Black Lipstick Is Hotter Than Ever—Here’s How to Wear It Like a Style Icon
A grunge makeup staple for fall.
At this year’s Schiaparelli fall/winter couture show in Paris, models hit the runway wearing lipstick in a striking bold hue with a high-shine, glossy finish. It was opaque black lipstick. Created by legendary makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, the look perfectly paired the color with fresh, dewy skin and barely-there eye makeup. The result? A striking and modern contrast that made the black lipstick pop even more. It was edgy yet polished—proof that black lipstick isn’t just for Halloween anymore.
Since the ‘80s, black lipstick has been a major symbol of the counterculture, worn by goths and punks. Like bleached brows and other trends that started in alternative subcultures before landing on runways and red carpets, black lipstick is definitely having a moment in 2025. Once seen as edgy or taboo, the lipstick shade is now embraced for everyday wear. Whether you’re going for a full glam look or want to make a dramatic statement, black lipstick is the ultimate accessory; it’s one of the boldest makeup choices you can make: unapologetic, eye-catching, and impossible to ignore.
But if I’m really being honest, stepping into the world of black lipstick can feel a little intimidating at first. Which shades should you pick? Is there a special way to apply it? How should you do the rest of your makeup? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. As a makeup enthusiast who’s tried lipsticks in every shade imaginable—and yes, I mean every shade—I’m here to guide you. Keep reading to discover the perfect black lipstick for you.
The Best Black Lipsticks
- Best Black Lipstick Overall: NYX Lip Lingerie XXL Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in Naughty Noir
- Best Black Liquid Lipstick: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seeker
- Best Lightweight Black Lipstick: Make Beauty Cream Supreme High Impact Lipstick in Blackout
- Best Clean Black Lipstick: Haus Labs Hy-Power Pigment Paint in Black Onyx
This black lipstick gives you a smooth, opaque look that wears evenly—no feathering, no bleeding. The formula feels soft going on, dries down to a blurred matte finish that looks effortless, and doesn’t require constant touch-ups throughout the day. There’s a super subtle scent, but you’ll barely notice it.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone (emollient)
What I Love: Long-lasting color
What I Don’t: Could be more hydrating
Review for MC: “I was seriously impressed with this black lipstick—thanks to the applicator’s teardrop shape, the formula glided on smoothly and was super easy to control. Just a couple of swipes gave me a rich, opaque hue that built up beautifully without drying out my lips. Bonus: I didn’t have to reapply after my morning coffee or lunch. A win.” — Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Writer
Ama Kwarteng testing NYX Lip Lingerie.
Matte liquid lipsticks get a bad rap for being flat and overly drying, but this formula is surprisingly comfortable. Plus, the precise applicator makes it easy to get clean, crisp edges. With its easy-to-use wand, silky matte finish, and rich color, it’s seriously one of the best budget-friendly matte lipsticks out there.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone (emollient)
What I Love: Great value for the cost
What I Don’t: Take a while to dry
Review for MC: “This black lipstick gave my lips a full look with a vibrant color in just one swipe. It takes a while to fully dry and feels sticky at first, which is a bit annoying, but once it sets, it doesn’t budge at all, staying put through the day. I wore it on a day where I was running around to meetings, and didn’t have time for touch-ups, and it held up like a champ.” — Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Writer
Ama testing Maybelline SuperStay.
This creamy black lipstick delivers bold color and a glossy finish with just a swipe, thanks to its ultra-pigmented formula and precise slimline design. And thanks to the moisture-boosting emolliants and vitamin E in the formula, it’ll leave lips feeling soft and comfortable. The formula is also super buildable—adding a swipe or two leaves lips feeling hydrated rather than heavy.
