Have you ever worn a black dress to a party?
My friend was so excited but also nervous about doing her makeup.
As a black woman with dark skin, she worried that the wrong colors would wash her out or make her look tired.
After trying a few possibilities, she finally settled on a look that made her feel confident and gorgeous.
Now that I’ve discovered which shades really make complexion pop, I want to share my tips with you!
Did you know that women of color have over 40% more pigment cells than lighter skin tones?
This means we need bolder, richer colors to make a statement.
But don’t worry – with the right colors that enhance our beauty, a black dress can be your most dazzling party outfit.
Brown Lipstick
Brown lipstick can definitely match black skin and a black dress.
Brown is a naturally flattering shade for dark skin tones. Warm brown lipsticks add dimension and fullness to the lips without being overly bold.
The contrast of brown lips against black attire draws just the right amount of attention to the face. It helps balance out an all-black look.
Browns like chocolate, mahogany and toasted tones work particularly well. The warm undertones complement melanin-rich complexions beautifully without washing them out.
Brown lipstick is versatile – it can be worn day to night. The shade is eye-catching yet still subtle and sophisticated.
It’s a classic makeup look that flatters many different skin tones, not just deep complexions. Brown lips have universal appeal.
Subtle brown lipliners help define the shape when wearing brown lipstick. It can help prevent any risk of the color seeming flat or muddy.
Glossing over a brown lipstick adds juiciness and dimension. It prevents the color from pulling too dark against black fabrics.
So in summary – with the right warm-toned brown and application technique, brown lipstick is a go-to choice that makes the lips pop deliciously against a little black dress.
It highlights the features in a polished, put-together way.
Plum/Wine Lipstick
Plums and burgundies pop against darker complexions in the best way.
These deep berry shades make your pout really stand out.
Make sure the plum has red undertones rather than blue-based ones. Brands like NARS, MAC, and Fashion Fair have amazing plum and wine lipsticks that would look gorgeous with an evening in black.
Plum and burgundy shades really make dark skin tones glow. The deep berry hues contrast beautifully against brown complexions.
These richer colors have more pigment payoff so they show up vibrantly without needing to overdraw lips. This avoids any risk of the makeup looking uneven.
Plum lipsticks lean red-based rather than blue-toned, so they complement our undertones rather than clash with them.
The contrast of a striking lip against an LBD draws the eye to our best features – full lips and glowing skin!
Worn with black, plum lipstick exudes a sexy, sultry vibe that’s perfect for date night. It feels glamorous and polished.
Subtle accents like lined lips in a matching pencil help define shape without needing overlined edges.
A glossy plum gloss looks juicy while an opaque lipstick provides bold color that won’t fade too quickly during a night out.
As long as the undertones suit our skin’s pigment, a plum or wine pout is extremely flattering against black clothing. It accentuates our natural beauty to stunning effect!
So try a rich berry for an eye-catching look that’s balanced yet impactful.
Forest Green Eyeliner
Forest green eyeliner can work well with black skin and a black dress.
Stick to a thin, delicate line of forest green along the upper lash line only. Going thicker or heavier with the color risks looking harsh.
Opt for a muted, jewel tone forest green rather than a bright green. Subtle, earthy shades blend nicer into brown eyes.
Use a precise brush and light hand to apply – don’t tug at the delicate skin. Blending out any edges with a smudge brush helps soften the look.
Make sure the green plays up other features with coordinated eyeshadow and lip colors. For example, a dusty rose lip and copper shadow pairs beautifully.
Define and groom eyebrows first so the focus is on eyes rather than any imbalance. Clear brow gel sets them in place.
Set eyelids with translucent or skin-toned powder to avoid any eyeliner color transferring upward during the night.
Go for a shimmery rather than matte or crème forest green formula that adds glittering dimension.
So in the right context of balanced features and a muted tone, forest green eyeliner can enhance rather than overwhelm dark eyes against black attire. Elongating the gaze is key with this bold pop of color.
Lavender Lipstick
Yes, lavender lipstick can work well for black skin and a black dress, with the right undertones and application techniques.
