Black Lipstick is Back and Bolder Than Ever

Black lipstick is no longer just a symbol of rebellion; it has become a statement of style, identity, and unapologetic self-expression. Once reserved for goth kids, punk rockers, and underground fashion scenes, black lipstick is finally having its rightful runway moment. And this time, it’s making a powerful comeback.

The 2025 Schiaparelli Couture Show in Paris proved this in full force. While the brand is known for its jaw-dropping designs and surrealist silhouettes, it was the beauty look this season; glossy, unapologetically black lips, that stole the spotlight. 

Nearly every model donned the dramatic noir pout, shattering the mold of minimalist beauty norms. For many of us who have always worn black lipstick as a badge of honor, this runway validation feels long overdue.

Ahead, we explore how black lipstick made its way from counterculture to couture, why its return is culturally significant, and how you can wear it confidently and stylishly in your everyday life.

The Schiaparelli Show That Changed Everything

Twice a year during Paris Couture Week, Schiaparelli drops jaws and stops traffic. But this season, it wasn’t just Daniel Roseberry’s avant-garde designs like heart-beating crystal gowns and miniature saddle shoulder pads, that caused a stir. It was the makeup.

Spearheaded by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, the models strutted down the runway with high-shine, pitch-black lips that radiated power and elegance. Pat credits her new PermaGel Eye Pencil in Xtreme Black as the secret weapon for the goth lip effect, which was layered on top of lip primers and gloss for maximum depth and drama.

Traditionally, Schiaparelli’s shows lean toward the “no-makeup makeup” aesthetic, bare skin with sculpted brows or a touch of red on the lips. But this season marked a bold pivot, a redefinition of beauty on the runway. And it sent a message loud and clear: Black lipstick is back, and it means business.

A Brief History of Black Lipstick in Fashion

Black lipstick has always existed on the fringes of mainstream beauty. It first gained cultural traction in the 1980s with the rise of goth subculture, punk rock, and glam metal. From Bauhaus fans to glam queens, black lips were an anti-establishment badge, a visual protest against conformity.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, dark lipstick began appearing in high fashion shows. Designers like Valentino, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Thierry Mugler flirted with the trend on the runway, yet black lips never quite crossed over into everyday glam.

The 2010s saw brief revivals, fueled by celebrities like Rihanna, Lorde, and Kylie Jenner (remember her Lip Kit shade “Dead of Knight”?). But still, black lipstick remained somewhat niche; edgy, daring, and not entirely accepted by the broader beauty crowd.

Now, in 2025, something feels different. The timing, the culture, and the conversations around identity and expression have all aligned to make black lipstick more relevant and more powerful than ever.

Why Black Lipstick Matters More Than Just Fashion

For many people, black lipstick isn’t just a makeup choice; it’s deeply personal. It can symbolize queerness, individuality, rebellion, confidence, and even healing.

Fashion editor Kelsey Stiegman, who covered the Schiaparelli show for Harper’s Bazaar, shared how black lipstick was once a lifeline for her identity during adolescence. Growing up as an emo, queer teenager in a small town, black makeup was her armor. Years later, it still serves as a visible marker of authenticity and self-expression.

In a world that often asks us to tone it down, fit in, and play by outdated beauty rules, black lipstick does the opposite. It’s dramatic. It’s unapologetic. It says, “This is who I am… take it or leave it.”

Whether you’re reclaiming a part of your past, signaling a piece of your identity, or just loving the aesthetic, wearing black lipstick can be a form of quiet or bold protest. And seeing it celebrated on a couture runway? That’s powerful.

How to Wear Black Lipstick IRL (And Look Amazing Doing It)

If you’ve always been curious but hesitant to try black lipstick, you’re not alone. The key is finding the right formula, pairing it with the right makeup, and wearing it with confidence.

Here’s your easy guide to making black lips wearable, stylish, and 100% you:

1. Choose Your Finish Wisely

• Matte: Sleek and modern, matte black lipstick is long-lasting and edgy. Great for bold statements.
  
• Glossy: Adds a high-fashion shine and feels luxe. This is the finish Schiaparelli used.
  
• Satin/Creamy: A more forgiving finish if you’re new to dark lips. Soft and sultry.
  

2. Prep Your Lips

Black lipstick shows everything: dry patches, uneven lines, etc. Exfoliate gently, moisturize, and apply a lip primer or concealer to create a blank canvas.

3. Line With Precision

Use a black or deep plum lip liner to outline your lips and prevent feathering. For extra control, clean up the edges with a concealer brush.

4. Keep the Rest of Your Face Balanced

Unless you’re going full goth (which is totally fine!), balance your makeup. Try:

• Clean, glowing skin
  
• Soft brows
  
• Minimal eye makeup or subtle winged liner. Let the lips take center stage.
  

5. Own It

The most important step. Wear it with confidence. Whether you’re heading to a party or running errands, black lipstick is about self-expression not approval.

Best Black Lipsticks to Try

Ready to try it out? Here are some top-rated black lipsticks fashion editors and beauty lovers swear by:

KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick

 

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in “Uninvited”

 

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in “Caviar”

 

NYX Suede Matte Lipstick in “Alien”

 

Black Lipstick and the New Wave of Beauty Freedom

In 2025, we’re seeing a major shift in beauty ideals. The “clean girl” aesthetic is being challenged by maximalist makeup. Gender norms in cosmetics are crumbling. Consumers want expression, not perfection. And black lipstick fits right in.

We’re embracing makeup that tells a story, that connects us to who we are and who we were. It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime goth, a modern minimalist with a rebellious streak, or someone just stepping into their power; black lipstick is your invitation to stand out.

Black lipstick’s runway resurgence is about identity, self-acceptance, and cultural recognition. From being mocked in high school hallways to being spotlighted at Schiaparelli, this noir lip has come a long way.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to try black lipstick, here it is. Don’t wait for Halloween. Don’t wait for permission. Fashion has already cosigned it. All that’s left is for you to wear it your way.

Photo: Instagram/adutakech