10 Best Vampy Lipsticks, As Per Makeup Artist + Reviews & Buying Guide

Add some drama and glam to your Halloween look with uniquely gothic lippies!

Reviewed by Mary Ajaka, Makeup Artist Mary Ajaka Mary AjakaMakeup Artist insta_icon
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
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If you are game to channel your inner vamp or make a statement, you must have the best vampy lipsticks by your side. Can’t wait to get freaky with these shades? Read our list of the top favorites and sport your favorite hue all year round! From bloody reds to mocha brown, gothic plum, to dark brick, our wide range of vampy lipsticks is guaranteed to make you feel freaky and sexy, all at the same time.

Top Picks
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Best Overall:Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Mocha Inventor
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Best Pigmented:L'Oreal Colour Riche Satin Lipstick – 860 Spice
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Best Cruelty-Free:Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick – Video Vixen
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Best Long-Lasting:Kuckian Lipstick – Vampy Plum
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Best Matte Finish:Nicka K New York Matte Lipstick – Dark Brick
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Best Nourishing:Milani Amore Matte Metallic Lip Crème - Vampy Matte
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Best Hue:Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick – Merlot
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Best Non-Toxic:Mented Semi Matte Lipstick – Mented #5
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Best Velvety Finish:Aromi Matte Liquid Lipstick – Gothic Plum
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Best Coverage:Yves Saint Laurent Vernis A Levres Vinyl Cream Lip Stain – Rouge Vinyle
Price on Amazon
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What Are Vampy Lipstick Shades?

Vampy lipstick shades are dark colors that are perfect for fall as the cold weather holds your makeup beautifully. In addition to oxblood and wine, rich plums, dramatic burgundies, bronzy chocolates, or even straight-up black lipsticks are some shades that can give you a vampy-goth look, no matter what time of the year it is.

Let’s now take a look at the best vampy lipstick colors to channel your inner emo girl.

10 Best Vampy Lipsticks Of 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide

1. Best Overall:Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Mocha Inventor

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4.4
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Mocha Inventor Image: Maybelline New York

If you are feeling moody and want to sport a goth look, this liquid lipstick from Maybelline New York is a must-try. Mocha Inventor is a bold lipstick shade from the exclusive Coffee Edition with highly pigmented hues. It leaves behind a stunning matte finish, perfect for your late-night parties. This no-transfer formula from the celebrity-endorsed brand does not stain your glass every time you take a sip. This long-lasting pigmented lipstick stays put for 16 hours and has a delectable coffee scent. Its unique narrow applicator ensures effortless application for a flawless look. This can easily be one of the favorite lipsticks of any makeup artist. To get a better understanding of this dark lipstick shade, check out this video that features the tester’s experience of using it.

Skin Type: AllColor: 275 MOCHA INVENTOR | Product Dimensions: 0.72 x 0.72 x 4.42 inches | Weight: 1.27 Ounces.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Transfer-proof
  • Highly pigmented
  • Easy to apply
  • Easy to remove

Cons

  • May dry the lips

My Personal Experience

"I love the dark coffee shade of this lipstick. It stays put for hours without fading. The liquid lipstick has a precise applicator that coats my lips entirely in one swipe. The formula leaves my lips looking smooth and plump. It is easy to remove as well."


2.Best Pigmented:L’Oreal Colour Riche Satin Lipstick – 860 Spice

Are you looking for some fall makeup lipstick suggestions? This one is just the right for you! With this vampy lipstick from L’Oreal Paris, bold lips are just one stroke away. This classic bullet lipstick offers a rich color payoff and intensely hydrates your lips. The formula is enriched with omega 3, vitamin E, and argan oil. It softens the lips and leaves them looking bold yet ethereal with a satin finish. Spice is a rich maroon shade with warm undertones and goes well with almost all ranges of skin tones. Check out this review video to explore a reviewer’s experience with this lipstick to get more information on it.

Skin Type: AllColor: Spice | Product Dimensions: 0.81 x 0.81 x 3.02 inches | Weight: 0.13 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-drying
  • Highly pigmented
  • Goes on smooth
  • Creamy finish
  • Does not bleed
  • Smudge-free
  • Does not feather

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This lipstick glides smoothly on my lips, covering them entirely. The color complements my skin tone and gives my lips a bold look. The color stays put for hours without smudging or transferring. What I like the most about this lipstick is that it nourishes my lips as well."


3. Best Cruelty-Free:Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick – Video Vixen

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4.1

This liquid matte lipstick from Wet n Wild imparts a deep dark hue with a gorgeous color payoff. It is lightweight, highly pigmented, hydrating, and stays on without budging all through the day. Video Vixen is a mauvy shade that glides on smoothly to impart a matte finish. What’s more? This product is also not tested on animals, ensuring a guilt-free experience. If you want to know more about the benefits of this edgy makeup product, check out this quick review on YouTube.