Look for a pale lavender with rose or rosy-mauve undertones rather than icy blue tones, which may clash.
Swipe on a sheer, buildable layer rather than one bold swoop so it enhances natural lip color softly.
An ethereal, pale shade reads romantic and soft rather than harsh against black attire.
Exfoliate lips first so the color glides on evenly without clinging to dry patches.
Consider lining with a deeper plum liner first to define edges and prevent feathering.
Top with a clear or minty gloss to add dimension and hydration.
Pair with rose gold or dusty mauve eyeshadow to continue the romantic, pretty vibe.
Keep other features minimal, like well-groomed brows and mascara, so lips take center stage.
When the right lavender is chosen—a muted rosy-mauve rather than deep or icy tone—it can look lush against brown skin in an elegant way.
Proper application helps a pastel pop seamlessly. The color exudes delicate femininity for a black dress.
Merlot Blush
Merlot blush can be very flattering for black skin tone when worn with a black dress, as long as a few key points are considered.
Look for a rich berry wine blush with red undertones, not one that pulls too bright purple or blue. Warm undertones will complement skin of color best.
Apply the blush to just the apple of the cheeks, blending backward and upward into the hairline. This focuses the color where it will naturally hit the light.
Use a light hand and build up the color in layers for most natural results. It’s easier to add more than take away blush pigment.
A tapered blush brush allows for precise application and blending out any edges.
Make sure to blend the color down and back toward the ears/hairline so it doesn’t look strongly painted on.
Merlot blush pairs beautifully with burgundy or berry lip colors as well as bronze or plum eye looks.
The wine tone adds a flush of color without overwhelming features like some bright pinks can.
When applied right, a rich merlot blush livens up complexions of color gorgeously against a black dress.
It flatters without being too much of a bold pop.
Taupe Smoky Eye
Taupe is an inherently flattering shade that flatters all skin tones without looking too harsh. It’s a neutral bridging shade.
The taupe Smoky effect is still smoked out and dimensional without being overly dark or dramatic against brown skin.
A mix of matte and shimmer taupe textures add subtle dimension while blending seamlessly into dark irises.
Starting with a champagne or warm brown in the inner corner helps prevent any grayish cast that some taupe shades can pull.
Blending taupe all through the crease and along the lower lash line creates symmetry and definition.
Smudging a slightly deeper brown or plum along the upper lash line makes eyes really stand out against an all-black backdrop.
Keeping the eyelid space and brow bone highlighted prevents a muddy or dull look from taupe shades alone.
Pairing with a nude lip and brushed up brows maintains an elegant, balanced evening look.
So in essence, taupe’s universally flattering neutral tone works with black attire when applied smoothly as a true smoky eye on dark skin. Subtle, seamless and impactful!
Oxblood Lips
Oxblood is a rich, burgundy shade that really makes lips pop. The deeper tone contrasts beautifully against brown complexions.
Make sure to select an oxblood lipstick with red undertones rather than cool, purple undertones. Warm reds complement skin of color.
Apply lip liner in a matching oxblood shade all over the lips before lipstick. This defines edges and prevents feathering/bleeding.
Top lipstick with a clear gloss to add dimension and hydration. Or use a satin oxblood lip for a rich, velvety color pop.
Keep other makeup minimal – a swipe of bronzer, mascara and filled brows allows lips to shine.
Pair with garnet or burgundy eyeshadow on lids and lower lashing for cohesion.
Oxblood lips demand attention in an elegant way against an LBD. The rich color exudes confidence.
So in summary, oxblood lips perfectly accentuate full, defined features thanks to high-impact color that flatters brown skin beautifully. Proper application makes this lip pop against black.
Peacock Blue Liner
Peacock blue eyeliner can work well for black skin and a black dress, but requires careful application.
When carefully applied as a delicate pop on the upper lashing paired with rich complementary eyeshadow, peacock blue liner can make brown eyes pop against black attire. With the right techniques it enhances rather than overwhelms features.
Use peacock blue only along the upper lash line, keeping it close to the lash roots. A thin line is most flattering.
