ICYMI, black cherry lips are all the rage for 2025. What started as an elegant, moody nail trend over the summer has officially found permanent real estate on our pouts. Just take it from Pinterest, which predicts a “cherry-coded” year, according to its annual trend report, or the multiple makeup brands that have recently spotlighted a black cherry color story. (All eyes on you, Glossier!)
Makeup artists are certainly here for all the black cherry buzz. “Right now, I’m noticing a lot of deep, bold colors making their mark, particularly the resurgence of dark cherry lips,” celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang tells Who What Wear about the year’s trending makeup looks. “This deep, rich hue is stealing the spotlight in 2025, bringing a perfect blend of elegance and edge.” Black cherry emulates the boldness of a red without committing to crimson, it’s vampy without going full-on plum, and there are myriad ways you can iterate on it. “It’s being worn in various ways—from bold, full coverage to a more subtle, blotted stain that gives a touch of drama without being too overpowering,” notes Zhang.
All you need is the right lippie to play with, be it a swipe of high-shine gloss, a blur of matte lipstick, or a sheer, kissable balm. Great news! You can browse the chicest options below.
The Best Black Cherry Lip Products, at a Glance
The Best Black Cherry Lip Products to Try in 2025
1. Best Overall: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Clinique
Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Pros: Great for everyday wear, universally flattering formula, buildable pigment
Cons: Not as richly pigmented as other options
Type: Balm
Finish: Sheer, semi-glossy
We’ll start with arguably the most classic. Clinique’s Black Honey Almost Lipstick has been around since the ’70s, but it received quite the resurgence on TikTok after fans discovered its sheer, universally flattering raisin hue. It has a deep, plum pigment in the tube, yet it has the prettiest, just-bitten berry effect on the lips. It’s gorgeous—no wonder one tube is sold every three minutes. It definitely reads more sheer (something to note if you’re hoping for rich color payoff), but the hydrating, glossy finish is sublime for everyday wear.
Customer review: “I’ve been wanting to try this for ages. It mostly lives up to the hype for me. A nice subtle color, perfect for someone like me who prefers a balm or gloss over lipstick. The color is lighter than I expected but it’s really nice.”
Glossier
Balm Dotcom in Black Cherry
Pros: Nice scent and flavor, rich color payoff
Cons: Not as easy to control
Type: Balm
Finish: Glossy
Glossier’s new Black Cherry Balm Dotcom has the look and feel—and taste—of cherry jam. For a balm, it’s very pigmented. Friends have even asked me what lipstick I’m wearing on nights out, and they’re always surprised when I reveal Glossier’s ultra-hydrating formula. That said, a little goes a long way for me; I like to add just a touch to my bottom lip and use the applicator to spread an even layer across the entire surface area. The result? A glossy, blurred pout that’s the perfect shade of burgundy.
Customer review: “I loved the original Cherry Balm Dotcom and was sad when it was discontinued. I missed having a cherry option, so I was glad to learn about the new Black Cherry. I really love it. The shade is so pretty and it feels so nice and smooth on and smells good. Definitely a fan.”
3. Best Lip Oil: Typology Tinted Lip Oil
Typology Paris
Tinted Lip Oil in Black Cherry
Pros: Lightweight and non-sticky, great color payoff for a lip oil, long-lasting
Cons: Dries quickly
Type: Oil
Finish: Semi-glossy
This may be marketed as a lip oil, but I liken it to a highly pigmented stain. It has impressive long-wear, despite the sheer nature of the formula, and it deposits the prettiest kiss of cherry on my lips. The formula itself is also super lightweight. I can barely even tell I have it on!
Customer review: “Great product. Light, natural look, doesn’t stick, goes on gradually, moisturizes lips well and is pigmented enough to be visible. I’ll be buying more colors.”
4. Best Lipstick: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick
Dior
Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in Forever Night
Pros: Long-lasting, non-drying formula, easy glide
Cons: Not a ton of product in the tube
Type: Lipstick
Finish: Matte
Rouge Dior 999 is a classic, must-have red (just ask makeup artists), but I implore you not to sleep on this berry-black shade! The finish is gorgeous—a comfortable, non-drying matte—and it glides like a dream. The longevity is also quite impressive; this is a lipstick that doesn’t dare budge. A blurred, black cherry lip has never looked so chic.
Customer review: “So pretty. I love the color of this lipstick. I used it for a date night with my Husband. I would definitely recommend it. I want to add more colors of it to my makeup. Love all the colors and love how it stays and doesn’t smudge. Very kiss proof and stay proof.”
5. Best Budget: e.l.f. cosmetics Sheer Slick Lipstick
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Sheer Slick Lipstick in Black Cherry
Pros: Hydrating and full of shine, makes lips look incredibly juicy
Cons: Very sheer unless you apply multiple coats
Type: Lipstick (but feels more like a balm, IMO)
Finish: Semi-glossy
E.l.f.’s $5 black cherry lipstick rivals options five times its price. It’s sheer yet buildable, so you could easily achieve a rich, full-bodied color payoff with multiple swipes. I personally like just a touch for a soft wash of just-bitten berry.
Customer review: “So I really, really enjoy sheer lipsticks… because I usually tend to just go for more of a tint rather than a fully pigmented lipstick, and these feel absolutely wonderful on the lips. They have a nice shine to them after application, and the packaging is super cute and feels nice. Overall I just adore these and I will absolutely be buying the other colors from this line.”