Skin Type: AllColor: Video Vixen

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Highly pigmented
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Sticky
  • Patchy

protip_icon Pro Tip
Exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush or a lip scrub to remove dead skin cells and get smooth soft lips to apply the vampy lipstick without any crack or dry patch.

Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Mocha Inventor
Best Overall
L'Oreal Colour Riche Satin Lipstick – 860 Spice
Best Pigmented
Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick – Video Vixen
Best Cruelty-Free
Skin Type AllColor AllColor AllColor
Dimensions 0.72 x 0.72 x 4.42 inches 0.81 x 0.81 x 3.02 inches -
Weight 1.27 Ounces. 0.13 Ounces-
Rating
Reviews9,61725,5083,545
Price$11.75$6.97$4.99

4. Best Long-Lasting:Kuckian Lipstick – Vampy Plum

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4.2
Kuckian Lipstick – Vampy Plum Image: Kuckian Cosmetics

The shade Vampy Plum from Kuckian is perfect for a goth makeup look any time of the year. This cult-classic, 100% vegan dark lip color provides 12-hour-long wear with a velvety touch. It dries off quickly, offering a finish to die for. The antioxidant-rich formula protects the lips from free radical damage, while vitamin E and moisturizing oils keep your lips hydrated. This statement-making lipstick comes with two precision applicators to give you a picture-perfect pout.

Skin Type: AllColor: VAMPY PLUM

Pros

  • Ultra-long-lasting
  • Highly pigmented
  • Transfer-proof
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-drying
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Comes with complimentary brushes

Cons

  • None

5. Best Matte Finish:Nicka K New York Matte Lipstick – Dark Brick

Dark Brick from Nicka K New York has a non-drying formula that offers a luxuriously comfortable wear Its long-lasting matte color does not budge. Thanks to its creamy texture, the lipstick glides smoothly on your lips, delivering exceptional results. It gives your lips a plush velvety feeling for an apt winter makeup look! The richly pigmented formula boosts your glam quotient.

Skin Type: AllColor: Ny405

Pros

  • Highly pigmented
  • Goes on smooth
  • Non-drying
  • Comfortable on the lips

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This lipstick gives me a striking look. The formula glides smoothly on my lips, enhancing their shape. It does not wear off easily or dry out my lips. It comes in a small tube that I can carry with me. The formula also never irritates my lips."


worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 942 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

6. Best Nourishing:Milani Amore Matte Metallic Lip Crème – Vampy Matte

Fuel your self-expression and bring out your inner diva with this iconic vampy shade from Milani Amore. It has a nourishing liquid-to-matte formula that dries to a velvety finish, making your lips look fuller. This luxe lip crème is vegan and has a non-sticky texture that glides smoothly to give a look of seductive lips. It stays for 16 hours without budging and is transfer-proof. This affordable lipstick is easy to apply due to its double-sided flexible plush applicator.

Skin Type: AllColor: Vampy Matte | Product Dimensions: 0.69 x 0.69 x 4.13 inches | Weight: 0.81 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Transfer-resistant
  • Nourishing
  • Non-sticky
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Does not go on smooth

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a lip liner, a few shades darker or lighter than your vampy lipstick, to give your lips a fuller and plumper look.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,052 reviews claiming its efficacy.

7. Best Hue:Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick – Merlot

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3.8
Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick – Merlot Image: Gerard Cosmetics

This amazing blend of red and berry is an incredible vampy shade that flatters all skin tones. It is perfect for night outs or when you want to try out something bold. The smooth satin lip color stays on for a long time and is extremely lightweight. This berry shade is highly pigmented and goes opaque while offering a classic look that suits your mood and occasion. It is also not tested on animals, making it a good choice for animal lovers.

Color: Merlot

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Moisturizing
  • Cruelty-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Satin finish
  • Goes on smooth
  • Highly pigmented

Cons

  • None

8. Best Non-Toxic:Mented Semi Matte Lipstick – Mented #5

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4.3
Semi-Matte Nude Pink Brown Lipstick, Mented Image: Mented

Mented#5 is a purple-brown blend that is perfect to boost your glam quotient, whether you are heading for an office meeting or simply glamming up for selfies. This vampy lipstick from Mented enhances your appearance with the statement lip look and emphasizes your bright smile. The shade is tried and tested by various women, proving that it flatters every skin tone. Its extremely hydrating formula moisturizes your lips to keep them flake-free. Furthermore, it is free of animal testing and thus is a good choice for ethically conscious customers.

Skin Type: AllColor: Mented #5 | Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 1 inches | Weight: 0.81 Ounces.

Pros

  • Hydrating
  • Lightweight
  • Non-toxic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply a few drops of natural oil like coconut oil before using a makeup wipe to remove the semi-matte vampy lipstick, breaking down the color for easy removal.

