When you’re looking for a color that does it all, black might not seem like an obvious choice—but hear us out. From full goth glam to graphic color pops, black can be a staple in your beauty routine. Whether you want to highlight your lips, eyes, or hair, there’s a dark and daring option that’s just right for you.
Black Lip Makeup Ideas
Ombre Lipstick
Dark lipstick is stunning on its own, whether you choose a true black matte liquid lipstick or another deep, mysterious shade. A precise application gives dark lips a glamorous edge. But we also love blending black and other dark shades with brighter hues to create an ombre effect on the lips.
Start by choosing a dark lip liner or a thin brush and your favorite liquid lipstick. After overlining your lips, blend the line for a softer transition and concentrate the color at the corners of your mouth. Then, apply a vibrant red lipstick and blend it into the darker liner. You should have a smooth transition that is dark at the corners and brighter and more dimensional as you get closer to the center of your pout.
Glossy Lips
Bold black isn’t limited to matte. Make your monochromatic makeup more exciting with a glossy lip. Whether you’re all about classic cat-eye liner or a dramatic smokey eye, keep the rest of your makeup subtle. Apply a coat of black lipstick and top it off with lip gloss to give it some shine. Our Wet Cherry Lip Gloss in Extra Poppin’ is a simple clear coat for maximum sheen, but we have some other fun suggestions:
- Galaxy Lips: Layer Disco Cherry for an iridescent twinkle or Cherry Slime for an out-of-this-world bright green sparkle.
- Blackberry Lips: Apply a coat of Diet Cherry or Black Cherry for a hint of juicy color.
Colorful Contrast
Give playful pastels and brights some editorial flair by pairing black lipstick with colorful eye makeup. Black and white is an iconic combination that harkens back to the ‘60s mod scene, but you can put your own spin on the look with any of our pastel liquid eyeliners. We also love black lipstick and bold pinks, blues, and greens on the eyes for a take on cybergoth makeup.
Black Eye Makeup Ideas
Layer on the Shimmer
Who doesn’t love a sparkle moment? Pairing black eyeshadow with shimmer and metallic eyeshadows adds texture and dimension. Apply a smooth matte black eyeshadow all over your lids and diffuse the edges. Then, layer your favorite metallic or iridescent shade in the center of each lid for a pretty halo effect that makes brown eyes pop. Or use your black shadow as a base for reflective foil shadows. Create these looks and more with our Venus Immortalis eye and face palette.
Subtle Smokey Eye
While the classic dramatic smokey eye is hard to beat, it’s not an everyday look. Use a light hand and softer shades of gray to create a more subtle daytime smokey eye. Save the black to add depth to the crease and to create definition along your upper lash line.
Smudged Lines
Precise winged liner has a permanent place in our hearts, but sometimes we just want a more lived-in look. Creating a smudged cat's eye with black eyeshadow on a damp brush draws attention to your eyes and adds some rock ‘n’ roll mystique. Pair this intense eye look with some subtle contouring and a nude lip.
Black Hair Color Ideas
We love the look of a full head of dark hair color because it’s moody and chic. It can also be a whole new opportunity for creativity.
Going Under
The underlayer of your hair is the layer that sits closest to your face and neck when your hair is loose. This is the perfect place for a contrasting shade. Dye the outer layers black and add a bright hue to the underlayer for a fun peekaboo effect. Or, put a dark, dramatic off-black dye on the underside of your natural color or a bleached blonde. Our Unicorn Hair Full Coverage dye in Blue Smoke and Meadow offer serious midnight mermaid vibes.
Lowlights
While we’re all used to highlights and streaks using bright colors, black and other dark shades are perfect for lowlights that offer an unconventional and dynamic look. Choose one color, like Charcoal, Chestnut, or Butterscotch, to create a nearly natural style—or assemble your favorite dark shades for a rainbow-inspired style.
Shades of Black
Not in the mood for true black? We hear you and have the answer. An off-black shade is the deepest version of a color, so it looks black at first but comes to life in the light. This subtle shading creates dimension that can help hair look fuller and less harsh, all while giving you the inky hue of your dreams. We especially love Mystic Rose, Squid, and Full Moon for all the daring divas out there.
Black might be considered a style staple, but it’s anything but basic. Take a walk on the dark side and show off your beauty creations. Tag us on Instagram and see what else we have lurking in the shadows on TikTok and Pinterest.
