If there's one thing that Black women are constantly being told, is how good colour looks on us. The richness of our melanin teamed with the richness of pigment is a slay and an easy way to inject colour is through makeup. While a red lip or a rosy cheek are things that we probably naturally gravitated to, a berry-toned lipstick might be a little out of your comfort zone. Berry ranges from deeply purple hues to a more raspberry red and the finish of the formula plays a massive part in how much it'll suit you.
If you are a firm nude lip gloss girlie, we feel you but, we beg you to give it a go. There's a berry-toned lipstick for all shades and undertones and to prove it, alongside write and brand marketing expert Arieta Mujay, we tested out dozens to give you our final faves. A little hack too - if you find a berry lipstick you love but not matching lip liner, a brown lip liner works really well.
Best berry lipsticks for Black skin
Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Lipstick
Arieta says: If you’re on the hunt for a truly luxe lipstick that turns heads, the Fenty Beauty ICON Velvet Liquid Lipstick in "Wicked Wine" is about to become your new obsession. The formula is like velvet in a tube, gliding on effortlessly to deliver that rich, deep wine shade in just one swipe. It’s a colour that works magic across skin tones, giving you that sultry, bold lip and long lasting that’s perfect for day or night. The best part? It doesn’t compromise on comfort. You get all the drama with none of the dryness; it wears beautifully without cracking or flaking.
e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic
Arieta says: Known for its hydrating formula, this lipshine delivers a vibrant berry hue that complements deeper skin tones, ensuring a smooth application and comfortable wear and at “value for money” pricing - ELF Core Lipshine won’t break the bank and does what needs to be done.
No7 Match Made Stay Perfect Lipstick in Dark Berry
Arieta says: I'd describe this as a "short stay" lipstick. The wear time isn't long, but the colour? Gorgeous—flattering and sophisticated. It’s pretty on the lips, but if you want a lipstick that lasts I would pick a different formula.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen
Arieta says: This creamy formula delivers a luxe satin finish, infused with nourishing argan oil and vitamin E for deep hydration. Expect a rich, vibrant colour payoff that glides on effortlessly, leaving lips soft and supple. The blend of moisture and high-impact pigment makes it a go-to for those craving both comfort and statement-worthy colour.
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Ladies Night
Arieta says: This packs a punch with just one swipe. This deep, rich berry shade is both trendy and flattering, perfect for making a statement. The creamy, weightless formula glides on smoothly, drying to a comfy velvety-matte finish that won’t parch your lips. The precise bullet tip makes application a breeze, and while it might need a touch-up after a few hours, the vibrant colour payoff and luxe feel make it totally worth the splurge for a bold, glamorous pout.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil in Affection
Keeks says: I really could go as far as saying this is one of my fave lip formulas of all time. It's so comfortable to wear and gives that lovely shiny finish of a lip oil without the gloop of a gloss. This shade is a good shout for an everyday kinda berry hue that's not super bold. The best bit is that when the oil wears off it leaves behind a tint, like you've rubbed a raspberry on your lips.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Festival Magic
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Festival Magic
Keeks says: I have loved this lipstick since it was called 'Glastonberry' which is a long, long time. If you're not a fan of mattes (raises hand) I promise this is a good one. It's packed with pigment and super creamy to apply but the finish has no sheen. The colour, on my skin, gives me main character in a nineties Black rom com vibes and I'm here for it.
MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Rebel
Keeks says: My first successful foray into berry lipsticks was ofc MAC. This a deep berry, more blackberry vibes than raspberry, but the sheen to the finish makes it look less stark than if it were matte. I love teaming this with my Chestnut lip liner for added definition but you can team with Vino liner for a more uniformed look.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
