"If you’re very dark, there aren’t a lot of options"
The hassle of finding the right foundation which ticks all the boxes is a major struggle.
In particular, if you are a woman of colour the problem of finding the right shade for your skin tone is, unfortunately, a predominant issue.
As a result of major makeup brands not providing for people with brown or dark skin, the search is never-ending.
Typically, people of colour must buy two shades in a foundation to create the perfect shade. This is a waste of money as well as a form of unfair treatment.
To avoid this worry, DESIblitz presents the top 15 foundations for brown and dark skin as well as a hack for women of colour.
L’Oreal True Match Foundation
L’Oreal True Match Foundation is one of the best drugstore makeup products. It is available in 45 shades which promise to suit all skin tones.
In this instance, L’Oreal has catered for women of darker and richer skin tones. The formula of this product is perfect if you are looking for a natural look, yet it can be built up if needed.
The foundation is enriched with hydration and hyaluronic acid to improve the appearance of the skin. This will leave you with a radiant-looking complexion.
Its inexpensive price tag makes it ideal for an everyday foundation to achieve the perfect base.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
This Lancome 24-hour foundation is for those long-winded days where you are constantly on the go.
The formula consists of NAI pigments which help maintain skin’s pH levels.
This allows for the colour of your foundation to stay true all day without fading away or creasing.
If you suffer from oily skin, the infusion of silica and perlite guarantees oil absorption preventing a shiny t-zone throughout the day.
This foundation boasts a spectacular 45 shades which will surely match many brown and dark skin tones.
It comes as no surprise that this product is one of Lancome’s best selling liquid foundations.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte
When Rihanna first launched her makeup line, she made it clear that her range was created to cater to all skin tones. She explained:
“Foundation is one of those areas in the beauty industry that has had a big void for people at extreme ends of the shade spectrum.
“There’s this middle ground that’s covered really, really well. But then if you’re very pale or if you’re very dark, there aren’t a lot of options.
“And so, I wanted to make sure that women of all skin tones were covered so they could be included in what I created.”
In this instance, there are over 20 out of 50 shade options to choose from for women with brown or dark skin tones.
In addition to the impressive shade range, the consistency of the foundation is lightweight with medium to full coverage.
Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Powder foundations are not as appreciated as liquid foundations. Whereas, this Mac powder foundation is amazing for brown and dark skin tones.
It is available in an impressive 53 shades, thus you are more than likely to find a shade suited to your skin tone.
This product is much-loved by many makeup wearers and makeup artists.
The beauty of this product lies in its versatility. It can be worn on its own, on top of liquid foundation and as a contour product.
It provides a seamless matte, medium to full coverage effortlessly.
Despite this being a powder product, it does not settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
For women of colour, this is a one-step product to creating a flawless base. In particular, if you have oily skin then this foundation will become your cult favourite.
Revlon Colourstay Liquid Foundation
Here is another drugstore foundation which ensures results for richer skin tones.
Revlon Colourstay foundation has a lightweight formula which is comfortable on the skin. This allows for the idea of ‘my skin, but better’ look.
Like it says on the bottle, it is best suited to combination and oily skin. This is because the oil-free formula ensures that you are left with a flawless matte finish.
It is important to note, this product contains SPF 15 which will protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation
This foundation has the radiance of the NARS Sheer Glow foundation but with greater coverage.
It is thicker in consistency yet once it is blended into the skin the matte finish contains an underlying glow.
The unique selling point of this product is that it includes skin recognition pigment which enables it to recognise your skin tone and adjust accordingly.
Packed with many benefits like skin elastic fibres which will improve skin’s texture over time for optimum radiance.
With 33 skin-matching shades, 10 of these are suitable for dark skin.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Second-skin, radiant and dreamy is what comes to mind when thinking of this foundation.
This lightweight formula was designed to even the complexion and provide luminousity.
While light-infused silk for the skin creates the perfect dewy base and blurs any skin concerns.
The foundation comes in 30 shades to match brown and dark skin tones. If you are on the search for a weightless foundation then look no further.
Despite the expensive price, it is worth a little self-indulgence.
Too Faced Born This Way
This product is Too Faced’s best-selling foundation and we can understand why.
Not only does it cover up blemishes with its medium to full coverage formula, but it is also lightweight as though nothing is on the skin.
The inclusion of translucent pigments allows for full coverage with a skin-like finish.