Finish: Cream, glossy
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (protects with antioxidants)
What I Love: Creamy, comfortable formula
What I Don’t: Doesn’t last all day
Review for MC: “I was really impressed with how pigmented this lipstick was—just one swipe gave me a bold color, but I could easily build it up for more drama. The formula feels buttery, lightweight, and super hydrating, with a high-shine finish that was so lightweight. It’s not the most long-lasting since it’s a cream lipstick, but it never caked, creased, or flaked on me, which is a major win in my book.” — Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Writer
Ama Kwarteng testing Make Beauty Cream Supreme.
This lipstick does it all—depending on the shade, you can use it as a lip color, blush, eyeshadow, and even eyeliner. The formula glides on smoothly and seamlessly, depositing a full coverage finish that actually stays put once it dries. It’s also infused with hydrating ingredients like plant squalane, hyaluronic acid, and maracuja extract, so it feels as good as it looks.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Plant squalane, hyaluronic acid (hydration)
What I Love: Comfortable wear
What I Don’t: Can be difficult to remove
Review for MC: “For a matte formula, this black lipstick is surprisingly lightweight and hydrating. A little goes a long way—I used a small flat makeup brush for precise application, and once it set, it didn’t budge until I washed it off at the end of the day. My lips stayed soft and comfortable all day, with no need for a single touch-up.” — Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Writer
Ama Kwarteng testing Haus Labs Hy-Power Pigment.
When it comes to liquid lipsticks, this is one of makeup artist Nydia Figueroa’s favorite formulas. “The shade Night Bird has a full matte black finish while still feeling lightweight,” she shares. “I also love how it’s a liquid option, so you can use the wand applicator for precision when applying.” While the formula is slightly thin, it's highly pigmented, so it only takes a little bit of product to achieve an opaque, long-lasting color.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil (emollient)
What I Love: Strong, full pigment
What I Don’t: Can be flaky
Customer Review: “True to color and beautifully bold, this lipstick often lasts for hours with minimal fading. It applies creamy and dries down to a soft matte finish without feeling drying or uncomfortable.” — Sephora
This black lipstick is creamy, hydrating, and incredibly comfortable on the lips. While it’s not a one-swipe-and-done formula, it builds beautifully into a bold color that won’t feather or bleed. Plus, the sleek packaging and subtle scent makes the whole experience feel super luxe.
Finish: Satin
Key Ingredients: A blend of oils and waxes (emollients)
What I Love: Buildable formula
What I Don’t: Not long-lasting, scent may be too strong for some
Customer Review: “It's smooth and makes my lips feel hydrated, which is a nice change because every other black lipstick I've owned has been matte.” — Sephora
If you’re looking for a drugstore option, you definitely want to consider this black lipstick. “It’s a lightweight formula with great color payoff,” says Figueroa. “The formula goes on smoothly with minimal tugging, which I love for an easier application process.” And because it’s a soft matte, not a true one, it gives you that blurred, velvety finish without drying out your lips.
Finish: Creamy matte
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil (emollient); Vitamin E (protects with antioxidants)
What I Love: Lightweight finish
What I Don’t: Not transfer-proof
Customer Review: “I love this lipstick. The color is vivid, and it stays on longer than a lot of other lipsticks I have used. I usually go with liquid lipstick, but this is my new go-to!” — Ulta Beauty
There’s nothing worse than a lipstick you can feel on your lips. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about that with this black lipstick. Featuring a blend of marula oil, squalane, and jojoba esters, it delivers an ultra-light finish so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing it at all.
Finish: Creamy, satin
Key Ingredients: Squalane (moisturizes); Jojoba esters (emollient)
What I Love: Doesn’t bleed or flake throughout the day
What I Don’t: Not transfer-proof
Customer Review: “My lips didn’t dry out, and it lasts for hours. The container is a lovely, magnetic tube that protects the lipstick and stays closed in my purse. Definitely great quality that offers the luxurious feel of a more expensive product.” — Amazon
This black lipstick does more than just deliver a highly pigmented color—thanks to a moisturizing blend of Monoi de Tahiti and jojoba oils, it works to hydrate, plump, and soften your lips. The creamy formula glides on smoothly, delivering full, lightweight coverage in just one swipe.
