11 Best Lip Glosses For Darker Skin Tones To Try!
Flaunt your dreamy glowy lips that flatter your complexion in the best way.
Marin McCarthyProfessional Makeup Artist
Expertise: Bridal & Editorial Makeup
Experience: 5 years
Marin McCarthy is a licensed professional makeup artist with over five years of experience. She is the founder of Marin Eve Makeup. Her company specializes in wedding parties on the beautiful Vancouver Island, BC. Her greatest passion is ma... more
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 7 years
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
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There is no denying that lip glosses can transform any makeup look and the best part is that they are back in trend. Be it millennials, professional makeup artists, or celebrities, they all swear by this makeup product. However, you may find it overwhelming to find the best lip glosses for darker skin that complement your skin tone and go with your complexion.
But, fret not. We have your back as we discuss some top-rated lip glosses that seem God-sent, exclusively for darker skin tones.
Nowadays, lip glosses are available in different colors, intensities, sparkle, and opacity. It means you are sure to find the one (or two, or many) for you irrespective of your skin tone. However, most products for dark skin tones are either consistently understocked or discontinued. But, you don’t have to worry because, in this post, we have listed some of our top picks by consulting our glamorous and dark-skinned beauty editors. They have shared some recommendations that can secure a permanent place in your handbag. Here are some of the best lip glosses for darker skin available online. Keep reading!
In This Article
Get Luscious Lips With These 11 Best Lip Glosses For Darker Skin Tones
1. Best Overall:NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
Image: Nyx This silky smooth and decadently soft formula is guaranteed to make a stan of even the staunchest of lip gloss anti-fans. The non-sticky, lush, and buttery texture feels downright delicious on the lips and gives a pristine finish befitting the ever-chic cast of Clueless. The Butter Gloss range by NYX Professional Makeup is designed to give sheer-to-medium coverage which positively melts into your pout, and is available in a range of 34 sweet-as-candy shades. From the Barbie-worthy “Peaches & Cream” and fuschia fire of “Strawberry Cheesecake” to the toasty brown “Praline” and nude perfection of “Madeleine,” or even statement shades like the electric red of “Cherry Pie”, they all flatter darker skin tones with effortless glam. Check this video to learn more about the product.
Pros - Smooth and creamy formula
- Range of flattering colors
- Cruelty-free and PETA-approved
Cons
- Gooey consistency may not be for everyone
2. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss
Image: Rimmel You can now stay glossy all through the day with this lusciously shimmering formula from Rimmel. Designed with a special shine-extend technology that grants your pout an enviously glassy sheen and a pop of color that endures, this fabulous lip gloss has a scrumptiously soft, smooth, and delightfully non-sticky texture that makes it a winner. Regardless of whether you wear it alone or layer it over lip liner or lipstick, you are guaranteed fabulous staying power with a whopping 6 hours of lustrous color and liquid shine. For our dark-skinned beauties, we especially recommend the bright peachy promise of “All Day Seduction,” deep plum richness of “Berry Bad,” pale ethereal shimmer of “Dorchester Rose,” and bold burgundy “Grind Time.” Take a look at this video to get more information on the product.
Pros - High shine finish
- Long-lasting formula
- Super moisturizing
Cons
- Avoid if you aren’t a fan of actual glitter specks in your gloss
Pro Tip3. Best High-Shine Formula:Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Image: Maybelline If you’re looking for instantly plumper lips, well, the next best thing to lip fillers is the Lip Lifter Gloss by Maybelline! Their breakthrough unique formula contains hyaluronic acid that helps to visibly smoothen the surface of your pout and enhances the contour of your lips. This along with their high shine finish grants alluringly fuller-looking lips. It’s also accompanied by an XL sized lip gloss wand that enhances the ultra-shiny contouring of your lips and delivers a hydrating, lustrous finish in just one easy-swipe application! Available in 10 tantalizing shades, we particularly recommend the luminous silver sheen of “Pearl,” dusky rose shimmer of “Moon,” delicious mocha magic of “Crystal,” and bright magenta luster of “Heat.” This video offers a more detailed explanation of the product.
