lipstick looks rich and incredibly saturated no matter what your complexion.

Beauty by POPSUGAR Sweet Stx Matte Lip Color in After Midnight
amazon.com

Beauty by POPSUGAR Sweet Stx Matte Lip Color in After Midnight

For a kiss of dark color without going too overboard, look no further than the Beauty by POPSUGAR Sweet Stx Matte Lip Color in After Midnight ($16).

Surratt Lipslique in Au Courant
sephora.com

Surratt Lipslique in Au Courant

"Surratt Lipslique in Au Courant ($34) is a sheer blackberry shade," said Graham. "I love the texture, which is somewhere between a gloss and a balm, making it a great lipstick alternative. I don't want to share this info with anyone, though as I'm scared it will sell out."

Glossier Generation Z Lipstick in Leo
google.com

Glossier Generation Z Lipstick in Leo

"I am a huge fan of the Generation Z lipsticks for its innovative texture that allows you to create that already matte, blotted feel that you get from just one application," said Graham. "I am putting two shades in here: Jam, which is the ultimate berry goodness, and Glossier Generation Z Lipstick in Leo ($18), (shown here), which is a neutral cocoa brown. These are great on everyone so get one, stat."

NYX Slip Tease Full Color Lip Oil In Fire Dancer
ulta.com

NYX Slip Tease Full Color Lip Oil In Fire Dancer

"NYX Slip Tease Full Color Lip Oil In Fire Dancer ($7) is affordable and super modern," said Graham. "It feels amazing and is highly pigmented and perfect for those that want an easy glide on that sets to a satin matte finish. This type of product is exciting to use and is buildable. I'll take all the shades, thanks."

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Done It Again
sephora.com

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Done It Again

"Well, all I can say is that when it comers to the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Done It Again ($26), the brand has done again with this excellent texture and formula. Plus, it's the deepest of rich-red browns that looks and feels great on the lips. I also find that it stays put without feeling dry or flaky and is comfortable to wear," said Graham.

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in High Drama
maccosmetics.com

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in High Drama

"Another all-rounder is the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in High Drama ($22), which has a long lasting formula and wears really comfortably, too. It's more of a purpley-wine color if you apply one coat; however if you layer it, it almost looks black," said Lau. "This is beautiful if you apply with your finger for a stained lip look."