Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression, and ink on dark skin is undeniably beautiful. However, achieving the best results requires an understanding of melanin-rich skin and the techniques that work best for it. This isn’t about restrictions—it’s about recognizing the unique characteristics of darker skin tones to create stunning, long-lasting tattoos. Here’s what we’ll cover:
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TATTOO FOR DARK SKIN
The first and most important step when getting a tattoo on dark skin is choosing an artist with experience working on a range of Black and brown skin tones. Tattooing melanin-rich skin requires specific techniques to ensure bold, clean results that complement your unique undertones. A skilled artist will understand how to enhance your skin’s natural beauty rather than working against it. To find the right fit, review their portfolio to see if they have successfully tattooed clients with a similar skin tone to yours.
For inspiration and guidance in finding an artist who specializes in darker skin tones, check out Ink the Diaspora. This platform showcases high-quality tattoos on melanated skin while also amplifying visibility for minorities in the tattoo industry.
While tattooing darker skin may require a slightly different approach than lighter skin, it is by no means more difficult or impossible. Unfortunately, many people with dark skin have been misled into thinking the process is more challenging or will result in lower-quality tattoos—but this is simply not true.
TATTOOING DARK SKIN VS LIGHT SKIN
Tattooing deeper skin tones involves specific techniques and color choices to ensure the design remains vibrant and visible. When ink is deposited into the dermis—the middle layer of skin—the epidermis (the outer layer) acts as a natural filter. The more melanin present, the less transparent this filter becomes, which can affect how lighter colors and fine lines appear on the skin.
That said, color tattoos are absolutely possible on Black and brown skin. The key is selecting bold, saturated hues that provide contrast, especially in the summer when your skin may be at its darkest. Shades like black, red, and green tend to show up well, but a skilled artist will guide you in choosing the best colors, shading techniques, and line thickness to bring your tattoo to life. Take a look at the 20 tattoos for black people that we have compiled to see how beautiful they are.
TRIED & TESTED: 10 BEST LIPSTICKS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
our wedding day is a moment etched in memory, a tapestry of joy, love, and picture-perfect moments. And amidst the flurry of preparations, one detail stands out: your lipstick. It’s the finishing touch, the pop of color that completes your bridal look, ensuring you radiate confidence and beauty as you walk down the aisle. But with countless shades and formulas vying for your attention, how do you choose the perfect one? Fear not, blushing bride! We’ve done the legwork for you, curating a definitive list of the 10 Best Tried & Tested Lipsticks for Your Wedding Day.
VIEVE MODERN MATTE LIPSTICK IN PROMISE – CULT BEAUTY
A chic nude with a soft sheen, encased in luxe leather-effect packaging with gold detailing.
From her beloved beauty collection, Jamie Genevieve created Promise as the perfect shade for her own wedding day. This dusky rose nude offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional pink bridal lips. For a softer, more natural effect, try dabbing it on with your fingertips for a delicate, kissable tint.
One reviewer raved, “I’ve been searching for the perfect nude for years, and this is the best one yet! Gorgeous formula, long-lasting but never drying. Highly recommend!”
MAC MATTE LIPSTICK IN VELVET TEDDY – LOOK FANTASTIC
An iconic nude shade that’s stood the test of time—rumored to be a Meghan Markle favorite.
This deep beige-warm nude is universally flattering and beloved by makeup lovers everywhere. True to MAC’s signature formula, it applies smoothly and feels comfortable on the lips.
Our own wear test revealed an ultra-smooth application, though a touch-up was needed throughout the day. However, the stunning formula makes reapplying a pleasure rather than a chore.
One reviewer praised its hydrating feel: “MAC lipsticks are unmatched. As someone with dry skin, I love that this formula never dries out my lips. Velvet Teddy is the ultimate nude wedding lipstick for a wide range of skin tones.”
PAT MCGRATH LABS MATTETRANCE LIPSTICK IN CHRISTY – SELFRIDGES
A sophisticated pinky-nude encased in ultra-glam packaging with signature gold lips.
