Hey there Fashion Bomb Beauties!
Danielle here with a Beauty Bomb.
Although women of color can find pretty pigmented makeup colors for blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick/gloss, foundation can cause a bit of a panic. Many of our favorite makeup brands don’t cover the range of tones found in skin of color. Some brands even seem to think the darkest we come is Halle Berry or Beyoncé. But there are some outstanding brands that get it right. Let’s check some of them out:
1. Becca Cosmetics. I will sing the praises of Becca Cosmetics from the tallest mountain if I had to. This stuff is the truth! Anyone from Rihanna to Queen Latifah to Gabrielle Union to Kelly Rowland to Alek Wek can find their perfect shade in this Australian line of mostly foundations and concealers. Better yet, the foundations, concealers, and powders are designed to give you that airbrushed finish you see in magazines, but looks totally natural in person.
Their Stick Foundation, Compact Concealer, and Fine Loose Finishing Powder work on all skin types.
2. Black Opal. While on the search to find a very deep ebony shade for my makeup kit, my quest ended shortly just from a quick trip to Duane Reade for an unrelated purchase. I was so enamored with Black Opal’s True Color Liquid Foundation in Ebony Brown because it gave such a beautiful finish and was priced so right at just $8.95. They offer a range of foundations in several formulations to suit your skin type.
Black Opal products are available throughout the U.S. in selected CVS, Duane Reade, Rite Aid and Walmart stores. Go here to find out where to get it in the U.S. and beyond.
3. MAC Cosmetics. Whether you’re an NC (warm toned) or NW (cool toned) chances are you’ll find your perfect match at the tons of drool-worthy shades available at the MAC counter. Studio Fix Fluid may be your thing or Studio Tech might tickle your fancy, either way whether your skin is dry or oily or whether you want sheer or full coverage, MAC most likely has something for you.
4. Bobbi Brown. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown is known for her beautiful and natural makeup looks so naturally her makeup line offers foundations that do the same. Her foundations come in a wide range of skin tones and has formulas for every skin type.
5. Monavé Minerals. If you love the idea of mineral makeup, but have never had luck finding your shade, check out this brand. Monavé Minerals is micro-formulated using the highest quality minerals and botanicals sourced the world over. Naturally preserved and completely free of irritants, mineral makeup by Monavé is weightless and incredibly long-wearing. For women of color, Monavé Mineral Cosmetics has a range that suits any complexion. Their staff of makeup artists is dedicated to maintaining a product line that has colors, textures and formulas that address the cosmetic needs of African-American, Latin, Asian, and Middle-Eastern women.
What are your favorite foundations?
~Danielle
March 23, 2010 9:17 am
I want to try Monave
March 23, 2010 11:37 am
I’m surprised IMAN is not on the list!
March 23, 2010 12:00 pm
RIGHT NOW I AM USING MAKEUP FOREVER AND LOVE IT! MY SKIN TONE IS VERY HARD TO MATCH WITH MOST BRANDS SINCE I AM A CHOCOLATE CUTIE, BUT I LOVE MY MAKEUP FOREVER FROM SOPHORA!
March 23, 2010 3:07 pm
I actually use a brand of make-up called Aurale. I’ve been using their foundation, powder and cleanser since my teens so I’m not switching but I think this was a good list. It’s so sad that women of color still have trouble finding the right make-up brands.
March 23, 2010 3:29 pm
I used to use Prescriptives’ foundations, but sadly they’ve gone under. Currently, I’m trying a Clinique mineral foundation… it’ll do, for now.
March 23, 2010 4:24 pm
Clinique does have really good makeup for women of color. And I’m not just saying that because I’m an Insider. And their makeup isn’t just about matching skintones, it’s also about treating your skin’s needs (i.e. moisture, acne, uneven tone, etc.). Love it.
March 23, 2010 4:53 pm
i LOVE black opal, I just recently started using it and i think its great!! :)
March 23, 2010 5:44 pm
I am using Clinique foundation and mineral loose powder by Prescriptives. Both match my skin perfectly. Though I really want to try Becca.
March 23, 2010 7:28 pm
I love black opal AND iman…why isn’t it on the list?
March 24, 2010 12:40 am
Currently using Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation SPF 15 : I have 2 shades one for the fall and winter called Warm Walnut, and the other called Walnut for spring and summer. I use the sheer finish powder year round in Basic Brown. I don’t even feel it after I put it on, I love it.
March 25, 2010 4:06 pm
This is really very nice blog on top five foundation brands. Foundation helps in makeup alot for change the skin color for glowing skin.
April 27, 2010 3:58 am
I have worn Bobbi Brown, Makeup Forever, MAC, and NARS!
I am currently using both NARS NC50 concealer as well as the powder foundation. I also wear NARS’ Cadiz Foundation and Honey Concealer. I looooovvvvvve my foundation! It doesn’t make me look made up!!!