In addition to playing with bold lipsticks, Denno says, "glosses with a lot of deep pigment are great as well." Fashion Fair, which was created in 1973 specifically for dark skin tones, has a line of long-lasting lip tints called Capsule Lip Teasers, $18, in punchy shades like Chocolate Raspberry. They're perfect for days when you don't want to commit to reapplying lipstick every hour.
When you want a more natural look, these sheer formulas are blendable and work to flatter darker skin tones in a subtle way, rather than appearing painted on. "A cheek color in an intense but sheer purple, magenta, hot pink, orange or even red can look amazing," Denno says. "But always [use] a cream or gel formula, otherwise it will look ashy."
Becca Beach Tint, $42, comes in a range of red and pink shades like Papaya, Lychee and Raspberry that can be blended onto cheeks and lips with fingers or a brush.
Becca Beach Tint, $42, comes in a range of red and pink shades like Papaya, Lychee and Raspberry that can be blended onto cheeks and lips with fingers or a brush.
"I always like something with a little shimmer or sparkle around the eye in a deep blue, brown or black liner," Denno says of creating the perfect natural smoky eye on dark skin tones. Try smudging NARS Night Series Eyeliner, $24, into the lashes. These pencils have micro-pearls for a hint of shimmer in navy and black shades like Night Bird and Night Clubbing.
Denno's go-to tip: Dip your eye shadow brush in water and apply wet shadows onto lids -- you'll get saturated color that really stands out.
Denno's go-to tip: Dip your eye shadow brush in water and apply wet shadows onto lids -- you'll get saturated color that really stands out.
The True Match foundation gets Queen Bey's stamp of approval, but the brand also has an impressive line of options for eyes, cheeks and lips. Try the Visible Lift Blur Blush, $12.99 -- it's a double-duty formula that adds a hint of creamy, blendable color, while erasing the appearance of fine lines.
Plus, the Makeup Genius app lets you test out the colors virtually to find your favorite shade before you buy.
Plus, the Makeup Genius app lets you test out the colors virtually to find your favorite shade before you buy.
With 159 shades in their classic lipstick formula alone, the challenge is making a choice. "I love playing with intense reds or even bright lilac or pink," Denno says. For a bright matte orange-y red shade, try M.A.C. Lipstick, $16, in Lady Danger, or for a creamy bright pink, M.A.C. lipstick in Lickable.
Plus, the brand collaborates with celebs known for their trend-setting beauty looks (think Rihanna and Nicki Minaj), so the list of color options just keeps growing.
Plus, the brand collaborates with celebs known for their trend-setting beauty looks (think Rihanna and Nicki Minaj), so the list of color options just keeps growing.