I'm wondering how to do this. I tried using a color layer with the darkest red I could find on the palette, but the result is still just deep red rather than almost black. I tried a darken layer, but it's still way too red as well.

I'm wondering how to do this. I tried using a color layer with the darkest red I could find on the palette, but the result is still just deep red rather than almost black. I tried a darken layer, but it's still way too red as well.
A gradient map adjustment layer

If you can post a sample, we can give it a try.

Desaturate the lips at some point. The red will be gone.

Desaturate will not make it; need that and some curves or/and gradient map.

Desaturate the lips, add a new layer, set it to burn, paint on black, gaussian blur slightly and adjust the opacity to suit.

I'm wondering how to do this. I tried using a color layer with the darkest red I could find on the palette, but the result is still just deep red rather than almost black. I tried a darken layer, but it's still way too red as well.

Maybe this will help

Thanks for all the help! I tried all the methods.. now to decide on which approach I like best.