The Best Makeup Looks for Black Hair According to Industry Experts

When styling black hair, the right makeup is key to enhancing natural features and creating a polished look. Here we explore some of the top makeup tips and styles recommended by professional makeup artists to beautifully bring out dark hair and complement different facial structures, skin tones, and eye colors. We also look at celebrity-inspired looks from Rihanna, Demi Moore, and others for additional inspiration.

1. Smokey Eyes

2. Bold Lips

3. The Natural Look

4. Winged Liner

5. Colored Eye Shadow

6. Bronze and Gold Tones

7. Statement Brows

8. Strategic Highlights

9. Wave Styles from Honest Hair Factory

A classic smokey eye look never goes out of style and works well for those with dark hair and light or dark eyes. Celebrity makeup artist Wayne Goss suggests using a soft black or gray eyeshadow blended along the lash line and crease for a subtle daytime look. For a sultry evening appearance, layer on more pigment and extend the shadow slightly past the outer corner of the eyes as Rihanna often does.

Don't be afraid to make a bold statement with your lip color when you have dark hair. Pinks, reds, plums, and berries all pair beautifully. Makeup pro Angie Parker recommends leaning into brighter and bolder shades to balance out dark features rather than tones that are too similar to your skin or hair. Go bold like Gabrielle Union or Rihanna for an eye-catching pop of color.

For a low-maintenance daytime look or when you want your features to shine without distracting makeup, focus on glowing skin, defined brows, and subtle touches of tinted moisturizer, cream blush and a glossy lip balm as Demi Moore often sports. This fresh-faced natural makeup flatters all.

Adding a flick of eyeliner automatically makes eyes look wider and more awake. Apply a thin line tightly along the lash line and flick it outward slightly past the inner and outer corners for a subtle lift as Vanessa Hudgens demonstrates. For evenings, extend the line into a long, thin wing for high-impact glamour.

Don't be afraid to experiment with colored shadow if you have dark hair and features. Pale skin tones can pull off light blues and silvers beautifully, while medium to deep complexions shine in jewel tones, purples, and forest greens. Make safe choices by sticking to the outer corners and lower lash lines as Lucy Hale does with plum shadow.

Demi Moore is a gorgeous example of how bronzy tones warm up cool or olive complexions. Dust bronzer on the eyelids and in the crease, sweeping it out slightly past the outer corner. Top with a dab of shimmering champagne or gold on the center of lids for an elegant glow. Bring same tones onto the cheeks too for harmonious radiance.

Well-groomed, defined brows frame the face and bring out features. Fill brows in slightly thicker for dark hair and let natural arches shine through like Rachel Weisz. For a higher-impact look that elongates eyes up and out, overdraw tail ends a touch longer as Cara Delevingne does.

Makeup artist Angie Parker says highlighting the right areas is key for darker skin tones and hair to look fresh, not ashy. Use creamy balms or gels sparingly on brow bone, cheekbone, cupid's bow and inner corners. Favor light golden shades over silvers. Gabrielle Union wears peach on her cheeks beautifully for a natural illuminated effect.

For supple waves and movement, the wave styles available at Honest Hair Factory offer versatile options to complement many hair and makeup looks. Their lace frontal body wave, loose wave, and deep wave wigs are crafted from premium virgin hair to last through many washes and styling sessions. The natural-looking swirls and bends add texture without frizz.

With the right products, tools and techniques, you can achieve stand-out hair whether real or a wig that enhances any beauty routine. Remember less is usually more - focus on one or two striking features to let natural features shine through. Have fun finding your signature look!