Finish: Cream
Key Ingredients: Monoi de Tahiti and jojoba oils (emollients)
What I Love: Contains emollients for moisture
What I Don’t: Has a strong smell
Customer Review: “I never wear lipstick because I can never find a dark plum color that isn't too red or too brown. I usually just do a lip liner and a gloss, but this lipstick is so smooth and beautifully pigmented!! This is a perfecr staple for goth girls or anyone who loves a grungy, dark lip.” — Ulta Beauty
This liquid lipstick offers the best of both worlds—a mirror-like finish that lasts. The vegan formula is infused with sunflower seed oil, delivering comfort with every swipe. And even with a glossy finish, the lipstick doesn’t feel tacky on lips.
Finish: Shiny, glossy
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil (moisturizing)
What I Love: High-shine finish
What I Don’t: Not as long-lasting as a true matte
Customer Review: “The product stays on, is pretty, it’s true to color for hours. I don't know many products that can do this.” — Urban Decay
Celebrity makeup artist Desirée Delia’s a huge fan of this black lipstick. “It glides on smoothly and delivers a rich, jet-black pigment that gives killer precision, and it has serious depth and staying power,” she says. Formulated with moisturizing raspberry stem cells, this liquid lipstick dries quickly and feels lightweight on the lips. The applicator features a precision tip and angled edge, giving you complete control over the application process—a must-have when working with bold shades like black.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Raspberry stem cells (moisturizing)
What I Love: Long-lasting formula, super pigmented color
What I Don’t: Can settle into fine lines
Customer Review: “The color is very rich and pigmented, and it dries like nothing is there. Love the unique colors.” — KVD Beauty
What Should I Look for in a Black Lipstick?
Delia recommends choosing a black lipstick that “offers rich, opaque pigment and a smooth, even application.” Figueroa adds that it's also important to consider the overall vibe you're going for: “Do you want a bold matte or a high-shine gloss?” Finally, think about comfort and coverage—do you prefer something creamy or lightweight?
How Do I Apply Black Lipstick?
Start by exfoliating your lips, then moisturize with a hydrating balm to prep the skin. “It creates a smooth canvas for application,” explains Figueroa. Next, use a lip liner to define the shape and create a crisp outline. Her go-to is the MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Caviar.
Then it's time to apply the lipstick. “Start by applying extra pigment to the center of the lips, then blend outward for a bold, even finish,” says Delia. “For crisp, clean edges, use a small lip brush—it’s a game-changer for dramatic shades like black.” After your first layer, she recommends blotting, reapplying, and then setting the color with a touch of translucent powder for a long-lasting finish.
Why Is Black Lipstick Trending?
Black lipstick is having a moment as more people lean into bold beauty looks that break away from the usual rules. “It’s moved past being just a goth staple; it’s now a power move,” says Delia. The shade has also become a way to show off personality. “It allows individuals to express boldness and confidence while keeping the overall makeup look minimal and modern,” explains Figueroa. Plus, it’s being styled in fresh, wearable ways. “When paired with clean skin and glowing makeup, a black lip can be surprisingly wearable and empowering on every skin tone,” she adds.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire Beauty Writer, Ama Kwarteng, went through a rigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of black lipstick formulas. After determining the top picks based on first-hand experience, customer reviews, and makeup artist recommendations, she tested the final formulas on her lips considering how they feel, how they apply, how long they last, and the ingredients to compile this list of the 11 best black lipsticks.
Meet the Experts
Desireé Delia is a celebrity makeup artist and esthetician. Her work has been seen on the runways in New York and Paris and in publications such as Vogue Italia, L’Officiel, Harpers Bazaar, and more. In addition to being a makeup artist, Delia is a practicing esthetician.
Nydia Figueroa, a world renowned celebrity makeup artist, has over eighteen years of experience of expertise in the beauty industry. Her makeup expertise has been showcased on The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, NYFW, The Grammys, The Miss Universe Organization, Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, and more.
