Don't Be Afraid to Wear a Lot... When it comes to black women and makeup, the cliché "less is more" doesn't necessarily apply. "African American skin can take makeup," Mills insists. "Lupita Nyong'o, Michelle Obama, Toni Braxton -- all of these women wear makeup, and a lot of it."
That's not to say you should aspire to "showgirl chic" when you're putting on your face. But you can get away with wearing heavy makeup and still look "fresh, stylized and clean," Mills says. For instance, when it comes to base, Mills likes a "more substantial foundation" against dark skin. "Heavier works better -- [like] cream sticks." If your skin is particularly oily, she suggests using a mineral foundation or primer and powder.
Mills says that learning how to contour and highlight your face makes a particular impact on darker complexions. "Highlighting ... really pops features and makes eyes stand out so beautifully."
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