30 lipsticks for pigmented lips that suit every Indian skin tone

If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror trying to convince yourself that a “my lips but better” shade looks the same on your two-toned lips as it did on the model, you know the struggle. Pigmented lips don’t just change how a colour shows up, they can make some lipsticks look patchy, greyed out or oddly dull, even when the formula is expensive and the shade looks perfect in the bullet. Add in the fact that many “nudes” wash out deeper Indian skin tones and finding an everyday lipstick that feels flattering can feel like a real ordeal. So we adjusted. We layered, toned things down with lip liner, mixed shades or just convinced ourselves it looked okay.

Pigmentation itself is more common than most people admit. Genetics, sun exposure, leftover stains from long-wear formulas, constant lip-licking, dehydration, hormonal changes and even old smoking habits can all deepen the lip line or leave the top lip darker than the bottom. Skincare helps; daily SPF on the lips, gentle exfoliation once a week and a hydrating balm as a base, but makeup still does a lot of the visible heavy lifting. The right lipstick has to do three things at once: even out uneven tone, stay comfortable and deliver colour that doesn’t look like you’re trying to correct something.

With that in mind, we put formulas to the test on real, pigmented and two-toned lips across a spectrum of Indian skin tones to find 30 lipsticks that don’t turn ashy or streaky and look rich and even in one or two swipes. From deep maroons that brighten the face instantly to chocolate browns, berry tones, rosy pinks and terracotta nudes that hold their ground against natural pigmentation, these shades work for almost every Indian skin tone.

Best brown lipsticks for pigmented lips

Sephora Collection Rouge Is Not My Name Matte Lipstick – Too Good To Be True

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet – Brown

FENTY BEAUTY Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color – Unveil

Yves Saint Laurent The Inks Vinyl Cream – Brown Ignition

Prada Monochrome Hyper Matte – B13

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick – Yes Honey

Nudestix Magnetic Matte Lip Color – Boho

M.A.C Powder Kiss Liquid Lip – Taken

Best maroon lipsticks for pigmented lips

LoveChild Masaba The Boss Statement Matte Lipstick – Warm Regards

Milani Color Fetish Lipstick Matte – Passion

Kay Beauty Hydra Crème Lipstick – Quirky

Too Faced Cocoa Bold Em-Power Cream Lipstick – Chocolate Lava

Guerlain Rouge G Refill Velvet – No 879

Maybelline New York Superstay Teddy Tint Lip & Cheek Color – Tomato Girl

Estēe Lauder Pure Color Explicit Silk Matte Lipstick – Off The Record

Best terracotta lipsticks for pigmented lips

NARS Explicit Lipstick – Body Heat

By Terry Rouge Opulent Lipstick – Rosewood Mood

L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Intense Volume Matte Slim Lipstick – La Terra Attitude

House of HUR Glowy Ampoule Tint – Brown Red

Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipstick – Afternoon Tea

Best pink lipsticks for pigmented lips

e.l.f. Cosmetics O Face Lipstick – Standing Ovation

MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist For Ever Matte Lipstick – Endlessly Blushed

Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Water Shine – Nude Cinnamon

PAT McGRATH LABS Satinallure Lipstick – Nude Romantique 2

KIKO Milano New Unlimited Stylo Lipstick – Rosy Brown

Best berry toned lipsticks for pigmented lips

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte – Tout Doux

Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte & Satin Velvet Lipstick – Blackberry

Elizabeth Arden Lip Lipstick – Cherry Glaze

Dior Addict No-Transfer Lip Tint – Natural Berry

Natasha Denona Berry Pop Lipstick

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