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Jade Thirlwall just brought black lipstick back

For spooky season and beyond

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / October 15 2021

For spooky season and beyond

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / October 15 2021

Black lipstick has received a bit of a bad rap over the years. Largely associated with the goth group from high school (hey guys, hope you're well), the shade has been mostly shunned by the mainstream.

While many would happily reach for its slightly warmer younger cousins like oxblood or burgundy, black lipstick seems to still be a taboo shade, which is a damn shame.

Chic and fashion-forward, black lipstick can add a level of sophistication and edge to your makeup; it’s just a matter of knowing how to wear it.

Someone who's excelled at doing so? Little Mix beauty Jade Thirlwall, who recently rocked the bold lippy shade in a series of snaps via Instagram. How could we not want to dive into the trend again after that?!

So if you’re looking to add some edge to your makeup look while still staying chic, here's your guide to nailing black lipstick...

1

Go matte but long-wearing

Black lipstick is a statement however you slice it, so hey, go all in. A boldly pigmented matte finish is no doubt the way to go. However, you're going to want to find a matte that lasts for the long haul; you don't want your chic black fading to grey or flaking off. Morphe's Mega Matte Lipstick in Twisted ($15 at Morphe) is just the formula to try.

2

Add warm shimmer to your eyes

Makeup is super individual, so you can obviously do whatever works for you, but we do recommend adding a little warmth and shimmer on eyes to complement the cool, matte nature of the lippy. A bronzey shadow palette filled with delicious metallic neutrals like the Charlotte Tilbury Easy Eye Palette in Charlotte Darling ($85 at Charlotte Tilbury) will definitely do the trick.

3

Anchor your eyes with mascara

Yes your lips are no doubt still going to be the statement feature, but defining your eyes is the secret to balancing black lippy. Once you've applied your shimmer shadow, go in with a few coats of mascara. We advise opting for one of the lengthening and volumising variety to get those peepers popping, like the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara ($35 at Sephora).

4

Add some warmth to your face

Remember how we said warm-toned shimmer was great for offsetting dark lipstick? You’ll want to apply that rule (quite literally) to your face, too. A generous swirl of a bronzer-highlighter hybrid like the Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer ($46 at MECCA) will work wonders for your glow levels. Just dust over the areas that sunlight would naturally hit the face; your cheekbones, temples, jawline and nose.