Pros - Gives noticeably fuller lips
- Exceptionally hydrating
- High-shine formula
Cons
- Strong coconut taste may not be for everyone
Pro Tip4. Best Ultra-Pigmented:L.A. Colors High Shine Shea Butter Lip Gloss
Image: L.a. Colors You can expect irresistible shine, intense color, and round-the-clock moisturized and radiant lips with the High Shine Shea Butter Lip Gloss from L.A. Colors. Their vibrantly hued and ultra-shiny formula is enriched with skin elixirs like vitamin E and shea butter, which keep your pout blissfully soft and smooth. Additionally, their non-sticky texture is another boon, while the mild vanilla scent ensures that you taste as delicious as you look (wink, wink). Aside from their brilliant clear lip gloss option, they’re available in 19 lovely shades! And for our darker skin-toned belles, we particularly recommend the toasty toffee kiss of “Dollface,” delicate peach polish of “Baby Cakes,” cherry red scandal of “Catwalk,” rich plum pamper of “Lavish,” sweet caramel caress of “Snuggle,” and hot pink sass of “Flaunt.”
Pros - Ultra-pigmented, high-shine formula
- Shea butter for moisturizing
- Gentle vanilla scent
- Best pink lip gloss for dark skin
Cons
- Doesn’t stay on very long
5. Best Vegan Formula:Haus Laboratories Le Riot Lip Gloss
Founded by the music icon and Met Gala darling, Lady Gaga, Haus Laboratories’ Le Riot possesses a next-level high-shine formula that will release your inner diva and amplify just about any look. This unique gel-like formulation has a heavenly creamy and smooth texture that delivers a mirror-like and volumizing finish guaranteed to grab eyeballs wherever you go. Lightweight and unforgettably luminous, you may wear it alone or layer it on top of lipsticks for an extra boost of shine. Available in 12 high-shine shades and 19 shimmer shades, we especially recommend the burgundy wine boldness of “Scream,” nude sienna lusciousness of “STFU,” gold pearl luminescence of “Alimony,” taupe rose luster of “La Diva,” peachy pink shimmer of “Angel Tears,” and berry blush divinity of “Paradise.”
Pros - Mirror-like shine
- Gives fuller-looking lips
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Somewhat sticky
6. Best Cruelty-Free Option:e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss
Image: Elf Cosmetics This high-shine lip miracle packs a potent plumping power and delivers fabulous moisturization with every swipe! Enriched with vitamin E to nourish and soften skin, and coconut oil for soothing hydration, this uniquely moisturizing formula also gives an exceptionally mild but delicious tingling sensation which soothes your pout and helps create that luscious fullness. It is available in 7 stunning shades that provide a sheer glossy finish and a great plumping effect. For all our darker skin-toned bombshells, we especially recommend the golden hued glint of “Champagne Glam,” millennial pink sheen of “Sparkling Rosé,” toasty coffee kiss of “Mocha Twist,” natural nude sheer of “Peach Bellini,” and rich chocolate deliciousness of “Praline.”
Pros - Plumps up your pout
- Contains vitamin E and coconut oil
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Limited neutral color options
7. Best Non-Sticky Formula:Milani Amore Shine Liquid Lip Color
Image: Milani The Amore Shine Liquid Lip Color by Milani is the next gen gloss when it comes to executing irresistibly high-shine lips. Formulated with long-lasting pigments that intensify with application and grant your smile an electrically vibrant and mirror-worthy finish, they also help volumize your lips and give that billowy, fuller-looking pout. Their uniquely designed sponge applicator can effortlessly contour lips, delivering an even and precise application every time, especially around the smudge-prone territory of your lip lines. Non-sticky and non-feathering in nature, this ultra-glam gloss is available in 12 beautifully bold shades. Our particular favorites are the velvety maroon magic of “Desire,” glassy taupe temptation of “Crush,” dusky rose spell of “Enchanting,” and red hot glamour of “Passion.”
Pros - Super high-shine formula
- Long lasting finish
- Never tested on animals
Cons
- Formula sits somewhat heavy
8. Best Sponge-Tip Applicator:Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss
This best-selling lip gloss by Anastasia Beverly Hills delivers high-shine and opaque color in just one simple sweep. It comes with an ingeniously designed flattened sponge-tip applicator that is easy-to-use and blissfully convenient. Offering a potently pigmented effect, this highly recommended lip gloss is available in pure shine and metallic and shimmery finishes; all of which look perfect worn by themselves or layered over a bold lipstick for some extra #drama. The formula is non-sticky, non-feathering, exudes a gentle vanilla scent, and is enriched with uber-nourishing oils that keep your lips from drying out and leaves them luxuriously soft. Available in 24 stunning shades, we are particularly fans of the creamy taupe wickedness of “Vamp,” sparkling coral nostalgia of “Sunset Strip,” and reddish-brown warmth of “Rum.’