Choose a peacock shade that is muted and jewel-toned rather than a bright electric blue. Subtler tones blend better.
Apply black or navy liner alongside the peacock to intensify the line without overpowering features.
Smokey out any lower lash line with smudged kohl in black or plum shades rather than more peacock.
Sweep complementary burgundy or royal purple shades on the lid to balance the peacock pop.
Set eyelids with powder first to avoid color transfer issues throughout the night.
Keep other features simple, like filled in brows and mascara, to let the peacock blue shine through.
The unique liner shade adds just a kiss of color against black without overwhelming darker complexions.
When applied as a thin, subtle upper lash line accent paired with rich jewel tones, peacock blue liner can enhance eyes beautifully against an LBD on dark skin. Its a striking yet balanced pop of color.
Pastel Multichromatic
Multichromatic eyeshadows with shifting pastel tones of lilac, mint and peach add an ethereal, dimensional pop of color that isn’t too bold against dark skin.
The sheer, lightweight formula looks airbrushed and blends seamlessly into the skin without any harsh lines.
Placing the shadows on the inner corner, center of the lid and lower lash line makes eyes appear illuminated from within.
Pastel shades flatter all skin tones without overwhelming more pigmented complexions like some vivid shades can.
It creates a romantic, mystical vibe that pairs well with simple black attire and minimal neutral makeup elsewhere.
As multichromatic shift in the light, they catch attention in a mesmerizing yet soft way against a monochrome backdrop.
The subtle wash of dimensional pastels enhances natural features delicately without upstaging the sleek LBD.
When paired with well-groomed brows and natural skin, a pastel multichromatic lends an ethereal tropical twist to dark eyes and black attire in a feminine, balanced way.
Copper Eyeshadows
Copper shadows usually have warm undertones that beautifully complement melanin-rich complexions without looking dull or washed out.
The reddish-brown tones make eyes pop against the darkness of black attire in a vibrant yet polished way.
Copper shades blend seamlessly into brown irises and create natural daytime dimension or bold evening glamour depending on application.
Warm taupe and cinnamon shades flatter a variety of skin tones universally without being too stark of a contrast.
Placed primarily in the crease with a swept of shimmer on the lids, copper eyes mimic natural shadow and light.
Pairing with plum or bronzed cheeks and a nude lip maintains an elegant, cohesive look.
Subtle pops of copper glimmer amid smoky kohl liner add intrigue to eyes set against a sleek LBD.
So in essence, the warm undertones of copper shadows make eyes glow beautifully without competing with dark complexions when worn with black clothing. It’s a universally flattering accent shade.
Bronzed Smudge
Bronze works across all skin tones by providing natural-looking warm dimension and shadow without being overly harsh.
Smudged and blended bronzes mimic the look of natural shadows cast on eyelids.
Applied all over the lid and crease then blended out, it frames the eyes in a flattering and balanced way.
When paired with liner in brown or plum shades and brushed up brows, eyes appear polished yet softened against an all-black outfit.
Warm bronzes pop subtly against brown skin without competing like brighter hues sometimes can.
Contrasting lip colors like wine, burgundy or nude further balance a monochrome eye look.
A smudged lower lashing keeps eyes appearing wide awake rather than heavily made up.
Bronze eyes complement nude skin and cheeks for a Smokey yet understated evening appearance.
So in summary, bronzed Smokey eyes flatter diverse complexions thanks to universally complementary undertones and dimensional, blended application that enhances natural features elegantly against black.
Turquoise Inner Corner
Turquoise is a vibrant pop of color that draws attention to the eyes in a fun yet balanced way.
Placed just in the inner corner, it accentuates without overwhelming darker complexions like all-over bright can.
The blue-green hue makes brown eyes appear brighter and stand out against monochrome black attire.
When applied with a precise brush and blended out slightly, it adds dimension without looking harsh.
Pairing with smoky kohl liner and neutral shadow kept elsewhere keeps the look cohesive. Highlighting just the inner 1/3 of the eyelid mimics natural light reflection.
