How to choose the right shade of lipstick for dark lips

Choosing lip colours for dark lips can be quite a task. We give you a list of colours that work best for dark tones.

If you have dark lips you have a unique problem. Every time you are out shopping for lip colours, it's a lot of effort to figure which one works best for you.This also means that you can't follow beauty trends blindly. It's less of a task once you know the 'lip colour list' that is ideal for you, so you can save yourself from a 'lipstick disaster'! We set out a list of colours that dark lips are best suited for:

Burgundy or Deep Wine

The best part about having dark lips is that, you can totally carry off deep and bold colours. Celebrity make-up artist and hairstylist Payal Balse suggests, 'Burgundy or deep wine are a great option as they hide pigmentation, right away.' This means, you can be totally carefree and yet look stunning for a night out or a grand occasion.

Red ready

Irrespective of our lip tone, all of us crave for that one bold and beautiful shade of red lipstick. A shade of red lipstick makes dressing up for a night out or any such event so much more easier as it adds the glamour quotient instantly. Payal suggests, 'A cold red (like MAC's Ruby Woo) works well on darker lips.'

Not so pink

Apart from red, it's a shade of pink that is wanted in most make-up kits. However Payal advises, 'Avoid pinks or peaches or even lighter colours as the pigmentation will show and make the lips look grey. If you still want to sport a pink or a peach, you can colour correct your lips using an orange toned corrector and then gently dab some concealer on the lips to neutralise the pigmentation. Then you can line your lips with the preferred colour and fill it in with your favourite shade of pink or peach.'

Pop an orange

Coral and orange are shades that have ruled the make-up trends in the recent past. One might hesitate to try this on dark lips but you have no reason to shy away from this popular colour. Payal says, 'Orange also works as it neutralises the darker pigmentation, instead of just hiding it.'

Sheer it away

Minimalist, sheer make-up is an all time preference. It works well with a day or night look, with a few alterations. It's perfect because it's the kind of make-up which is not too made up but it's however not an ideal option for lip colours on dark lips. Payal advises, 'Avoid sheer gloss or semi opaque lipsticks as the darkness or pigmentation will show through.'

Texture is the trick

The trick to make a lipstick work for you, whether it is a matte one or a moisture lipstick, is by using a bit of both. Payal suggests, 'Make sure the lipstick you use is matte and you can gloss it up later by gently dabbing some gloss over the lipstick. Don't opt for a glossy lipstick which has a better chance of fading, in turn showing your pigmentation.'

With a little guidance, you can have absolutely stunning lips that compliment the rest of your look, with much ease.

While the tone of your lips may be a natural occurrence, dark lips could also be a cause of of sun exposure, excessive caffeine intake, hormonal imbalances, certain allergies or harmful UV rays. Smoking and cigarettes are one of the common most reasons for dark lips. However, if you are struggling with lightning your lip complexion, you could use some apply some beetroot paste or pomegranate scrub regularly to see the desired results.

Image source: Getty Images

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