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A definitive ranking of every black lipstick at Sephora

[Pictured from L-R: Bite, KVD Studded, KVD Everlasting, UD, MUFE, Sephora, Marc Jacobs, ABH, BlackUp, ColourPop; Photo by: Sage Viscovi] 

If there are two things we love, it’s playing around with makeup and looking like a badass bitch. By applying a classic vampy black lip, you can do both at once. Everyone has a preference, but we thought we’d take it a step further with a little experiment (and lots of in-store swatching). After some research and the development of five foolproof tests (application, darkness, smudging, lasting power and removal), here’s our countdown of the best black lipsticks on the market.

Read more: Meet the face behind the lips selling Jeffree Star lipsticks

10. MARC JACOBS BEAUTY COLLECTOR’S EDITION LE MARC LIP CRÈME LIPSTICK IN “BLACQUER” ($30)

lipstick marc jacobs black

[Photo by: Sephora

You would think being the priciest lipstick on our list would also mean it’s the best, right? Think again: Designer names don’t mean squat! It’s disappointing to be honest, since other MJ lippies are actually quite good, but this shade just paled in comparison. It bombed the smudge test and was overall pretty “meh.”

Application: 3/5
Darkness: 2/5
Smudging: 1/5
Long-Lasting: 2/5
Removal: 3/5

9. URBAN DECAY VICE LIPSTICK IN “PERVERSION” ($17)

urban decay black lipstick
[Photo by: Sephora

If you’re into creamy formulas that are more on the sheer side, then this is a great black lipstick for you. But we all know that a good black lip should be bold and in your face, which this bullet just isn’t. Another lipstick that does poorly in the smudge department, but is quite comfortable to wear.

Application: 3/5
Darkness: 2/5
Smudging: 1/5
Long-Lasting: 2/5
Removal: 4/5

8. BLACK UP LIPSTICK IN “SATIN BLACK” ($23)

black up black lipstick
[Photo by: Sephora

It’s a decent black lipstick and probably would be higher up on our list if it weren’t for one problem: It doesn’t stay the heck on! Within a couple of hours, this lipstick was almost nowhere to be found. Perhaps the use of a lip liner beforehand could prevent this? At least it’s easy to take off at the end of the day.

Application: 3/5
Darkness: 2/5
Smudging: 2/5
Long-Lasting: 1/5
Removal: 5/5

7. KAT VON D STUDDED KISS LIPSTICK IN “SLAYER” (CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR $12)

kat von d studded lipstick
[Photo by: Sephora

We’re not gonna lie: For a prestige brand bullet, that is a seriously unbeatable price. But we know it’s what’s inside that counts, and what’s inside is just OK. The pigment doesn’t square up to that of its KVD liquid counterpart, which made it score higher up on this list.

Application: 2/5
Darkness: 1/5
Smudging: 3/5
Long-Lasting: 3/5
Removal: 4/5

6. BITE BEAUTY AMUSE BOUCHE LIPSTICK IN “KALE” ($26)

bite lipstick black
[Photo by: Sephora

Be careful: At first glance, this might look like your average black bullet lipstick, but upon further inspection we actually discovered it’s a deep hunter green and black shade (hence the name). Regardless of its green undertone, this lipstick came to play with the rest. But beware: This lipstick is messy, so be sure to wear with a good lip liner underneath.

Application: 3/5
Darkness: 4/5
Smudging: 1/5
Long-Lasting: 3/5
Removal: 2/5

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE: THE TOP 5

5. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS MATTE LIPSTICK IN “MIDNIGHT” ($18)

beverly hills lipstick black
[Photo by: Sephora

We think this lipstick definitely wins for “Prettiest Packaging” with its pink-gold accents, but how does it stand up to the other contenders? Pretty well, we think! It goes on and comes off very smoothly and is reliable enough so you don’t end up looking like Valak from The Conjuring 2 at the day’s end.

Application: 4/5
Darkness: 3/5
Smudging: 2/5
Long-Lasting: 3/5
Removal: 4/5

4. KAT VON D EVERLASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK IN “WITCHES” ($20)

KVD everlasting lipstick
[Photo by: Sephora

If you asked 10 girls what their favorite black lipstick was, nine out of 10 would probably say the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. Ms. Von D has established herself as an arts maven in the alternative community, and it’s no wonder why: Her makeup line kicks butt. Our one qualm with this particular lippie is BEWARE. OF. FLAKES! Just make sure that pucker is well moisturized before applying, and you’ll be golden.

Application: 4/5
Darkness: 3/5
Smudging: 5/5
Long-Lasting: 4/5
Removal: 4/5

3. COLOURPOP ULTRA MATTE LIP IN “FRIDAY” ($6)

colourpop lipstick black
[Photo by: Sephora

All right, so technically we cheated: ColourPop’s lipsticks aren’t in-stores yet. But the brand began moving into Sephora this month, and when they do make their lippies available, it’ll be no joke. They’re super pigmented, sturdy and only 6 FLIPPIN’ DOLLARS to boot…but boy, are they drying. Again, just prepare to moisturize, but you really can’t go wrong with this liquid lip.

Application: 4/5
Darkness: 5/5
Smudging: 4/5
Long-Lasting: 3/5
Removal: 4/5

2. MAKE UP FOR EVER ARTIST ROUGE LIPSTICK IN “BLACK” ($22)

make up forever lipstick black
[Photo by: Sephora

A cosmetic that is the literal makeup equivalent of dipping your lips in an oil slick…If you don’t mind a little shine to your pout, this black bullet is everything. It’s incredibly rich, glides on like heaven and lasts pretty much forever. Alas, just like real oil, it runs, and therefore a liner is needed. But if you’re willing to make the investment, it’s well worth the extra cash.

Application: 4/5
Darkness: 5/5
Smudging: 3/5
Long-Lasting: 5/5
Removal: 4/5

1. SEPHORA COLLECTION CREAM LIP STAIN LIQUID LIPSTICK IN “NIGHT BIRD” ($14)

sephora lipstick black
[Photo by: Sephora

You might not have seen this one coming, but trust us: This lipstick is the end-all, be-all. The Sephora Collection may have a few underwhelming products here and there, but their liquid lipsticks are definitely not one of them. It’s everything a black lippie should be. It’s sold at an unreal price point, and did we mention it smells like vanilla?

Application: 5/5
Darkness: 5/5
Smudging: 4/5
Long-Lasting: 5/5
Removal: 4/5

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