When browsing the makeup counters at department stores, some women of color may find that not all cosmetics lines cater to their beauty needs. In other words, it can be difficult to find makeup for African American skin. Some makeup lines simply do not have foundations that go dark enough, causing one to look washed out, while others may lack the colors that will show up on darker skin. Los Angeles Makeup artist Phil Ranger shares some African American makeup tips to help you achieve the ultimate look.

1) Face: Avoid makeup that is too light, as it can make skin look chalky. Yellow-based foundations work best for women with darker skin. The goal is to see the makeup disappear after applying it on your skin, with no visible boundary between. Test foundation colors in natural light -- if you have trouble finding the right color, try mixing two shades (one darker than your natural color and one lighter). When searching for blush or bronzer, brown and copper complement African American skin tones. A touch of shimmer will highlight cheekbones nicely.

2) Lips: Earth tones, neutrals, pinks and dark burgundy instantly add glam to lips. For a more natural look, dab on some lip-gloss. Choose a lip liner that is close to the shade of your lip-gloss or lipstick to avoid a dark outline.

3) Eyes: Shimmery and metallic eye shadows can look amazing against African American skin. Mixing two complimentary colors like gold and purple can boost the drama factor. The darker your skin, the brighter the colors you can pull off. Accentuate eyes with brown or black eyeliner. Black mascara will make eyelashes stand out. For extra pizzazz, try false eyelashes.

For those looking for the best makeup for African American women, there are several noteworthy lines. Supermodel Iman founded IMAN Cosmetics in 1994, a collection that features makeup for women of all shades. Cover Girl carries the Queen collection line, which actress Queen Latifah posing as the new face for the cosmetics. Cover Girl has some of the best makeup for African American women, and includes everything from concealer to nail polish. M.A.C. is another popular brand that carries a variety of shades and bright shadows and lip colors to give darker skin that extra pop. Black Radiance is dedicated completely to women of color, and Fashion Fair is the oldest and most established makeup brand for black women. Combine these African American makeup tips along with the best makeup for African American women for the ultimate beauty experience.