Best Foundation for Black Women: Find Your Favorite Here
Finally! The good news is that there are some excellent foundations for darker skin tones after being under-represented for so long.
As any beauty lover knows, foundation is the key to a flawless complexion. Just like you need a solid foundation when building a house, you need a good foundation when perfecting your makeup.
But with all the different textures, finishes, and coverage levels out there, it can be difficult to find the right foundation for your skin type.
And if you have a darker skin tone, it can be even harder to find a shade that matches perfectly. In the past, many beauty brands have not been inclusive in their shade ranges, making it difficult for people of color to find a product that works for them.
Thankfully, we are making some headway. More and more brands are becoming inclusive in their shade offerings, giving everyone the opportunity to find their perfect match.
So whether you're looking for a full-coverage foundation or a lightweight tinted moisturizer, there's an all-star product out there for you.
We have curated a selection of foundations that are ideal for Black women. With an expansive range of shades and textures, you’re sure to find your match with one of these foundations.
Not only do these foundations offer incredible coverage, but they also provide a beautiful finish that will make your skin look flawless.
Read on for our top five picks for the best foundations for dark skin tones.
We hope you discover your next favorite beauty find from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try, but all opinions in this article are our own. And, FYI — GlamourBadger may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy your next favorite beauty find!
How We Choose
It can be hard to find the perfect foundation for women of color.
Historically, most foundations are made for people with light skin and don't match the needs of darker skin tones.
We have done the research for you and found the best foundations that will provide full coverage and a natural finish for Black women.
Whether you are looking for a foundation to cover up blemishes or dark circles, or you want something that will give your skin a healthy glow, we have got you covered.
Why We Like It
Introducing the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation! This full-coverage foundation comes in an impressive 39 shades, making it easy to find your perfect match.
The long-lasting formula gives you a matte finish that looks airbrushed, and it's packed with skin-unifying pigments to cover up anything from breakouts to dark spots and acne scars.
So get ready for your close-up, because with this foundation, you won't need a filter!
More to Know
Huda Beauty's #FauxFilter Luminous Matte foundation is a life-proof formula that unifies skin tone and texture, blurs skin for a radiant finish, and resists water, sweat, humidity, and won't transfer. Huda Beauty was launched by award-winning beauty blogger and makeup artist Huda Kattan in 2013.
As a woman of color, Huda understands the unique challenges that come with finding the perfect foundation shade, and she is committed to offering a foundation that works for everyone. This foundation is available in 30 shades and provides full coverage with a matte finish.
No matter what the weather, occasion, or situation, #FauxFilter Luminous Matte will NEVER let you down.
Thank you Huda for creating such an amazing product that caters to all women of color!
Why We Like It
Are you looking for a foundation that will give you a natural-looking finish without accentuating any imperfections? Introducing Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation, a creamy multitasking formula that provides seamless coverage and leaves your skin looking flawless.
If you have dry skin, this foundation is ideal for you as it is designed to provide 24-hour hydration, ensuring that your skin stays nourished and moisturized all day long.
This foundation smooths out wrinkles, diminishes blemishes, covers uneven skin tone, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation, soothes inflammation, and more. It is suitable for normal, dry, and dehydrated skin types.
So why wait any longer? Give Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation a try today!
More to Know
Because we want what's best for our skin, we usually put our trust in products that have been dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and sensitive-skin-tested.
Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation is all of those things and is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
This foundation was created by a physician and a makeup artist and is fortified with titanium dioxide sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 25 to protect us from free radical damage.
We're always on the lookout for new products that meet our high standards, and we're grateful when we find them.
Best for All Skin Types
Black Opal True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation
Why We Like It
Looking for a high-quality foundation stick that will give you full coverage and a velvet finish? Look no further than the Black Opal True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation!
This bestselling foundation is ideal for all skin types and can be used to conceal imperfections, mask under-eye circles, or sculpt your cheekbones and define your features.
With 19 shades to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect match for your skin tone. So don't wait any longer, order the Black Opal True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation today!
More to Know
Black Opal's True-To-Tone Shade Match, made with Shade ID technology, is designed to adjust to your unique skin tone and neutralize imperfections. Enriched with vitamins C & E and sunscreen, it nourishes and protects your skin. This clean beauty product is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.
Black Opal has been providing award-winning high-quality, affordably priced makeup and skincare products for people of color for over 28 years.
They are the Celebrity Makeup Artists’ Choice, offering richly pigmented makeup and dermatologist-approved skincare products. This product is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Why We Like It
Looking for a weightless, breathable foundation that won't transfer? Look no further than Urban Decay's Stay Naked foundation! This long-wearing, vegan formula is designed to give you a second-skin feel, so you always look like you.
Stay Naked blends seamlessly to even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of pores, and it's lightweight (no heaviness or caking!), waterproof, and won't transfer. Just buff it out with a sponge for lighter coverage or use a brush to build up its medium coverage.
Plus, it comes in a wide range of shades to suit any skin tone. So why wait? Try Stay Naked foundation today!
More to Know
Finding the perfect foundation shade can be a challenge, but with Stay Naked from Urban Decay, you're sure to find the perfect match. Stay Naked comes in 50 shades with nine shade intensities for all skin tones.