Pros - Offers different degrees of shine
- Wide range of alluring shades
- Smells wonderful
Cons
- Formula isn’t lightweight
9. Best Soothing Formula:Palladio Lip Gloss
Image: Palladiobeauty Extremely moisturizing, these beautiful lip gloss colors for dark lips are a positive must-have for any beauty addict or makeup aficionado. The unique formula is enriched with 5 gloriously beneficial herbs: green tea, chamomile, aloe vera, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. What’s more, they’re also fortified with free-radical-fighting wholesome goodness of antioxidants from vitamins A, C, D, and E. This not-too-sticky, nourishing, and soothing formula provides intensely pigmented colors, ultra-high shine, and super quick moisturization; all in an easy single swipe! Available in 29 fabulous shades, we’re especially fans of the everyday cool neutral “Icy Mauve,” lux metallic shimmer “Copper,” deep burgundy blush “Heartthrob,” and tangy pop of color “Orange You Glad.”
Pros - Enriched with healing herbs and antioxidants
- Gluten-free and paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Formula can be sticky
10. Best Hydrating Formula:Blossom Roll On Lip Gloss, Juicy Peach
Image: Blossombeauty Possibly one of the best clear lip glosses for dark skin tones, the Juicy Peach Roll On Lip Gloss by Blossom is the perfect lip gloss for a high-shine hydrating coat on your lips for a sheer, natural look. Alternatively, you can always layer it on your favorite matte lipstick and elevate your makeup look to luminous sophistication. Deliciously fragrant and fun and made with premium mineral oil, this prettily packaged gloss smells just as lovely as it looks! Each 3 ml vial contains precious dried flowers that appear enchanting and exude a pleasantly mild fruity scent. The uniquely deep moisturizing formulation delivers a wonderfully smooth application and tastes like scrumptiously sweet peaches to make you nostalgic for summer. An ideal gift for all age groups, your 60-year-old granny to 6-year-old niece will love Blossom!
Pros - Hydrating formula
- Fragrant
- Cruelty-free
- Best peach lip gloss
Cons
- Mini size
11. Best Dewy Finish:Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss, Pango Peach
Image: Revlon When they say super lustrous, they ain’t kidding with the super. Revlon has created a brand-new version of your beloved non-sticky lip gloss formula to deliver major dewy shine, lush color, and tons of nourishing moisture. Enriched with decadent cupuacu butter, moringa oil, and agave, your lips will get smoother and softer with each application. Bonus? The applicator brush is bolder and better than ever too! Designed to wield an oversized sponge reservoir tip, this clever lip gloss wand gets sufficient product to bathe your pout in generous coats of glossy shine with just a single swipe! It is available in 24 lusciously lovely shades, and for our darker skin-toned belles, we especially recommend the vibrant summery shimmer of “Pango Peach.”
Pros - Extremely moisturizing
- Ultra-high shine
- Available in a range of stunning shades
Cons
- Color is more sheer than opaque
And that’s a wrap on our list of the 11 best lip glosses for dark skin tones! Feeling confident that you’re one step closer to attaining the glamorously glossy pout of your dreams? Well, get another step closer by skimming through our handy buying guide below for useful tips on how to select the right lip gloss for darker skin.
A Guide To Buying The Best Lip Gloss For Dark Skin Tones!
Lip glosses are beloved… but also bewildering! The sheer variety of options these teensy tiny tubes of liquid shine can offer is absolutely astounding. This isn’t much fun when you’ve sworn yourself to a budget (yes, we do need to pay rent, damn it). So, if you’re looking to find your lip love match with a game of strategy, here’s a low-down on how to categorize the overwhelming options of lip gloss on the market and filter your way straight to your new favorite power pout-maker.
How To Choose The Best Lip Gloss For Dark Skin
In order to find a lip gloss that suits all your Insta-selfie needs, before buying a lip gloss, you must essentially ask yourself the following questions:
1. To Be Plumped Or Not To Be Plumped?
Kylie Jenner may have made the plushly plump pout an almost millennial need, but lip fillers are invasive, semi-permanent, and expensive. Next best thing? Lip plumping gels and glosses! Now, do note, there are several different varieties of lip plumpers in the market— some employ moisture-rich superstars like hyaluronic acid in their formula to amp up your lips’ water content, making them opulently pillowy; while others stimulate the blood flow to your pout with ingredients like capsaicin and peppermint, which is also why certain glosses deliver a mild stinging sensation upon application. Our recommendation? Always carefully read the label on your gloss to ensure you know just what you’re smearing on your puckers, especially if you’re atopic or prone to suffer from allergies.
