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I honestly don’t know who the first person was to say, Black women couldn’t wear bold lipsticks but I sure wish they hadn’t. It is a bald-faced lie that has carried through the ages. Thankfully, not many of y’all believe that today, myself included, as we rock shades from the darkest of darks to the brightest of brights. I, nor you, should not allow other people’s ill perceptions dictate what shade of lipstick we wear no matter how dark our complexion is or how full our lips are.

I personally love a great red lipstick. It’s my go-to shade when I’m looking for a mood booster. When I glide it across my lips everything that was bothering seems to fall away and I emerge feeling like I can take over the world. However, I know there are some of you who are still thinking if there is a red out there for you, and I’m here to tell you, there is. That said, you’re in for a real treat with this post as I’m going to share with you my favorite bold lipstick shades for Black women.

Now I chose theses because comfort is THE most important thing when it comes to makeup, specifically when it comes to lipstick. Which is why I use lipstick brands that are highly pigmented, hydrating, and long-wearing. Here are a few of MY favorites lip shades and liners, as well as some honorable mentions to get you started.

LIPSTICKS

SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Shine Color: Surnatural Blush $15.00

This cream lip stain provides long-lasting color and is infused with avocado oil for ultimate comfort and also prevents your lips from drying. This lippie comes in 10 matte shades and five metallic finish shades.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Ultra Shine Lip Gel Color: Deep Rose $12.00

 

This collection of gel lip glosses with plumped-up and light-reflecting shine was inspired by gel nail polishes. This lippie comes in 19 high shine finishes and five shimmer finishes. 

SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick Color: Always Red $15.00

I have been wearing 01 Always Red from Sephora since I can remember I love layering it over MAC Cherry Lipliner. I promise this combination is THE perfect red for brown skin. Available in 78 matte finishes and 12 metallic finishes this bestselling, high-coverage lip color glides on smooth and transforms from a creamy texture into a silky, lightweight stain. You’ll also find that this shade is a long-lasting lip stain that will keep your lips covered with bold color from AM to PM—no need to reapply or touch up throughout the day.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Liquid Lipstick Color: Madison $20.00

This full-pigment, ultra-saturated 28 shade matte lipstick dries to a weightless powder for smudge-proof wearability. The rounded applicator makes both lining and applying lip color effortless.

Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick Color: Coral Crush $18.89

Dose of Colors liquid lipstick is a velvety high-fashion matte finish that covers your lips in rich color. It glides on smoothly and stays put throughout the day. Extra tip: Exfoliate lips before application.

LIP PENCILS

What are lip pencils? To put it simply, they’re literal beauty pencils that come in a wide range of colors that are made specifically for shaping, lining or filling in lips. Here are some of my favorite.

MAC Lip Pencil Color: Cherry Vivid Bright Bluish-Red $18.00

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Here are three other shades I love and refuse to leave off this list because they’re just that great!

The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick Color: Bawse Lady $12.99

One of 17 liquid matte shades Bawse Lady by Lip Bar is the best red you’ll ever meet. PeriodT. No one will be able to tell you shit while you’re wearing this shade cause you’re the one running things.

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour Color: Fashion Legacy $22.00

No matter which shade you choose you will get a BIG splash of color in a liquid-suede finish that lingers, virtually impossible to forget. My go to is Fashion Legacy, It’s the perfect orange-based red lipstick. Extra Tips: 1. For a diffused look, try blending the edges of the lip with a brush before the liquid lip color dries. 2. This color pairs really well with the cherry lip pencil.

Dose of Colors Liquid-Matte Lipstick Color: Pinky Promise $19.72

Dose of Colors matte liquid lipstick appears twice as this shade is another favorite from this brand. As you already know it’s a velvety high-fashion matte finish that will cover your lips in rich color. Extra tip: Exfoliate lips before application.

With all of these shade ranges, I have no doubt that you’ll be able to find a color or two or three that compliments you and your skin tone beautifully. So the next time you find yourself lipstick shopping, do yourself the favor skip the “safe” shades and go bold.

 

What are your favorite bold lipstick shades for Black women? Share with me in the comments below and tag me in your lipstick pics on social using #TMABlog.