Turquoise pops alongside plum or copper lid shades without competing for attention.
It adds an element of intrigue or tropical flair without disrupting the sleek style of the LBD.
Plus, the bright inner corner keeps eyes appearing fresh and wide awake all night long.
So in summary, targeted pops of turquoise inner corner eyeliner artfully accent the eyes against a black evening backdrop in a balanced, stand-out way.
Teal Wing
A teal wing refers to using a teal-colored eyeliner or eyeshadow to create a winged eyeliner look.
Teal is a medium shade of blue-green. It’s a vibrant pop of color that really makes brown eyes stand out.
To create a teal wing, you precisely line your upper lash line with teal eyeliner or eyeshadow and a thin brush or angled liner.
Then you extend the line upwards and outwards creating the familiar wing shape we associate with cat eyes or winged liner looks.
The wing should start thin close to the inner corner and fan outwards, getting thicker as it extends beyond the outer corner of the eye.
You can line the entire upper lash line with teal first before adding the wing extension, or just draw the wing shape freehand.
Blending or smudging the edges lightly can help soften any harsh lines from the vibrant color.
Teal wings draw attention to eyes and make them appear larger, creating drama while still being a bright pop of color.
So in essence, a teal wing refers to accentuating eyes with a bold yet precise teal blue-green winged eyeliner look.
Periwinkle Crease
A periwinkle crease in makeup refers to the use of a light blue-purple shade (periwinkle) applied specifically to the crease area of the eyelid.
Periwinkle is a soft pastel blue-purple shade that adds a light wash of subtle color.
The crease is the natural fold/crease of the eyelid where it meets the brow bone above. It’s the area directly above the eyelid.
To apply periwinkle to the crease, you use a tapering blending brush and concentrate the color right into the crease area.
Lightly sweeping and blending upwards helps diffuse the pigment so it appears natural.
The goal is to subtly define and accentuate the crease without applying a harsh line of color.
Blending outward as well helps the periwinkle fade into the lid and brow bone smoothly.
It adds a touch of subtle dimension and definition to open up the eye area while complementing all skin tones.
So in short – a periwinkle crease refers to placing a light purple-blue shade specifically blended into the natural crease area of the eyelid for an soft, open-eye effect.
Metallic olive Shadow
Olive has a rich, earthy tone that complements melanin-rich skin without looking dull or washing it out.
The metallic sheen adds subtle dimension and shine without being overly flashy.
Placed on the lid and crease, it frames the eyes beautifully against a dark backdrop.
Olive tones borrow from both green and gold undertones, flattering a variety of darker skin tones universally.
When paired with warm browns and plum in the outer corner, it ties everything together cohesively.
Applied with a light hand as a bendable wash of color, it doesn’t compete with features.
Metallic olive makes brown eyes positively pop without contrasting starkly against an LBD.
Adds intrigue through the subtle play of light across textured metallic pigments.
So in essence, the dimensional earth tones of metallic olive shadow harmonize perfectly with darker complexions and attire through balanced application emphasizing natural features elegantly. It’s the perfect complement.
In summary, there are many creative eye makeup looks that can complement black skin and dark attire beautifully.
Whether choosing vibrant pops of color like turquoise on the inner corner or copper shimmer all over the lids, subtler dimensional shades like bronzed smoky eyes or periwinkle in the crease add allure.
Metallic olive shadow, peacock blue liner used judiciously also harmonize naturally with dark features.
The key is selecting flattering, complementary hues and applying them skillfully through blending and diffusion.
Thinner lines and washes of pigment enhance features delicately, while thicker or graphic looks like teal wings demand a deft hand.
Whatever your makeup mastery level or event formality, experiment fearlessly with color placement and see how hues shift and pop against an elegant black backdrop.
Always remember—makeup is self-expression, not a mandate.
Dark skin glows from within regardless of adornments, so choose shades that ignite your smile and confidence.
With a little practice matching dazzling details to one’s personal style, eyes can captivate through their natural beauty amplified subtly or dramatically as you choose.
Most of all, have fun discovering looks as unique as you are this season and beyond.
