12 Best Gray Lipstick Shades That Are Long-Lasting – 2024

Explore and experiment with the shades of gray and rock your funky lip makeup this season.

Reviewed by Nyssa Green, Makeup Artist
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English)
Edited by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

If you want to try out some bold and intense makeup look, try experimenting with some gray lipstick! Yes, you got that right! While black becomes too bold and out there, gray balances the drama very subtly while making you stand out of the crowd as well! Many fashionistas and influencers have rocked this trend successfully! Now it’s your turn to take your makeup game a notch higher by flaunting such unconventional shades! To help you pick the best shade of gray as per your skin tone, we have enlisted the 12 best gray lipstick options for you to choose from.

Does Gray Lipstick Look Good On Everyone?

Yes. You can wear gray lipstick alone or layer it with lipstick. It looks amazing when worn with red and nude shades on the edges of the lip line.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Highly Pigmented:NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick - Haze
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy:Nicka K New York Vivid Matte Lipstick - Slate Gray
Price on Amazon
Best Waterproof:Mynena Waterproof Matte Liquid Lipstick - Alvira
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight:Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid - Sinful Stone
Price on Amazon
Best Semi-Matte Finish: Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick - Smoke
Price on Amazon
Best Pleasing Fragrance:Manic Panic Glamnation - Alien
Price on Amazon
Best Silky Finish:Maybelline New York Color Sensational - Concrete Jungle
Price on Amazon
Best Smudge-Resistant: REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick
Price on Amazon
Best Fade-Proof:Covergirl Melting Pout Matters - Gray Matter - 355
Price on Amazon
Best Moisturizing:Blood Mary - Charcoal Grey
Price on Amazon

12 Best Gray Lipstick Shades – 2024 Update

1. Best Highly Pigmented:NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick – Haze

4.2
Nyx Professional Image: Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick – Haze

The Matte Lipstick by NYX Professional Makeup has an edgy shade. It is highly pigmented and glides smoothly, allowing you to create a statement lip look. The creamy formula offers full coverage and settles in a matte finish without making your lips feel dry or sticky. The sharply curved top of the lipstick ensures that the color does not go outside the lines. This taupe-gray lipstick delivers a beautiful and velvety feeling and stays put without smudging.

Skin Type: All | Color: Haze | Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 3.15 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 0.16 Ounces

Pros

  • Goes on smooth
  • Long-lasting
  • Smudge-proof
  • Highly pigmented
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This gray shade got me compliments for its unique color and quality. I also like the longevity and matte finish. The texture is soft but it doesn't smudge easily. This is a good one for casual wear."


protip_icon Did You Know?

Gray lipstick has been used for centuries, with ancient Egyptians using a mixture of lead and water to create a gray lip color.

2. Best Non-Greasy:Nicka K New York Vivid Matte Lipstick – Slate Gray

3.9
Nicka K New York Vivid Matte Lipstick – Slate Gray Image: Nicka K New York

The Nicka K New York Slate Gray lipstick is a dark lipstick color that looks perfect on neutral skin tones. The weightless formula delivers buildable coverage and feels comfortable throughout the day. It is highly pigmented and leaves your lips with a matte finish that creates a dramatic effect. The non-greasy lipstick is formulated with beeswax, which makes it glide effortlessly on the lips. This avant-garde lipstick layers easily without being tacky or messy and is great on darker skin tones.

Skin Type: All | Color: Slate Gray

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Comfortable on the lips
  • Goes on smooth
  • Non-drying

Cons

  • Needs multiple layers for full coverage

My Personal Experience

"I love the striking shade that lends depth to the lips. The formula is well-pigmented and has a comfortable finish that is not too drying. It's long-lasting and does not irritate my sensitive skin."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 2,689 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

3. Best Waterproof:Mynena Waterproof Matte Liquid Lipstick – Alvira

4.1

The Mynena Lipstick is a liquid lip color that has a silky soft texture. It provides full coverage in just one coat. It is enriched with premium-quality minerals and vitamin E to hydrate your lips and prevent them from drying. This highly pigmented liquid lipstick glides on smoothly and leaves your lips with an even velvety finish. This graphite gray lipstick is designed for precise application and offers a long-lasting modern look. Nyssa Green, Emmy Award-winning makeup artist, says, “This shade would be great alone or underneath a purple shade.”

