Think black lipstick is just for Halloween? Think again. Once reserved exclusively for goth makeup, black lipstick has hit the mainstream makeup shelves in recent years thanks to a whole host of selfie-worthy formulas and some A-list celebrity backing.
Ideal for making a show-stopping entrance, black lipstick can work on many different skin tones, with a whole host of makeup styles and for a number of different occasions. Pair with minimal eye makeup for a look that oozes old school glamour, or use it to accompany a bright look for a striking contrast.
To achieve a lip look that Morticia Addams would be envious of, start off by exfoliating your lips with a scrub (or lip balm and raw sugar for a DIY treatment) to remove any dry skin and give you a smooth, blank canvas. Then, follow with a moisturising lip balm to keep your lips hydrated and blot off any excess.
Investing in a black or clear lip liner will help stop the colour bleeding and keep it in place all day; the key to a killer look. Once you’ve chosen a black lippy that you love (and there are different shades, FYI), apply it in stages from the middle of your lips to build up the colour, blotting between each application.
If you crave a matte finish, dust on a touch of translucent powder and your transformation is complete. Love a glossy finish? Top it off with your favourite clear lip gloss.
Here are the best black lipsticks on the market right now:
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Best black lipsticks
1 of 8Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in WITCHES, £27.50
Kat Von D is the original alt-girl, so when she released her makeup range back in 2008, we knew we could expect an exceptional range of dark and gothic colours. Naturally, she more than delivered with WITCHES. This liquid lipstick formula applies like a gloss but dries down to a stunning matte finish. Super pigmented for all-day-and-night coverage, it's the perfect choice for a crisp look.amazon.co.uk
2 of 8LIME CRIME Velvetines Liquid Lipstick in Black Velvet, £28.99
LIME CRIME is well known for its intense colour collection and Black Velvet seriously delivers if you're on the lookout for a lipstick that's darker than the darkest nights. The liquid to matte formula gives you first-class, smudge-resistant power that very rarely needs topping up throughout the day. What's more, the scent is almost good enough to eat. Almost…amazon.co.uk
3 of 8Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in Uninvited, £19.00
Is there a lip colour that Rihanna can't rock? It doesn't seem so, given the amazing variety seen in her Fenty Stunna Lip Paint Collection. Lightweight, long-wear and so pigmented, this jet-black creation is a true head-turner and what's more, it's perfectly suited to all skin tones. The precision wand makes it easy to apply and the luxury formula won't break, giving you a smooth coating all day. boots.com
4 of 8NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Alien, £7.00
Creamy and soft with an opaque finish, this waterproof lipstick from NYX has impressive staying power and will no doubt become your new day-to-day BFF. Non-drying and comfortable to wear, it leaves you with a semi-matte result, bridging the gap between powder-esque and gloss. At a purse-friendly price, you can get your goth on without breaking the bank. cultbeauty.co.uk
5 of 8MAC Retro Matte Lip Colour in Caviar, £18.00
For an enviable matte finish that promises eight hours of wear, colour longevity and evenness, it's second nature to turn to MAC. This non-feathering, slightly saturated lip colour gives the wearer a suede effect that can withstand eating, drinking and kissing sessions, especially when paired with a lip scrub and primer.maccosmetics.co.uk
6 of 8Maybelline Color Sensational Loaded Bold in Pitch Black, £3.50
Budget-friendly for someone who wants to dip their toes into the world of dark lip colours, Maybelline's offering promises single stroke coverage and a chalky finish. Unlike some matte lipsticks, this one won't dry out your lips, making it comfortable for all-day wear and easy to keep topped up.[amazon.co.uk](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maybelline-Color-Sensational-Loaded-Pitch/dp/B072HCTNT4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=qheatarticle10-21&linkId=f0708032b78229dd3f39bdac293446c0&language=en_GBge=en_GB)
7 of 8Urban Decay Comfort Matte Vice Lipstick in Perversion, £17.50
This creamy formula is adored by beauty gurus for its nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba, avocado and babassu oils. As well as being a spa treatment for your lips, it promises a rich payout and superior colour dispersion, teamed with transfer-resistant quality. Plus, who can resist the stunning shotgun shell packaging?urbandecay.co.uk
8 of 8Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in Weirdo, £16.00
As bold as its creator, Jeffree Star, this Velour Liquid Lipstick dries quickly to seal all your hard work in place. Long-lasting and incredibly pigmented, it's so lightweight, you'll forget your even wearing it. The precise applicator gives you all the skills of an expert MUA to craft your look with ease and its staying power is practically life-proof. beautybay.com