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.
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda, Vickie Winans, Jermaine Dupri, several US Presidents, authors, and politicians.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
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.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita 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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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani 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.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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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.
In This Article
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.
12 Best Gray Lipstick Shades – 2024 Update
1. Best Highly Pigmented: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.
Pros
- Goes on smooth
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Highly pigmented
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"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."
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
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.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Comfortable on the lips
- Goes on smooth
- Non-drying
Cons
- Needs multiple layers for full coverage
"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
The product has received 2,689 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best Waterproof:Mynena Waterproof Matte Liquid Lipstick – Alvira
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.”
Pros
- Waterproof
- Pleasing vanilla fragrance
- Transfer-proof
- Non-sticky
- Kiss-proof
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Difficult to remove
"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."
Quick TipFor 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 | |||
| Reviews | 19,904 | 2,689 | 3,174 |
| Price | $5.99 | $5 | $12.99 |
4. Best Lightweight:Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid – Sinful Stone
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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Highly pigmented
- Goes on smooth
Cons
- Sticky
"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."
Pro TipTo 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
With over 2,892 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
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.
Pros
- Goes on smooth
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-tested
- Comfortable wear
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- None
"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
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.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Goes on smooth
- Gluten-free
- Talc-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Smudges easily
- Feels sticky
"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
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.
Pros
- Doesn’t transfer
- Glides easily
- Moisturizing
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- Stains
- Not long-lasting
"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
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.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Non-drying
- Comfortable wear
- Lightweight
- Fade-proof
- Smudge-resistant
Cons
- None
"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
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.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fade-proof
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Moisturizing
- Goes on smooth
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- May look patchy
"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
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.
Pros
- High color payoff
- Goes on smooth
- Long-lasting
- No fading
Cons
- May dry your lips
"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
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.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- UV protection
- Non-drying
- Comfortable wear
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Hard to apply
- Dries out the lips
"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
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.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Transfer-proof
- Fade-proof
Cons
- Smudges easily
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.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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