Although makeup is a universal language for women of all ethnicities, there are many brands who overlook women of color. Whether it’s lipsticks that don’t include the perfect deeper shade of nude or foundations that aren’t exactly our shade, women of color are definitely underrepresented in the makeup industry. As a lover of makeup and a newcomer to the scene, I had to search high and low for foundations that would work best with my dark skin. I’ve compiled a list because I’ve just about tried them all.
Here are 13 foundations that provide a variety of shades for women of any color:
Drugstore Brands
1. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
To say I love this foundation would be an understatement. I’m obsessed with it. Not only does this brand provide a great array of shades, the liquid foundations come in matte and dewy finishes. On top of that, it’s only priced at about $8.
2. Black Opal Foundation Stick
Many people enjoy liquid or powder foundations, but never underestimate the foundation stick. These babies are only $10 and they provide great, long-lasting full coverage. They can also be used for highlighting and contouring — which is a bonus.
3. Revlon Colorstay Makeup
Revlon is a highly respected brand and they’ve hit the nail on the head with this product. This $10 bottle of magic is not only long-lasting, it’s ideal for those with oily skin.
4. Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation
Though this product is relatively new to the drugstore. Unlike many foundations, this one gives you a matte finish while still keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. It has great shades — no matter your complexion.
5. L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
The bottle is small, but looks can be deceiving. This little product can go a long way and give an awesome matte finish to any makeup look. It runs for about $10 at any drugstore and includes a great variety of darker shades for a drugstore brand.
6. CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup
This foundation holds true to its name. With 21 dynamic shades, a woman of almost any ethnicity or complexion can find their perfect blend. To top it off, it’s only priced at about $9.
7. L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation
It’s buildable, there’s a variety of shades and it’s a liquid foundation conveniently soaked in a sponge. Just open the container and push down on the cushion with your makeup tool of choice and out comes the perfect amount of foundation for your coverage needs. This can be found at Walmart for $14.
High End Brands
8. Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Out of high end foundation brands with a wide range of shades, Nars is definitely one of the best. This particular formula offers 16-hour coverage and is also oil-free. You’ll get natural yet buildable coverage with only a few drops. It’s priced at $48 on Sephora’s website.
9. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
This creamy full-coverage stick is all you will ever need. Not only does it come in 28 pigmented shades, it also provides complete coverage while still giving an even and natural look. This product can be purchased on the Bobbi Brown website for $46.
10. Mac Studio Fix Fluid
When many people think of makeup, MAC Cosmetics is one of the first brands to come to mind. Their Mac Studio Fix Fluid foundation has shades anyone would love. It’s best for medium to full coverage and also helps to control oily skin. IYou can buy this on the MAC website for $27.
11. Black Up Full Coverage Foundation
The Black Up Full Coverage Foundation is a diamond in the rough. Though the brand isn’t as well known as Bobbi Brown or MAC, it’s a gem nonetheless. The entire foundation line is intended for women of color, so the shades they provides are awesome. This oil-free product will help to hide blemishes or dark spots and The product is available on the Black Up website for $43.50.
12. Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate
This is definitely one for the books. The Marc Jacobs foundation concentrate provides “up to 24-hour coverage” and is extremely lightweight. It’s also an oil-free formula that contains much more pigment as other foundations — meaning the lightweight feeling is matched with a flawless finish. It comes in 22 shades and is available for $55 on Sephora’s website.
13. Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation
This is a winning purchase for those with oily skin. It’s used for medium coverage and it works to keep your face flawless and shine free. Find it at Ulta for $42.
What are some of your favorite foundations? Please share in the comments below!
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