It also has built-in mastertones and undertones that make finding your shade easy. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Find your perfect foundation shade today with Stay Naked from Urban Decay's wide shade range.
Best Medium Coverage
Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation
Why We Like It
Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation is a lightweight, medium-coverage foundation that is moisture packed and creates a natural, luminous, airbrushed appearance. This foundation effortlessly blends for shine-free comfortable wear.
A unique blend of ingredients in this foundation boosts hydration and maintains the skin’s moisture, creating a cushiony feel. The foundation features light-diffusing particles and high-definition pigments that work together to perfect the skin’s appearance.
This silky smooth formula delivers medium coverage with a natural semi-satin finish. With this foundation, you will achieve the confidence that comes with a flawless complexion.
More to Know
Kevyn Aucoin was an icon in the makeup industry, known for his artistry and philosophy that everyone is beautiful. He launched his eponymous cosmetics brand in 2001 with the mission of creating products that empower people to express their individuality.
Today, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty is a leader in inclusivity, offering a wide range of shades and formulas that cater to a diverse range of skin tones and types.
The brand's innovative products are loved by celebrities and everyday people alike, and its commitment to originality and quality has made it a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts.
Best Foundation for Black Women FAQs
Many women of color feel like they can't find a foundation that matches their skin tone.
Not being able to find a foundation that matches your natural tone can be frustrating. You might end up buying a bunch of foundations that don't work, or you might not wear any foundation at all because you don't want to deal with the hassle.
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to foundation for women of color.
Which foundation is best for Black skin?
There is no one "best" foundation for dark skin, as everyone's skin is different. However, some brands that are popular among women of color are Black Opal and Huda Beauty - both Black-owned cosmetic brands. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is another popular choice.
Their foundations come in a variety of shades to match a wide range of skin tones, and they provide good coverage without looking too heavy or cakey on the skin.
Whether you're looking for a weightless foundation SPF formula or full coverage traditional formula, these brands offer a variety of shade ranges.
How do I find the right makeup for dark skin?
Finding the right makeup for dark skin can be a challenge, but it's worth taking the time to find products that work well with your skin type.
Many high-quality makeup brands now offer specific lines of products for darker skin tones, so start by browsing those collections.
How do I pick the right foundation color?
Compare foundation colors to the veins on your wrist. The veins on your wrist are usually a darker green or blue than your skin, so matching them up should give you an idea of what color foundation to buy.
How do you blend foundation on dark skin?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when blending foundation on dark skin is to use a light hand. You don't need to apply a lot of product in order to get good coverage, so start off by using a small amount and building up if needed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that different areas of your face may require different levels of coverage. For example, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) typically requires more coverage than the cheeks.
So take your time and be sure to blend foundation evenly across your entire face with a foundation brush or sponge.
Which makeup is best for brown skin?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best makeup for brown skin varies depending on the individual's skin tone and undertone.
However, some general guidelines to follow when choosing makeup for brown skin are to opt for earth tones such as beiges, bronzes, and dark greens, rather than colors that are too bright or overwhelming.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing makeup for brown skin is that it's important to use products that are enriched with moisturizers and other beneficial ingredients, as those will help to enhance the natural beauty of the skin.
Which foundation shade is best for Black skin?
There isn't one best foundation shade for Black skin, because Black skin comes in a range of colors and undertones.
However, some general guidelines to follow when choosing a foundation shade are to find a color that is as close to your natural skin tone as possible and to choose a foundation with a warm undertone if you have yellow or golden undertones in your skin, or a cool undertone if you have pink or blue undertones in your skin.
Should I match my foundation to my face or body?
Some people find it helpful to match their foundation to their face, while others find it helpful to match their foundation to their body. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Matching your foundation to your face can help ensure that the foundation is blended evenly and looks natural.
However, some people find that they are more likely to get a good match if they match their foundation to their body. Matching your foundation to your body can also help ensure that the Foundation is not too light or too dark.
How can I match my foundation without a test?
An effective way is to take a picture of yourself in natural light and use an online foundation matching tool to find a color that matches your skin tone in the photo.
Should foundation be applied under the eyes?
Yes. Applying foundation under the eyes helps to create a more uniform look, and it also helps to conceal any darkness or puffiness that may be present.
When applying foundation under the eyes, use a light hand and be sure to blend well so that there are no lines or streaks. You can also apply a small amount of concealer for extra coverage.
How do you know if your foundation is the wrong shade?
A good way is to check the color of your jawline. If your foundation is too light, it will be more visible on your neck and jawline than on your face.
Another way to tell is by testing the foundation against the inside of your wrist. The veins on your wrist are usually darker than the rest of your skin, so if the foundation matches the veins on your wrist, it's too dark for you.
Bottom Line
Researching beauty products can be tough and time-consuming. We have done the work for you by reading through verified customer reviews to find the perfect solution tailored just for you and your unique face.
By trying out new products and styles, you inspire us all to do the same and branch out of our comfort zones. That is why we are grateful for customers like you who take chances on different products and break barriers in conventional thinking. We all benefit.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. We are excited that we could help you choose your next favorite beauty product. So, go grab it today, feel yourself anew and share yourself with the world – we need you!
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