The story idea was developed over brunch with my former colleague. We were chatting about everything and anything and she mentioned how some beauty companies were known to photoshop their lipstick shades on darker skin tones. And when dark-skinned ladies like herself bought them, the shade obviously didn’t match nor have the same colour payoff as depicted online. So shady.
Many beauty brands have the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mindset (we’re looking at you Beauty Blender.) and have force-fed shades to women of colour with medium to deep skin tones that didn’t suit.
That’s why we asked a handful of fabulous dark-skinned ladies in Singapore their tried-and-true lipsticks that actually complements their skin tone, and they delivered.
RED LIPSTICKS
Red lipsticks always have a real make-or-break moment. The vibrant crimson shade never goes out of style, but not all scarlet hues are created equal. The type of finish and undertones make for entirely different looks, so we asked these women their go-to red shade. Even OG’s like M.A.C’s Ruby Woo made it to the list!
“Fenty Beauty Uncensored is the best shade of red that has a great matte finish.” — Nadia Rahmat, Model and Events Manager
1. Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, $19.
2. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored, $36
3. M.A.C Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $33
NUDE LIPSTICKS
Nude lipstick is a tricky approach, especially when it comes to darker skin. It usually appears too pale, beige and flat on their complexion. The colour is clearly not a one-size-fits-all concept but these brands hit the mark on these next-to-nothing shades.
“The M.A.C lip colour is long-staying, not drying, and the pigment is strong.” — Aarika Lee, Musician
1. NUDESTIX NUDIES MATTE ALL OVER FACE COLOR BLUSH & BRONZE IN SUNKISSED, $47
2. DOSE OF COLOURS SATIN LIPSTICK IN CINNAMON SWIRL, $27.20
3. M.A.C Powder Kiss Lipstick in Impulsive, $33
DARK COLOURED LIPSTICKS
Getting a dark lipstick with the right undertone that won’t make you look too washed out? You get the point. However, these beauty brands get the gist by creating a shade that delivers on all levels of melanin. Dark and sultry. Love.
“The Tarte Lip Paint doesn’t wash me out by being too pink or cool-toned. It dries really quick and it’s pretty long lasting!” — Chelsea Joseph, Public Relations Executive
1. Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip Velvet Matte in Tomboy, $44
2. L’Oreal Paris Color Rich Matte251 in Blackberry Hue, $19.90
3. Tarte Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Fortune, $32
BRIGHT COLOURED LIPSTICKS
Dear bright coloured lipstick: we would like to nominate you as the most essential product that adds dimension to any makeup. For medium-dark skin, they advised to make sure that your lipstick has a coordinating warmth to your complexion. These shades will get you noticed, yet still wearable on a day-to-day basis.
“The L’Oreal Rouge Signature is not drying at all and I managed to find a nice nude, dark pink and reds all from this range.” — Preeti Nair, Comedian
1. Tom Ford Lip Color in 06 Cristiano, $50
2. L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Represent, $21.90
3. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Unlocked, $36
Written by Sinead Lee.
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