For years, finding the perfect foundation felt like an impossible task for those of us with dark skin. But as time has passed, the beauty industry has finally grown more inclusive with more brands than ever extending their foundation shades while others have launched, especially to cater to brown and dark skin whilst highlighting the importance of considering undertones.
“When shopping for foundations for my dark skin girls, always remember undertones,” says make-up artist Esther Edame, who has worked with the likes of supermodel Adut Akech, Leomie Anderson and Dina Asher Smith. “A trick to finding your undertone is to ball up your fist, the colour in between your fingers is your undertone colour.”
Aside from giants like MAC, Bobbi Brown and Estée Lauder who have long provided extensive shade ranges, most beauty brands have been notorious for featuring just two or three tokenistic shades for darker skin tones (if any at all) and even then, the formulas consisted of red or ashy undertones. However, thanks to the rise of Black-owned beauty brands like UOMA Beauty, Pat McGrath and Fenty Beauty shaking up the industry, shopping for the ultimate foundation for dark skin will no longer fill you with dread.
So without further ado, here are 10 of the best foundations for dark skin….
Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
This foundation has cemented a status as the hero product of Rihanna’s beloved Fenty Beauty range. Available in 50 shades with plenty of options for dark skin tones, the popular product lives up to the hype with a formula that results in a soft, matte finish and medium to full coverage. Even those who have often found their skin tone hard to match, have found their ultimate shade with Fenty, hence all the praise.
Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
A classic for darker skin tones, this foundation by Nars provides full coverage with a natural, matte finish that feels weightless. The long-wear formula, which promises to stay put for up to 16 hours, is oil-free and infused with Even Tone Technology to banish discolouration and create a flawless, even skin tone.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation Makeup SPF10
There is a reason why this famous foundation is an undefeated favourite among women across the country - it does the job and it does it well. Estée Lauder has long created both extensive and inclusive shades for its Double Wear foundation (60 to be precise) and has continuously been voted the number one foundation in the UK. It provides lightweight, long-lasting medium-to-full coverage, resulting in a natural matte finish.
UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation
Black-owned beauty brand UOMA Beauty is inspired by founder Sharon Chuter’s Nigerian heritage. The Say What?! Foundation is one of the most popular products in the range and is not only available in 51 shades but six unique formulas (dubbed ‘skin kins’) catering to different skin concerns, with each relating to a specific skin tone. All of the formulas include biomimicry pigments that help blur imperfections and soften fine lines but the ‘Black Pearl’ skin kin is designed especially for the darkest shades in the range and consists of tomato extract to eliminate dullness and boost radiance.
The foundation provides full, buildable coverage and results in a matte finish.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15
This liquid foundation by Bobbi Brown feels hydrating on the skin whilst providing full coverage and a soft matte finish. The weightless formula is great for concealing redness and discolouration and is made with Marine Sugar Cane and natural mineral powders that make your skin look and feel silky.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
With a motto like all ages, all races, all sexes, it’s no surprise that MAC is one of the most inclusive brands out there. The brand’s Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 foundation is great for brown and dark skin tones due to its extensive shade options. Plus, it not only provides long-lasting full coverage but a stunning dewy finish without excess shine.
The Ordinary Serum Foundation
Don’t let the purse-friendly price fool you, this foundation is just as good (if not better) than some of its high-end counterparts. Each shade is classified by undertones like pink, red, neutral or yellow, so finding your perfect match is easier than ever. As for the formula itself, expect a long-lasting lightweight effect that provides a beautifully glowy finish, making your skin look bright and healthy.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This foundation provides buildable lightweight medium coverage and has excellent shade options for darker skin tones. If you have dry skin, then this is a great option as it provides a lovely dewy look, instantly making your skin look and feel silky.
Sleek MakeUP creme to powder foundation
If you love a full coverage matte look, then this foundation is for you. The creamy oil-free formula has a velvet-like texture that results in a smooth finish and is made with Jojoba oil which stops the foundation feeling and looking dry on your skin. It is available in 24 shades, many of which cater to brown and dark skin tones, and it’s an absolute bargain too!
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Too Faced’s oil-free Born This Way Foundation is infused with Alpine Rose which makes the skin appear brighter and more radiant as well as Hyaluronic Acid providing long-lasting hydration. But most impressive of all, it creates a silky smooth finish that is guaranteed to bag you a few compliments throughout the day.
Verdict:
For a long-lasting all-day foundation, Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filtr Soft Matte Longwear Foundation has got to take the crown. The soft, matte finish is incredible for anyone with oily skin, plus you won’t have to touch up constantly as it sits beautifully on the skin for hours on end. Nevertheless, if your skin type is dry then opt for the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation which leaves you with a fresh dewy look and a healthy glow. Both foundations have stunning shades for darker skin tones.
