It’s dark. It’s moody.
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through beauty forums or TikTok in the last few years, you’ve definitely seen that sleek black and gold tube. Revlon Black Cherry lipstick is basically the elder statesman of the drugstore aisle. It launched back in the 1950s—though some historians and vintage collectors point to its true surge in the "Super Lustrous" line during the 70s—and it hasn't left the shelves since. That’s a wild run for a product that costs less than a fancy latte.
Most trends die in six months. This one? It’s immortal.
Honestly, the "vampy lip" comes and goes every autumn like clockwork, but people always find their way back to this specific shade of deep, oxblood purple. It’s not just about the price. It’s about that weird, specific magic that happens when a pigment works on almost every single skin tone, from the pale "goth-chic" look to deep, rich complexions where it translates as a sophisticated berry.
The Science of the Super Lustrous Formula
Let’s get technical for a second without being boring. The Super Lustrous line uses what Revlon calls "LiquiSilk" technology. Essentially, they’re suspending pigments in a silk-enriched mega-moisturizer that contains aloe and vitamin E.
It’s a crème finish. Not a matte.
This matters because deep shades like Revlon Black Cherry lipstick are notoriously difficult to formulate. If you go too matte, the dark pigment settles into every fine line on your lips, making you look like you’ve been drinking ink. If it’s too sheer, it looks patchy and uneven. Revlon’s formula hits a sweet spot where it has enough "slip" to feel comfortable but enough pigment density to actually show up.
Is it perfect? No. Because it’s so creamy, it can feather. You’ve probably noticed that if you wear it for more than three hours without a liner, the edges start to look a little fuzzy. That’s the trade-off for not having your lips feel like a desert.
Why the Color "Black Cherry" is Chemically Unique
Color theory is a trip. Most "dark" lipsticks use a heavy base of brown or black pigments to reach that depth. Black Cherry is different. It relies on a very high concentration of blue and red lakes. This creates a "cool-toned" depth.
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When you apply it, you’ll notice it doesn't look like a muddy brown. It looks like a crushed fruit. On someone with cool undertones, the purple pops. On someone with warm undertones, the deep red balances out the skin's yellow or olive hues. It's a chameleon.
The "Black Honey" Comparison and the Patchiness Myth
We have to address the elephant in the room: Clinique Black Honey. People often compare the two because they’re both "cult classics" in the dark fruit category.
They are nothing alike.
Black Honey is a sheer balm; Revlon Black Cherry lipstick is a full-coverage pigment bomb. If you go into Black Cherry expecting a light tint, you’re going to be shocked when your lips turn a dark, moody plum.
One of the biggest complaints you see on Reddit or makeup blogs is that Black Cherry is "patchy."
Here is the truth: dark lipsticks are hard work. If your lips are even slightly dry, the pigment clings to the dead skin cells. Because the pigment is so dark, the contrast between the stained skin and the dry spots is huge. To get it to look like the professional swatches you see on Instagram, you have to prep.
Exfoliate first. Use a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub.
Apply a light layer of balm, let it sink in for five minutes, and then blot it off. If you leave the balm on, the lipstick will just slide around and create those patches everyone hates.
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Real World Wearability: Does it Actually Stay On?
It's a traditional bullet lipstick. It's not a liquid matte that you have to scrub off with sandpaper. It will transfer to your coffee cup. It will smudge if you eat a burger.
But here’s the thing—it stains.
Even after the "cream" part of the lipstick wears off, the high concentration of dye leaves a berry-colored tint on the lips. This is actually a feature, not a bug. It means you don't get that "butthole lip" look where the center of your mouth is naked and the edges are dark.
For the best results, use a lip liner. You don't even need a matching one. A clear wax liner works wonders to stop the "feathering" where the color bleeds into the tiny lines around your mouth. If you want to go full 90s, use a dark brown liner and blend it into the Black Cherry.
Celebrities and the Pop Culture Legacy
This isn't just a "cheap" option. Professional makeup artists like Lisa Eldridge and Mary Greenwell have famously used Revlon in their kits for decades. It’s been seen on countless red carpets because, under harsh camera flashes, the "Super Lustrous" finish looks more like real skin than a flat matte does.
It’s been the go-to for "vampire" aesthetics in film for years. If a character needs to look sophisticated but dangerous? Black Cherry. If they need to look like a 1920s flapper? Black Cherry.
The Best Ways to Style Revlon Black Cherry Lipstick
- The "Clean Girl" Twist: Keep the rest of your face almost bare. Just some brow gel, a bit of mascara, and the lipstick. It makes the dark color look modern and intentional rather than "costume-y."
- The Blotted Stain: Instead of swiping it on directly, tap the bullet onto your lips with your finger. This creates a "just ate a bowl of cherries" look that is much more wearable for the office.
- The High-Shine Glossy Look: Layer a clear gloss over the top. It makes the lips look incredibly plump and editorial, though be warned: it will move around more.
Acknowledging the Limitations
Let’s be real for a second. If you have very thin lips, extremely dark colors like this can make them look even smaller. That’s just physics. Dark colors recede; light colors bring things forward.
If you’re worried about that, try overlining just a tiny bit with a liner that matches your natural lip color before putting on the Black Cherry. And if you’re someone who hates re-applying makeup throughout the day, this might not be your holy grail. You will have to touch this up after lunch.
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Actionable Tips for the Perfect Application
To get the most out of Revlon Black Cherry lipstick, follow this specific workflow.
First, apply one thin coat. Blot it with a single ply of tissue. This "sets" the first layer of pigment into the skin. Then, take a small amount of translucent setting powder on a fluffy brush and lightly dust it through the tissue onto your lips.
Apply the second coat.
This sandwich technique creates a much more durable finish that resists smudging. Also, always check your teeth. Dark purples love to migrate to your front teeth. The old "finger in the mouth" trick (where you put your finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull it out) is mandatory here to remove any excess product from the inner rim of your lips.
If you’ve struggled with this shade in the past, try changing your lighting. This color looks completely different under fluorescent office lights (where it can look a bit "bruise-like") versus warm evening light (where it looks incredibly romantic). It's a nighttime powerhouse.
Ultimately, the reason this specific tube survives every rebranding and every "new" formula Revlon tries to launch is simple: it’s a classic for a reason. It’s affordable, the packaging doesn't feel cheap, and the color is a piece of makeup history.
Grab a tube, find a mirror, and don't be afraid to go a little darker than usual. It’s only lipstick, after all. You can always wipe it off, but you probably won't want to.