Each season brings its own set of covetable beauty moments. Yet none of them hold a candle like the dark makeup look that defines this time of year. The arrival of cooler temperatures and shorter days brings with it the desire to dabble in moodier color palettes, soft matte finishes, and alluring dark-colored lipsticks. Unlike the barely-there glosses or sheer washes of summer, deeper shades for fall and winter lip colors are all about making a statement. From intensely bold hues to super opaque textures that can easily smudge, vampy lipsticks can be tougher to wear. But choosing the best vampy lipstick shade for your skin tone won’t feel like a chore if you know how to shop for one.
“There’s a general misconception that these shades are difficult to pull off because of the stark contrast they create,” says Uzo, celebrity makeup artist and NARS global artistry director. However, the juxtaposition of the lipstick with your complexion is exactly what makes the look so striking. According to Uzo, the key is selecting a shade that best complements your skin’s undertones. As she explains, this is the easiest way to determine how dark you should actually go. “Most cosmetic brands have a good range of vampy lip shades to choose from, but the general rule of thumb is that the deeper the skin tone, the deeper and vampier the lip shade you can wear without the risk of looking [too] goth or ‘90s rock-grunge,” she notes.
Without expert guidance, tip-toeing into deeper hues can feel complex. So, TZR spoke with two celebrity makeup artists to get their tips on finding and wearing the best dark lipstick shades for your skin tone.
What To Consider When Shopping For Vampy Lipsticks
Vampy colors range in depth from vivid berry shades to burgundy, maroon, and rich plums that feature black and purple tones. “When worn right, especially at this time of the year, they have the ability to elevate your overall beauty look,” says Uzo.
She says that formulation should be a strong consideration (along with color) when shopping for a new shade. “Overly matte lipsticks can amplify the look of dry, chapped lips, whereas shades that are too dark can make your lips appear smaller and thinner.” So she recommends choosing a formula that is primed for long wear and includes ingredients that will hydrate and nourish your lips.
The Best Vampy Lipstick Shades For Fair Skin Tones
Deep Berry
According to Sarah Tanno, global artistry director at Haus Labs, fairer complexions with both cool and warm undertones work best with cool-toned lipsticks. These include hues that have blue bases and deep berry shades for an intense color payoff.
A good way to approach darker lipstick is to stick to colors that are rich and vibrant. This, as Tanno says, will make the color pop against your skin rather than washing it out.
Mauve Browns
Vampy shades for fair skin don’t always have to be berry-toned or extra dark. “Plum and brown lip colors can also deliver that same level of moodiness without creating the stark contrast,” says Uzo. She suggests looking for lipsticks with mauve and rose undertones that will work with fair complexions and still give the intended deepened effect.
The Best Vampy Lipstick Shades For Medium Skin Tones
Brick Red
According to Uzo, medium and tanned skin tones can wear almost any deep lip color, but rich reds with earthy undertones are a good place to start. “These shades brighten the skin and help to balance out green or olive [complexions],” she says.
Brick is a great option because it has a range of tawny hues that add warmth while keeping the final look bold.
Oxblood
Oxblood and burgundy were some of the top lipstick colors seen during fashion month in 2024. “These shades are great options for medium and olive skin tones because they provide just the right amount of depth without being too bright,” says Uzo.
You want the hue to have a hint of cool-to-neutral tones in order to complement yellow undertones and medium complexions.
The Best Vampy Lipstick Shades For Deep Skin Tones
Rich Blackberry
Deeper skin tones can wear the darkest lipstick shades with ease. “Think purple or even black-based shades,” says Tanno. The key is to choose a color that’s rich and intensely pigmented. Remember, this isn’t about being subtle — your lip color should be bold and quite opaque, she adds.
Uzo agrees, adding that if you’re leaning toward a matte finish, you need to prioritize a nourishing formula that will leave your lips feeling smooth and supple.
Earthy Brown
Deep skin tones can wear some of the most saturated hues in matte or high-shine finishes. Saturated shades, like burgundy or browns in clay and earth tones, are also beautiful alternatives though they’ll have a different effect because their intensity is close to or matches the natural depth of this skin tone.