Finding the right makeup shades can be tricky for those with darker skin tones. With fewer options available in drugstore brands, and undertones playing a big role in finding a good color match, it can take some trial and error to discover your perfect shades. Luckily, the makeup world has been expanding its range of deeper hues, making shopping a bit easier. Here’s a guide to picking the best shades for dark skin across makeup categories.
Choosing the Right Foundation
Foundation is the basis of any makeup look, so finding the right shade match is crucial. Here are some tips for choosing a foundation for dark skin:
- Test shades in natural lighting whenever possible.
- Focus on undertones – does your skin have warm golden/olive undertones or cool pink/red ones?
- Don’t be afraid to mix two shades to get your perfect match.
- Look for formulas made specifically for darker skin, like Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r line.
- Try cream/liquid formulas, which blend better than powder ones.
Some great shade ranges for dark skin include:
- Fenty Beauty – shades from 150 to 490
- Lancôme – shades Suede N, Saskia N, and D ‘Ivoire N
- MAC – shades NW43 to NW58
- Maybelline – shades Cocoa and Caramel
- Black Opal – shades Hazelnut, Walnut, and Ebony Brown
Choosing the Right Concealer
After foundation, concealer is essential for highlighting and concealing. For dark skin, look for the following in a concealer:
- A shade 2-3 tones lighter than your foundation
- A creamy thick formula that won’t look ashy or gray
- Peachy/salmon shades to conceal dark under eyes
- High coverage to conceal blemishes and hyperpigmentation
Some great concealer options include:
| Brand | Best Shades for Dark Skin |
|---|---|
| NARS | Amande, Cafe |
| Maybelline | Caramel, Chestnut |
| Fenty Beauty | 385, 390 |
| LA Girl | Toast, Beautiful Bronze |
| MAC | NC45, NW40, NW43 |
Choosing the Right Powder
Powder products like bronzer, blush, and eyeshadow should complement your skin’s undertones:
- Warm undertones – coppery or terracotta bronzers, peach and coral blushes, gold/bronze eyeshadows
- Cool undertones – ashier bronzers, pinky-plum blushes, silver/grey eyeshadows
Look for powders with a touch of sheen rather than shimmer or glitter. Matte powders can sometimes look chalky on darker skin. Some great options include:
| Product Type | Best Shades for Dark Skin |
|---|---|
| Bronzer | Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep |
| Blush | NARS Gina, Mac Raizin |
| Eyeshadow | L’Oreal Amber Rush, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze |
Choosing the Right Lip Shades
The right lip colors can make the teeth appear whiter and really flatter dark skin. Aim for these shades:
- Browns – from soft nude to deep chocolate brown
- Corals – try burnt orange, terra-cotta, peach
- Reds – blue-based true reds, deep burgundies
- Purples – rich plums, mauves, eggplants
Stay away from pastels, neons, and frosted shades. Cream or satin finishes will suit dark skin best. Great lipstick lines include:
- Black Radiance
- Black Up
- Fenty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipsticks
- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stains
- NYX Suede Matte Lipsticks
How Lighting Affects Makeup Choices
Lighting can really impact how makeup looks on dark skin. Here’s how to pick shades based on lighting:
| Lighting Situation | Best Makeup Choices |
|---|---|
| Daytime/Natural Light | Lighter, more neutral shades |
| Indoor Incandescent Light | Warmer golden/bronze shades |
| Flash Photography | Avoid shimmer, choose matte finishes |
| Candlelight | Deeper, more pigmented shades |
Test makeup looks in different lighting before going out. What looks great indoors may need adjusting for daylight.
Choosing Makeup Brands for Dark Skin
Mainstream makeup brands have really expanded their shade ranges in recent years. But you can also check out brands created specifically for women of color including:
- Black Opal – Diverse foundation and powder shades
- Black Radiance – Flattering lip and eye colors
- The Lip Bar – Vegan liquid lipsticks in black-owned shades
- Juvia’s Place – Vibrant, intensely pigmented eyeshadow palettes
- Sacha Cosmetics – Professional theater makeup in deep tones
Makeup Tips for Dark Skin
Here are some more handy makeup tips to bring out the beauty in dark skin:
- Use color correctors to neutralize under eye circles and discoloration
- Contour with cool ash-toned powders to mimic shadows
- Choose warm blushes with a hint of shimmer
- Use highlighters with gold, coppery sheens
- Line lips with a brown pencil before applying lipstick
- Try sheer washes of color on eyes rather than heavy pigment
- Define brows with a brow pencil just a shade lighter than your hair color
Celebrities Showcasing Beautiful Dark Skin Tones
For makeup shade inspiration, look no further than these gorgeous celebrities with darker skin:
| Celebrity | Skin Tone | Best Makeup Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Rihanna | Deep complexion with warm undertones | Shimmering champagne eyeshadows, orangey nude lipsticks |
| Beyonce | Medium-deep complexion with golden undertones | Bronzed smoky eyes, peachy nude lips |
| Lupita Nyong’o | Very dark with cool undertones | Purples, deep plums, true reds |
| Janelle Monae | Medium complexion with neutral undertones | Browns, taupes, soft pinks |
| Tracee Ellis Ross | Deep complexion with warm golden undertones | Shimmery copper eyes, terra cotta lips |
Conclusion
With so many incredible makeup options today in shades that truly complement darker skin tones, you can enhance your natural beauty and express your personal style. It may take testing out products to find your perfect colors, but with an understanding of undertones, finishes, and formulas that work best for deeper skin, you can build stunning makeup looks.
The key is to have fun with makeup and revel in your gorgeous glow. Dark skin is beautiful – use cosmetics to accentuate and celebrate its richness. With the right colors and products, your complexion can shine brighter than ever before.