Skin Type: All | Color: Alvira

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Pleasing vanilla fragrance
  • Transfer-proof
  • Non-sticky
  • Kiss-proof
  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Difficult to remove

My Personal Experience

"I like this matte lipstick's bold, lasting impact. It is ideal for making a statement at events or if you're embracing a more audacious personal style. The color doesn't budge all day. But a good oil or cream-based makeup remover does the job easily."


protip_icon Quick Tip

For a fun and edgy look, try a two-tone lip by pairing your gray lipstick with a contrasting color, such as a bright red or pink.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 3,174 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick - Haze
Best Highly Pigmented
Nicka K New York Vivid Matte Lipstick - Slate Gray
Best Non-Greasy
Mynena Waterproof Matte Liquid Lipstick - Alvira
Best Waterproof
Skin Type All All All
Color Haze Slate Gray Alvira
Dimensions 0.7 x 3.15 x 0.7 inches --
Weight 0.16 Ounces--
Rating
Reviews19,9042,6893,174
Price$5.99$5$12.99

4. Best Lightweight:Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid – Sinful Stone

3.9
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid - Sinful Stone Image: Maybelline New York

The Maybelline New York Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick glides smoothly on the lips and works well on fair skin tones. The high-impact lipstick has a mousse-like texture that dries to a creamy and velvety matte finish. The Sinful Stone shade delivers 2x pigments and looks perfect with golden smokey eyes and a bigshot mascara makeup. The fashion-forward lipstick blends well on the lips and makes them look supersaturated.

Skin Type: All | Color: Sinful Stone | Product Dimensions: 0.68 x 0.68 x 3.55 inches | Weight: 0.92 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Highly pigmented
  • Goes on smooth

Cons

  • Sticky

My Personal Experience

"I like how this offers a comfortable, creamy application with a soft, satiny matte finish. While it may not last through a meal without a touch-up, it's pleasantly wearable for daily use. The color is versatile and suitable for various occasions. This budget-friendly option is now a part of my lipstick collection."


protip_icon Pro Tip

To keep your gray lipstick looking sharp and prevent it from bleeding, use a lip liner in a matching or complementary shade.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 2,892 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

5. Best Semi-Matte Finish:Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Smoke

Smoke by Anastasia Beverly Hills is a moderately cool-toned, medium gray shade that gives a velvety semi-matte finish. The creamy and intensely pigmented lip color sits perfectly on the lips and does not settle in fine lines. This versatile gray lipstick delivers a fade-resistant color and a demi-matte finish, ideal for bold makeup. Although the lipstick is denser and thicker than other brands, it doesn’t make your lips feel heavy. Reviewers have also praised it for being long-lasting and non-bleeding. The heart-shaped bullet offers excellent control over the application.

Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 1 inches | Weight: 0.95 Ounces

Pros

  • Goes on smooth
  • Long-lasting
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Comfortable wear
  • Highly pigmented

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This lipstick has a saturated color payoff that gives long-lasting wear. The matte finish is a bit drying, so I use an untinted lip balm along with it. It does not bleed or smudge easily but reapplication makes the color more impactful."


6. Best Pleasing Fragrance:Manic Panic Glamnation – Alien

4
Manic Panic Glamnation - Alien Image: Manic Panic

The Glamnation Alien Lipstick by Manic Panic is a dark and cool slate gray shade enriched with antioxidants to repair and rejuvenate your lips. It is a trendy choice, formulated with natural moisturizers that nourish your dry and pale lips. The lightweight formula has a texture that helps you get runway-inspired lips. The lipstick makes your lips look bold and grab everyone’s attention. The super creamy texture glides on your lips effortlessly and feels comfortable. Pair it with a gray lip liner for the best results.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Color: After Midnight | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Goes on smooth
  • Gluten-free
  • Talc-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Smudges easily
  • Feels sticky

My Personal Experience

"I like the gothic appeal of this lipstick shade. It lasts long and is also very pigmented. It is ideal for those who value endurance in performance or long-wear needs. It is creamy and hydrating but feathers a bit at the edges. The packaging is attractively quirky too."


7. Best Silky Finish:Maybelline New York Color Sensational – Concrete Jungle

4.2
Now 22% Off

The Maybelline New York Concrete Jungle shade from the brand’s Color Sensational series is a gothic lipstick. It has a pure matte formula made with 2x more mattifying powders. It has a creamy texture and delivers a silky finish. This lipstick is travel-friendly and the shade goes well with every skin tone and creates a smoky appearance. It feels exceptionally light and hides all the pigmentation pretty well. It is one of the best gray non-drying lipsticks that never highlights dry patches.

