SISTER SITES
The Fashion Spot Momtastic
FOLLOW US
Makeup

9 Best Foundations for Dark Skin Tones

For African American women, the perfect foundation is an elusive prize. Experts reveal how to research, test and (finally) find your perfect match

by Erica Smith  |  9 COMMENTS

PHOTO 3/13
Swatch Your Jaw
Swatch Your Jaw If you're physically testing out foundations, start with a clean, moisturized face and zero makeup, and test on your jawline. "With African American skin tones, faces are lighter than your body, so don't use your hands or artificial lighting," says Mills. Start by testing three shades: one slightly lighter, one that looks like it matches your skin exactly and one slightly darker than your skin tone. Apply each one in a line from the cheek to the jawline and resist the urge the blend. Wait about five minutes (10-15 minutes is best, if you have the time). This gives the foundation time to warm up and mix with your facial oils to reveal its true color, says Mills. "The one that "disappears" is the one you should go with."

Once you've found your color family and general tone, Mills also offers a few tried and true tips:
• Black skin tends to skew oily, so try mineral bases along with a primer
• When in doubt, look for warmer bronze shades to avoid looking ashy.

Now that you're ready to shop, here are our top picks of lines that have the most range of undertones for dark skin tones.

Image via Imaxtree

SEE NEXT PAGE: CoverGirl Queen Collection
 

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

Read More

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

Read More
products mentioned
CoverGirl Queen Collection All Day Flawless Foundation

10.0

Iman Creme to Powder Foundation

7.3

Iman Second to None Stick Foundation.

9.2

Fashion Fair True Finish Refining Mineral Foundation

0.0

Fashion Fair True Fix Foundation

0.0

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15

7.4

bareMinerals Ready SPF 20 Foundation

5.6

Black Up Cosmetics Cream to Powder Foundation

0.0

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15

8.3

Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation SPF8

7.0

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

8.6

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation

8.2

more stories
This Is the Manicure You Should Get, Based on Your Astrological Sign

Nails

This Is the Manicure You Should Get, Based on Your Astrological Sign

Astro-Chic Alert: These Products Have Taurus Written <i>All</i> Over Them

Makeup

Astro-Chic Alert: These Products Have Taurus Written All Over Them

8 New Products You'll Totally Want to Buy This Month

Makeup

8 New Products You'll Totally Want to Buy This Month

leave a comment
Free Samples
Welcome to TotalBeauty.com!
Ready to unleash your inner beauty junkie? Enter your email and check the boxes below to get free samples, exclusive deals, discounts at Total Beauty Shops, and expert beauty tips delivered straight to your inbox!
Email to a friend



Cancel
monitoring_string = "e4ea8133a649aad124e80f99f8831005"