2. After Color, A Clear Winner?
If you aren’t a fan of bold colors or are simply looking for a way to take your lipstick game to the next level of ultra-glamour shininess, then invest in a trusty ol’ tube of crystal clear gloss! You can wear it alone or layer it over your go-to shade of lipstick; regardless, they can instantly elevate your lip look, from natural nudes and matte boldness to a mirror-like shine. They’re also superb at camouflaging even the most desperate of dry-lip cases. However, most clear liquid glosses aren’t usually kiss-proof; hence, always ensure that you’ve popped it into your bag during outings so you can reapply whenever needed for that selfie-worthy shimmer all through the day.
3. Would I Like A Nude Attitude?
You can’t ever go wrong with a good neutral shade. It is an immensely versatile lip look that one can rock at any time, be it night or day. However, when you’re in the process of selecting a nude lip gloss, always remember that the shade is the deal-breaker. It’s essential that you find the right color to complement your skin tone and elevate your overall look, otherwise you may come off looking washed out and awkward. While rich complexions tend to work better with pink and peachy neutral shades, darker skin tones usually work well with richer mocha or chocolate-y brown neutral hues. If you’re still in doubt, always choose a shade of neutral as close to your own as it will help in enhancing your natural lip color.
4. Is This Going To Last?
Contrary to the (infamously) common belief that all lip glosses fade away after just a few poses and a handful of pout-perfect pictures, several beauty companies today have given their lip glosses formidable longevity. Certain formulas can remain in place on your puckers for up to a staggering 8 hour without feeling sticky or tacky to boot! Pro tip? If you want to get the most bang out of your buck and keep the enchanting sheen of your long-lasting gloss going even stronger, make lip exfoliation a regular practice and your new BFF. By keeping your lips baby-soft and smooth, you keep the gloss’s pigments from settling into lines around your lips and simply bleeding out of your smile.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Lip Glosses For Dark Skin
Lip glosses moisturize your lips and protect them from the damaging effects of UV rays. They contain potent ingredients that make your lips appear plump, shiny, and healthy. Check out the infographic below to know more about these ingredients and their effect on your lips.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Lipgloss is the staple product in every girl’s vanity. They add a subtle tint to the lips and keep them nourished for a juicy pout. We probably use lip glosses more often than any other makeup product. There is a misconception that lip glosses do not suit darker skin tones. But we have some best lip glosses for darker skin tones that are subtle and complement darker skin tones. The NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss is a non-sticky formula that is suitable for all skin tones, and the Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss is great for those who want a long-lasting gloss. The Maybelline Lifter Gloss is a great option for those looking for instantly plumper lips. These products are available in different colors and shades to make you look glamorous. The products mentioned in our list are smooth and made with hydrating ingredients. However, avoid lip balms that do not last long or have sticky consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lip gloss bad for your lips?
The shiny oils and glosses are thought to exacerbate the damage from UV rays as they focus the harmful rays from the sun like a magnifying glass would focus a light beam onto the skin of your lips. Avoid this by using a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher protection prior to donning your lip gloss.
What is a good lip gloss color for dark skin?
The best everyday lip gloss would be a nude color, or if you prefer deeper or brighter hues, a glossy brown or cooler mauve is flattering on most darker skin tones. If you’re looking to make a statement, go bold with a shocking red lip.
What are the top lip gloss brands?
Besides the beloved brands mentioned in our 11 best lip glosses for deeper undertones list, some of the other notable lip gloss brands include NARS, M.A.C, ColourPop, Fenty Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics, Glossier, Buxom, Dior Makeup, and Huda Beauty.
What are the bad ingredients in lip gloss?
These are the common toxic ingredients that may be in your lip gloss: parabens and metals like chromium, aluminum, lead, cadmium, and manganese to which overexposure can be dangerous. Always read the ingredients listed on the label of your lip gloss before purchasing.
How can I make my lip gloss stay on all day?
You can boost the longevity of your lip gloss application by ensuring you regularly exfoliate your lips, utilize a lip primer or a lip liner as a base, employ a setting powder, and avoid excessive rubbing of your lips.
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