Makeup

African American Makeup Tips From the Pros

What are the best foundations? The hottest lipstick shades? Here's your handy hot list

by Katie McCarthy | 3 COMMENTS

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Why Your Base Really Is the Foundation of Your Makeup Nothing's worse than an otherwise gorgeous face tinted with chalky, reddish or orange-y foundation. Determining your skin's undertones can help guide you toward the perfect shade of base, not to mention eye, cheek and lip colors that best complement your complexion.

"Most lines have foundations in certain tone 'families,'" says makeup artist Melanie Mills, a former head makeup artist for "Dancing With the Stars" who has worked with celebs like Brandy Norwood. Makeup lines with a wide selection of dark foundations typically have their shades organized into four families: yellow/orange (warm), red/orange (warm to neutral), red (neutral to cool) and blue/red (cool).

Not sure which is your undertone? Here's a hint: People with cool undertones tend to look better in silver jewelry and white clothes; those with warm undertones look better in gold jewelry and off-white clothes. When shopping for foundation, choose three shades within that tone family: one that appears slightly lighter than your skin, one that appears to match, and one that appears slightly darker. Let the foundation sink in for five minutes and take a look at them under ample (preferably natural) light. "The one that 'disappears' is the one you should go with," Mills advises. If none look quite right, choose a few more shades from a different tone family and start over.

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