Skincare junkies will also love this product because it is enriched with coconut water and hyaluronic acid to help the skin’s moisture.
Too Faced Born This Way foundation is available in 35 shades which is great for brown to dark skin tones.
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
This Maybelline foundation is championed at the drugstore. The quality of their products is amazing that they may be mistaken for high-end makeup.
On the Superdrug website one customer commented:
“I’ve tried so many drugstore foundations and they all appear ashy on me (I’m South Asian) … I eventually bought it (the foundation), and I love it!
“I have oily skin with dry areas under my eyes and under my bottom lip, but it doesn’t show up that much.”
Not only does the Maybelline Fit Me suit South Asian skin, its extensive shade range spans over 35 shades.
The brown to dark shades are great for richer skin tones.
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation is pigmented, lightweight and waterproof.
This liquid foundation blends seamlessly into the skin and does not oxidise. The comfortable wear stays on for 24 hours and does not transfer.
It has been created with 45 shades, so if you have brown or dark skin, you will surely find your match.
Makeup artist Lola Okanlawon said:
“I highly recommend this foundation. It has 45 shades! It’s lightweight, waterproof, transfer-proof and has 24-hour staying power.”
Not to forget, it is suitable for all skin types making it an all-round foundation.
E.l.f Flawless Finish
A little goes a long way with this product. The full-coverage finish easily covers skin discolouration leaving you with flawless makeup.
If you are not a fan of a matte finish then this semi-matte foundation is ideal for you.
The oil-free formula will not appear cakey and will ensure a fresh face throughout a strenuous day.
Previously, this foundation was available in 30 shades however e.l.f have increased their shade range to 40 shades.
Many of these shades are suitable for deeper skin tones.
Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation
Founder Huda Kattan created this beautiful full coverage foundation. The queen of beauty did not fail to impress us with her complexionproducts.
Packed with blemish-blurring pigments, your skin is left looking the best it can be.
The durability of this foundation is extraordinary whether it is a rainy weather day, strenuous workouts or simply bearing a long day, it will last throughout.
Enriched with argan oil and skin-unifying pigments, your skin will remain nourished throughout the day.
Remember a little goes a long way, therefore, be sure to start with a tiny amount and build the coverage as necessary.
The 30 shade range is inclusive to various skin types namely brown skin tones.
It is important to note, the faux filter foundation contains a perfume scent, which fades away after a couple of minutes.
Estee Lauder Double Wear
The desire for fabulous skin is easily achievable with this amazing foundation.
Not only does it beat the heat and humidity the nontransferable formula will not spoil your clothes.
This foundation will work as hard as you do to get you through the day without the hassle of touch-ups. Its oil-free and oil-controlling formula will leave you shine-free.
Providing a natural matte finish you will be left with a faultless complexion.
Not to forget it includes SPF 10 which helps protect skin against environmental damages.
Boasting a 57 shade range, Double Wear is great for people of colour.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Stick foundations are underrated makeup products which are also forgotten about. Yet, they deserve more recognition.
This Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick is a beautiful product which acts as a transparent base to improve uneven skin tone.
Its creamy texture glides effortlessly onto the skin for an airbrush appearance. A blend of olive extracts and shea butter enhance the moisturising properties of this foundation.
In addition, the oil-controlling element helps to decrease shine even in humid conditions.
Given all the amazing qualities of this Bobbi Brown foundation, it is perfect that this is their broadest shade range with 43 types.
Cover FX Power Play Foundation
A cult-favourite product that guarantees long-lasting coverage as well as skincare benefits.
Created with fermented algae extract, this foundation defends skin against environmental aggressors.
The rice hull powder removes oil and sebum without eliminating skin’s moisture. This ensures skin is hydrated all day.
It also has a weightless texture which does not settle into pores, rather you are left with even skin.
You will certainly find your perfect match with this 40 shade range option.
Our Advice
In addition to our list of 15 foundations suitable for brown to dark skin, we have a hack for you.
Even if you happen to select a foundation shade which is too light or dark for you, the Body Shop shade adjusting drops will be your saviour.
Rather than feeling let down with a foundation because of the shade, mix in the drops to deepen or lighten the foundation shade.
Add the shade adjusting drops accordingly to achieve your perfect shade.
We hope our list of 15 foundations for brown and dark skin will help you select the best product.
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