Skin Type: All | Color: Conacrete Jungle | Product Dimensions: 0.87 x 0.87 x 2.99 inches | Weight: 0.64 Ounces

Pros

  • Doesn’t transfer
  • Glides easily
  • Moisturizing
  • Highly pigmented

Cons

  • Stains
  • Not long-lasting

My Personal Experience

"The lipstick has a hydrating formula that keeps my lips smooth throughout the day. It may need a mid-day reapplication to maintain the vividness, but the formula does not feather or smudge easily. The lipstick looks flattering and does not smell too bad."


8. Best Smudge-Resistant: REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick

4.2
REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick Image: Revlon

The Revlon’s ColorStay Matte Lipstick in the shade 019 Moonlight is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make a statement with their urban-style makeup. This luxurious lipstick has been formulated with agave, moringa oil, and capuacu butter to help keep your lips hydrated and moisturized while providing long-lasting color. The velvety matte formula glides on effortlessly in one swipe, leaving behind an intense pigment and enhanced beauty that won’t fade away throughout the day.

Skin Type: All | Color: 019 Moonlight | Product Dimensions: 0.75 x 0.75 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.74 Ounces.

Pros

  • Hydrating
  • Non-drying
  • Comfortable wear
  • Lightweight
  • Fade-proof
  • Smudge-resistant

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"I like how this lipstick delivers rich color, perfect for a statement lip. The matte finish is comfortable throughout the day. The texture is soft and it glides easily on the lips without any tugging."


9. Best Fade-Proof:Covergirl Melting Pout Matters – Gray Matter – 355

3.6

This award-winning lipstick from Covergirl has a gel formula that lasts longer than 24 hours. The Gray Matter shade looks stunning on lighter skin tones. It has a pleasant scent that makes your lips feel fresh and healthy. The highly pigmented formula provides full coverage in just one stroke. This mauve-gray lipstick glides smoothly on the lips and is completely transfer-proof. You can wear this lipstick with a light pink highlighter, kajal, and mascara for a glam look. Reviewers suggest the application of double layers to get an opaque finish.

Product Dimensions: 0.68 x 0.68 x 4.56 inches | Weight: 0.12 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Fade-proof
  • Lightweight
  • Vegan
  • Moisturizing
  • Goes on smooth
  • Highly pigmented

Cons

  • May look patchy

My Personal Experience

"The shade is perfect for regular wear and I also like its distinct scent. The smooth application is a plus, though a bit of patience is required for building up to full coverage with a second coat. It also has good lasting power and holds up fairly well through meals. It's a good option for a lasting, soft lip look."


10. Best Moisturizing:Blood Mary – Charcoal Grey

3.9
Blood Mary - Charcoal Grey Image: Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary Lipstick is formulated with a unique color to make you stand out from the crowd. The richly pigmented lipstick has a creamy texture that glides smoothly on the lips and lasts for more than 8 hours without fading or staining. It is the best attention-grabbing lipstick made by Bobbie Weiner, a renowned makeup artist. The expertly crafted creamy, bold gray lipstick sets perfectly in one glide and offers buildable coverage.

Skin Type: All | Color: Charcoal Grey

Pros

  • High color payoff
  • Goes on smooth
  • Long-lasting
  • No fading

Cons

  • May dry your lips

My Personal Experience

"This lipstick offers rich pigmentation and a lasting stain effect. It's creamy and not drying, and can be a bit stubborn to remove. It's good for adding a pop of fun on special occasions and also excels as part of a costume ensemble."


11. Best UV Protection:Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit – Gunmetal Heart

3.7
Now 33% Off

The Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit leaves your lips with a multi-dimensional metallic finish, perfect for showcasing your makeup artistry skills. It is infused with macadamia extract, which prevents moisture loss and makes your lips soft and supple. The vitamin E in the formula acts as an antioxidant and protects your lips from environmental damage. You can wear this statement-making liquid lipstick alone or layer it with other lip colors.

Skin Type: All | Color: Gunmetal Heart | Product Dimensions: 0.75 x 0.75 x 3.62 inches | Weight: 0.2 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • UV protection
  • Non-drying
  • Comfortable wear
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Hard to apply
  • Dries out the lips

My Personal Experience

"This metallic shade has a unique tint that really pops. The lipstick dries quickly on the lips and I generally use a moisturizing balm before application. It also excels as a top coat over a solid base for extra dimension and for creating ombre effects."