9. Best Velvety Finish:Aromi Matte Liquid Lipstick – Gothic Plum

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4.2
Aromi Matte Liquid Lipstick – Gothic Plum Image: Aromi

Your Halloween makeup look is all sorted with the Gothic Plum shade from Aromi. This black plum color with blue undertones is great for cooler skin tones. Its creamy glossy texture dries up faster to give your lips a velvety touch and an incredible matte finish. This cool-toned vegan lipstick is super lightweight, highly pigmented, and feels comfortable on the lips. Quite the best for a gothic makeup look and statement-making appearance!

Skin Type: AllColor: Gothic Plum

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Highly pigmented
  • Long-lasting
  • Opaque
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This bright plum lipstick looks stunning on me. It feels lightweight on my lips and stays put for hours. The formula does not make my lips dry or cause flakiness. It wipes off my lips easily with some micellar water."


10. Best Coverage:Yves Saint Laurent Vernis A Levres Vinyl Cream Lip Stain – Rouge Vinyle

Want to look risqué in your statement makeup look? Try out this high-end lipstick from the celebrity-favorite brand. This glossy lip stain has a hydrating formula that nourishes dry or chapped lips. This creamy formula offers a rich color payoff and stays put for 10 hours without fading or feathering. The luxuriously soft diamond-shaped applicators ensure easy and precise application with full coverage and a shiny finish.

Product Dimensions: 1 x 0.2 x 0.2 inches | Weight: 0.18 Ounces

Pros

  • Highly pigmented
  • Non-drying
  • Long-lasting
  • Does not feather or fade

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This formula feels comfortable on my lips. It has a precise applicator that coats my lips entirely. The reddish-orange shade looks stunning on me. It lasts well on my lips without smudging. It does take some time to dry on my lips but the result is fantastic."


*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.

Dark lips can be intimidating, but they are a great way to switch up your look. Want to know how to choose a vampy lip color as per your skin tone? Take a look at the section below!

How Do You Choose A Vampy Lipstick According To Your Skin Tone?

A lip color with a blue base would work wonders for cooler undertones, while something with a yellow base would render impeccable results for those with warmer undertones. Those with medium tan skin must look out for reddish-brown and plum hues. Dark lip colors like deep maroon or deep burgundy colors would be a good bet for olive skin tones, and bold shades like dark chocolate brown or deep purple lipstick go well with deep skin tones.

The Bottom Line

Vampy lipsticks are your best bet if you want to go bold and vibrant with your lip color. They add a unique element to your overall look. The Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Mocha Inventor offers a transfer-proof formula and easy removal, while the Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick – Video Vixen is highly-pigmented and hydrating. The Mented Semi Matte Lipstick – Mented #5 is non-flaking and suits every skin tone. The shades listed in this article will not only make heads turn but also keep those lips hydrated and prevent them from getting chapped. Each of these lip colors is highly pigmented and long-lasting. From oxblood and wine to rich plums, dramatic burgundies, bronzy chocolates, or even black lipsticks, you will find a pick based on your preferences. While choosing a vampy lip color, make sure you consider the undertone! If you have sensitive, flaky lips, buy a dermatologist-tested formula that is free of chemical toxins. Additionally, remember to read the customer reviews before purchasing a product to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to wear dark lipstick casually?

1. Select the shade considering your skin’s undertone.
2. Select the finish – glossy or matte. Choose matte for daytime and glossy for evenings.
3. Exfoliate your lips to get rid of flakes so that you get a smooth base.
4. Moisturize your lips with a lip balm to avoid a cakey look.
5. Once you are done prepping your lips, apply the lipstick. Apply the lip color, line your lips with a matching lip liner for the perfect finish, blot with a tissue, powder lightly, and add a little bit more color – and you are done!
6. Balance out the dramatic makeup look by keeping your makeup simple. Choose a light and dewy foundation for a flawless backdrop.
Pro Tip: If you are stepping out for an evening date or party, pair your dark lips with bold makeup to achieve a statement-making, gorgeous look.

What skin tone does vampy lipstick look good on?

Hints of brown, caramel, and blue go well with medium, dusky, and olive tones. Pink and deep blue lipstick look good on warmer undertones.

What does vamp mean in fashion?

Vamp fashion is loosely related to vampires and refers to wearing dark clothes and lipsticks. The ‘vamp look’ took its name because of the similarity between the heavy, almond-shaped eyes and the dark-lined eyes of a vampire. Blood-red lipstick and soot-black eyes reflect the real essence of vamp fashion.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She has curated this list of the best vampy lipsticks after carefully browsing through online reviews and trying some of the products out herself. Her list features lipsticks that are available in red, mocha brown, and gothic plum shades. Not only are these vampy lipsticks transfer-proof, long-lasting, and easy to apply, but they’re also highly pigmented, smudge-proof, and glide on smoothly.

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Mary Ajaka
Mary AjakaMakeup Artist
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.

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Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

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Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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