This is the lipstick that broke the internet after Adele wore it for her iconic 2021 Vogue cover. Makeup artist Pat McGrath applied it by pressing the color into Adele’s lips with her fingertip, creating a long-lasting, softly blurred effect.
Beyond its luxurious feel, the standout packaging ensures the lid stays secure in your bag—practical and stylish. A must-have for any bridal beauty collection.
HUDA BEAUTY POWER BULLET MATTE LIPSTICK IN WEDDING DAY – ASOS
Highly pigmented with a plush matte finish, made for a wedding-day-worthy pout.
Designed with weddings in mind, this rich, full-coverage lipstick glides on effortlessly. Its unique pointed tip allows for precise application and effortless lip contouring.
Add this to your ASOS cart and thank us later—it’s the ideal shade for brides looking for a picture-perfect matte finish.
MAX FACTOR COLOUR ELIXIR LIPSTICK IN TOASTED ALMOND – SUPERDRUG
A budget-friendly nude with a satin finish and nourishing ingredients.
For a your-lips-but-better effect, Toasted Almond enhances your natural lip color while keeping them soft and moisturized. The antioxidant-rich formula, infused with Vitamin E, ensures a smooth, hydrated finish—ideal for all-day wear.
Perfect for brides who want to let their eye makeup shine while keeping their lips effortlessly chic.
BOBBI BROWN CRUSHED CREAMY COLORS FOR LIPS & CHEEKS IN LATTE
A multitasking beauty essential for a radiant, peachy-brown glow.
Love a versatile product? This creamy, buildable formula works seamlessly on both lips and cheeks, blending in effortlessly for a soft, natural flush. Latte is a peachy-brown hue that looks stunning on deeper skin tones and brides seeking a slightly deeper nude.
A must-have for touch-ups on your big day—keeping your bridal bag light and efficient.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY K.I.S.S.I.N.G LIPSTICK IN BITCH PERFECT
A peachy-nude bridal favorite, recommended by wedding makeup pros.
Renowned makeup artist Amy Rose Macdonald swears by Bitch Perfect for her bridal clients. “It may not sound like a wedding shade, but it’s by far the most popular choice. It’s the perfect nude with a hint of peach and a subtle satin finish—it screams bridal!”
She also recommends Runway Royalty for a soft rosy nude and Dance Floor Princess for bridesmaids—a universally flattering pinky nude.
RARE BEAUTY LIP SOUFFLÉ MATTE LIP CREAM IN CONFIDENT
A weightless, air-whipped formula that nourishes and enhances.
Rare Beauty has taken the beauty world by storm, and Confident is the perfect rose-pink shade for a fresh, romantic bridal look. With a velvety texture that keeps lips plump and hydrated, it’s an ideal pick for long-lasting wedding day wear.
GLOSSIER ULTRALIP IN VILLA
A dreamy balm-lipstick hybrid for effortless, everyday elegance.
Glossier dubs these “the cashmere sweatpants of lipstick,” and we couldn’t agree more. Villa is a dusty rose shade that delivers a sheer, buildable wash of color with the hydrating comfort of a balm—perfect for low-maintenance brides who want a natural, just-bitten flush.
Bonus: You don’t even need a mirror to apply!
CHARLOTTE TILBURY MATTE REVOLUTION LIPSTICK IN PILLOW TALK
A cult-favorite nude-pink with a velvety, kiss-proof finish.
This is the lipstick makeup lovers swear by, and it’s wedding-day approved. The soft, matte formula enhances lips with a plush, just-been-kissed effect—so much so that it was even used on Bridgerton to create Phoebe Bridgerton’s signature romantic look.
One tester, despite not being a fan of mattes, was thoroughly impressed: “I usually avoid matte lipsticks because they dry out so quickly, but this one stayed comfortable and soft. The color is subtle yet sophisticated, and it lasted for hours—perfect for a wedding!”