12. Best Buildable Coverage:J Matte Lipstick – Graylite

3.8

The J Matte Lipstick has a bullet lipstick formula. It offers an intense color payoff with buildable coverage and gives you a natural no-makeup look with a luxurious shine. It has a waterproof formula that doesn’t fade or transfer for more than 6 hours. The moisturizing gray lipstick keeps your lips hydrated and makes them smooth and supple.

Skin Type: All | Color: Graylite

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Waterproof
  • Transfer-proof
  • Fade-proof

Cons

  • Smudges easily
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The gray shades vary – some lean towards neutral, while others are stormy dark. The following buying guide will help you find the right shade that will not only flatter your look but also keep your lips nourished.

How To Choose The Best Gray Lipstick

  • Check The Formula

Look for organic lipsticks since they are made of skin-friendly botanical ingredients that do not cause any damage to the lips.

  • Longevity

Go for a lipstick with a long-lasting formula since it saves your time in reapplying and multiple touch-ups. Also, ensure it is smudge-proof, fade-proof, and transfer-proof. Check online reviews and find out what people experience to get a better understanding of its performance.

  • Hydrating

Our lips often become dry, especially during the winters. So, to make them hydrated, look for a lipstick that contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula oil, coconut oil, glycerine, etc. All these ingredients heal your lips naturally and keep them hydrated for long by creating a barrier against moisture loss to deliver exceptional results.

  • Lightweight

The heavy lipstick formulas can ruin your look as they tend to become cakey and make you feel uncomfortable. Therefore, go for weightless or lightweight lipsticks.

  • Ingredients To Avoid 

Ensure the lipstick does not contain parabens, silicones, mineral oils, and artificial dyes and fragrances as they might irritate the lips.

  • Skin Tone

Generally, gray lipsticks flatter cool tones and complement medium skin tones. Figure out your skin undertone and then opt for a gray shade.

Infographic: Makeup Looks That Go Well With A Gray Lipstick

Gray lipsticks offer a unique and unconventional twist to traditional makeup looks. These edgy hues can help you create a statement. From rosy blushes for warmth to bold eyeliners for drama, discover the makeup looks that complement a gray lipstick in the infographic below. Check it out.

Makeup Looks That Go Well With A Gray Lipstick (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Lipsticks are a big part of the makeup world as they play a crucial role in adding a quick dash of glam to every look. While reds, browns, purples, pinks, and nudes are most experimented with and used by women all over, the perfect shade of gray balances a look and can make you stand apart from the crowd. You can wear the gray shade independently or mix it with other shades to get the desired attractive look. But, the color best matches a minimalist look. The NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick is a great choice as its creamy texture and striking hue suits all skin tones, while the Mynena Waterproof Matte Liquid Lipstick has a non-drying formula with a velvety finish. Try the Manic Panic Glamnation for a bold statement during special occasions. It has a smooth formula with a metallic finish. Always consider investing in smudge-resistant and transfer-proof lipsticks that are safe for the skin and do not dry your lips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does gray lipstick look good on dark skin tone?

Yes, gray looks fantastic on dark skin tones. The darker the skin tone, the lighter the gray lipstick you should choose.

Is gray lipstick in style?

Yes. Gray lipstick is comparatively new to the fashion world, but more and more people are trying this color to complement their mood and outfit according to the occasion of the day.

Does gray lipstick look good on pale skin?

Absolutely yes! Gray lipstick will look good on pale skin especially if you want to pull off a gothic look but don’t want a color as bold as black on your lips.

Does gray lipstick look good on brown skin?

Yes, gray lipstick will look good on your skin if you have light brown complexion.

Can you wear gray lipstick to a wedding?

Yes, gray lipstick will look good with a pink or orange outfit.

How do you wear gray lipstick?

Start with a lip primer or a hydrating balm. Apply a lip liner on the outlines of your lips. Swipe the lipstick tupe or use a brush to coat your lips in grey color. Keep the rest of your makeup fresh to make your grey lips pop.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is an expert in makeup artistry and loves writing comprehensive articles on the same. She has a keen interest in experimenting with different makeup products. After thorough research and analysis of numerous reviews and user feedback on multiple forums, she has curated a list of the best gray lipstick shades for her readers. These products are lightweight, long-lasting, and cruelty-free.


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