Style
Choosing the right make up for your complexion isn't supposed to be rocket science, yet it sure feels that way sometimes. As if color matching isn't already a mega struggle, hunting down the best foundations for dark skin can be a challenge when so many makeup aisles lack diversity.
Things can go downhill really fast when you're trying to find the perfect foundation shade. Wearing a base that's even the slightest bit too dark is a huge no-no. Choose a hue that's too light and say hello to Casper the friendly ghost. Even a shade with the wrong undertone can be the difference between model status and Oompa Loompa. Needless to say, picking the right foundation is a serious matter, whether you're a makeup maven or a beauty newbie. It's a search process that often ends in frustration and disappointment, especially for beauties with tan to deep skin tones.
Beauty stores don't always turn up slim pickings, however. There are plenty of women of color friendly makeup brands available that have brown babes covered. Actually securing your match-made-in-heaven shade will be another story, but starting with any of these 10 amazing foundations for deep skin is a great place to begin your foundation hunt.
1
Black Up Mattifying Fluid Foundation
Black Up Mattifying Fluid Foundation, $42, Sephora
Available in 18 shades, ranging from golden medium to deep ebony, Black Up's Mattifying Fluid Foundation is a woman of color's savior. This long-lasting formula offers medium coverage with an oil-free matte finish. Perfect for combination skin types, it's guaranteed to last for eight hours.
2
Iman Cosmetics Second To None Stick Foundation
Second To None Stick Foundation, $16, Amazon
If Iman Cosmetics' drugstore prices don't blow you away, then their foundation sticks surely will. Considering the mastermind behind the brand is international model Iman, you know the product is runway approved. Enriched with jojoba oil and antioxidant vitamins, this full coverage foundation nourishes the skin as it creates a flawless, even complexion. Find 14 melanin friendly shades with golden, neutral, and red undertones in Iman's collection.
3
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation
Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation, $47, Sephora
Make Lancome's Teint Idole Foundation your go-to for no makeup- makeup. It may be a full coverage base, but it's velvety matte finish ensures it'll apply smoothly for a natural look. Oily skin types rest assured that it won't fade because it boasts an oil-free formula. Stocked in a whopping 40 shades, you'll be sure to find your match.
4
Covergirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation
Natural Hue Compact Foundation, $10, Amazon
Covergirl's gift to brown beauties, the Queen Collection offers praiseworthy options for darker skin tones. From rich sand to true ebony, the 12-shade Natural Hue Compact Foundation features an oil-absorbing formula with light to medium coverage. A gem for all skin types, use it alone for flawless overage or over a liquid foundation for setting.
5
Koyvoca Classic Cream-To-Powder Foundation
Classic Cream-To-Powder Foundation, $16, Koyvoca.com
Making the brand a social media sensation, KoyVoca's Classic Foundation hits every tone on the deep end of the complexion spectrum with 21 different brown shades. A buildable, velvet matte formula, it applies silky smooth. This foundation leaves a natural, even glow behind.
6
Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation
True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation in "Carob", $12, Amazon
Work magic on your pores with this lightweight Black Opal foundation. Suitable for all skin types, this baby comes in 12 tan to deep hues. It's oil control properties ensures you'll keep a shine free, radiant appearance all day.
7
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, $46, Sephora
This cult-favorite pretty much does it all! Apply it lightly for a sheer finish or build it up to full coverage with ease. It's satin finish makes it ideal for creating a natural, non-cakey appearance. The Skin Finish Foundation Stick is formulated with olive extract and shea butter, it locks in moisture on dry skin, while oil-controlling minerals diminish shine. Available in 32 tones, there are plenty of options for darker makeup lovers.
8
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation, $35, Sephora
The mother of pigmented, full coverage makeup, Kat Von D's Lock-It Foundation hides blemishes, discoloration, and other imperfections like a boss. It's velvet matte finish is nearly bulletproof, lasting without touchups, no matter the elements or the wear and tear of your daily routine. Find this rockstar in 32 diverse shades.
9
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Luminous Silk Foundation, $64, Sephora
A pricier option that's so worth the moolah, Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is a cult-favorite for a reason. It glides seamlessly with a light to medium texture that'll drop your jaw. Find your match in its stock of 24 shades and you'll fall in love with this illuminating formula.
10
Black Radiance Pressed Powder
Pressed Powder in "Mocha", $12, Amazon
Oil absorbing and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, Black Radiance's pressed powder evens complexion and minimizes shine. With buildable coverage, it comes in 13 caramel to espresso hues. Feel free to even contour with it by opting for a shade darker than your complexion.
Choose the right foundation and the hard part will be over in your quest for makeup that suits dark skin. It only gets better from there!
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