6. Best Color Payoff: Jones Road The Lip Tint
Jones Road
The Lip Tint in Black Cherry
Pros: Very creamy and pigmented, softens lips
Cons: Can bleed out of the packaging
Type: Tinted balm
Finish: Semi-glossy
This color definitely has more purple undertones, which is perfect for those gunning for a moodier, vampier black cherry look. The tinted balm is super pigmented yet forgiving; it glides on effortlessly and perfectly traces the contours of your lips—no liner required.
Customer review: “The color is perfect for my complexion! Glides on easy… doesn’t clump during wear. The size and shape are perfect… I can even apply without a mirror! LOVE IT!”
7. Best Matte: Westman Atelier Lip Suede
Westman Atelier
Lip Suede Hydrating Matte Lipstick in Lou Lou
Pros: Soft and non-drying, doesn’t feather
Cons: Might be too cool-toned for some
Type: Lipstick
Finish: Matte
This velvety-matte lipstick is my go-to for a blurred, bitten finish. The formula is soft and lightweight (I honestly forget I have it on), and the cool-toned Lou Lou shade is such a head-turner. It even features a hidden mirror on the cap for on-the-go touch-ups. Gucci Westman, you think of everything.
Customer review: “First ever red lipstick purchase. This color is vibrant and gorgeous. The product feels luxurious and silky on the lips. I would definitely repurchase.”
8. Best Shine: Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Lure 175
Pros: Hydrating, glossy formula with impressive color payoff, has a refreshing sensation that plumps lips
Cons: Color can bleed from your natural lip line
Type: Balm
Finish: Glossy
Never has a tinted balm left me with such dramatic color payoff. If you’re looking for a high-shine, full-bodied tint that lasts hours, do yourself a favor and pick up this Hourglass cult favorite. It’s viral for a reason. I truly love every single shade I’ve tried, but this deep wine hue has a special place in my heart.
Customer review: “I’m seriously loving this glossy balm from Hourglass! It feels incredibly smooth on the lips and doesn’t dry them out, even after wearing it for hours. The color is highly pigmented, and the glossy finish looks amazing. Plus, it lasts a long time, so I don’t need to reapply frequently. I’m really impressed with it!”
9. Best Long-Lasting: Rituel de Fille Forbidden Lipstick
Rituel de Fille
Forbidden Lipstick in Fortune Teller
Pros: Long-lasting, rich color, smooth application
Cons: Might be too cool-toned for some
Type: Lipstick
Finish: Semi-matte
Rituel de Fille is known for its ethereal, witchy shades, and this oxblood berry lipstick is no exception. It has a glorious creamy texture with a semi-matte finish, and it’s honestly one of the most comfortable matte lipsticks I’ve tried. Bonus points for the lovely floral scent, which makes applying the bold color feel even more magical.
Customer review: “This is such a gorgeous blood red shade, super gothic and dark. I love it as an easy pick-up [for the] lip and the formula is just so smooth. I love [to] wear [it] throughout the day as well. It layers exceptionally well, and looks great!”
10. Best Drugstore: Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Plum
Burt’s Bees
Lip Shimmer in Plum
Pros: Refreshing peppermint scent
Cons: Doesn’t last as long as other options
Type: Balm
Finish: Semi-glossy
Burt’s Bees lip balms are cult classics, and this shimmery, wine-hued formula is especially divine. Like its name suggests, it has a subtle, light-reflecting effect that makes lips look even juicier. I’d buy them in every shade if I could (honestly, I’m pretty close!).
Customer review: “I’ve never had more people ask what lip color I’m wearing than when I wear this. It’s inexpensive and so pretty. My only complaint is I wish it stayed on longer.”
11. Best Splurge: Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick
Tom Ford
Lip Color Lipstick in Unzip
Pros: Unbelievably creamy texture, long-lasting
Cons: Pricey
Type: Lipstick
Finish: Satin
Name something chicer than a Tom Ford lipstick. I’m waiting! Celebs, editors, and makeup artists alike have all waxed poetic on Sable Smoke (a lovely warm pink), but this deep berry hue is such a sleeper hit. The color is rich and creamy, and it lasts impossibly long. However, I will say I adore it even more when it does fade. What can I say? I have a thing for a natural, berry-stained tint.
Customer review: “Love this color!!! Such a pretty package too, looks stunning on my vanity. The texture feels so rich and fancy, I love it! Definitely an addition to my lip color rotation!”
12. Best Multitasker: Les Filles en Rouje La Palette Signature
Les Filles en Rouje
La Palette Signature
Pros: Four gorgeous lipstick colors in one palette, elegant packaging, sheer, buildable formula
Cons: Requires a brush or finger application
Type: Lipstick
Finish: Satin
If you want to get more bang for your buck, I highly suggest copping this French lipstick palette. It’s created by It-girl Jeanne Damas, so you know the shades are creamy and effortlessly cool—especially that moody, black cherry hue on the bottom left. A bonus: You can dab them on your cheeks and lids, too, for a monochromatic cherry moment.
Customer review: “This palette (Signature) is absolutely stunning. The color range is perfect and the texture is like a balm on your fingers and feels like a balm on the lips but has amazing color payoff and sits down to a matte (leaning satin) really nicely throughout [the] day and doesn’t settle into fine lines on the lips. So classic, it’s going to be in my makeup bag from now until forever!”
