When it comes to makeup for dark skin, it’s important to bring out the natural beauty of dark skin tones and accentuate features while ensuring that products are specifically designed to match the rich and varied hues of darker skin tones. For many years, makeup brands didn’t offer enough variety, so people with darker skin tones struggled to find shades that blended seamlessly with their skin. However, as the beauty industry has become more inclusive, makeup artists now have a wide range of products designed to suit dark skin.
In this blog, we explore the best makeup tips, techniques, and products for dark skin according to professional makeup artists. The goal is not only to provide a list of great products, but also to highlight the importance of understanding undertones, textures, and techniques that ensure makeup highlights dark skin in a flattering and harmonious way.
Foundation
Foundation is the base of any makeup look, and for dark skin tones, finding the right shade is crucial. It’s important to consider not only the skin color, but also its undertones. Dark skin can have undertones ranging from red and blue to gold, olive, or neutral, so it’s important to choose a foundation that suits that undertone.
Several makeup artists recommend formulas that offer a long-lasting finish and full to medium coverage. Brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, NARS, and Too Faced have revolutionized the beauty industry by offering foundations in a wide variety of colors that cater to dark skin tones.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is a favorite of many makeup artists. It comes in an impressive range of 50 shades, and the formula offers a soft, matte finish that lasts all day without feeling cakey. The wide range of undertones ensures a perfect match for dark skin tones, whether you have cool, warm or neutral undertones.
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is another great option. It offers buildable coverage with a radiant finish that is perfect for those with darker skin who want to achieve a natural glow. The foundation blends effortlessly and feels lightweight while still offering excellent coverage.
Concealer
Concealer is essential for covering blemishes, dark spots or dark circles. Makeup artists recommend using a concealer that is a little lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area while still matching the overall skin tone.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is popular because it covers dark spots and redness while its wide range of shades means it suits all dark skin undertones. The formula provides full coverage and blends well, creating a flawless finish without settling into fine lines.
For those looking for a more hydrating concealer, MAC Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer is a wonderful solution. It’s creamy and easy to blend, providing a natural finish while effectively covering imperfections.
Highlighter
Dark skin tones can wear highlighter beautifully, but makeup artists recommend opting for formulas that complement your skin’s undertone. For a radiant, luminous finish, choose gold, bronze, or copper tones that won’t look ashy or too stark on your complexion.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in the shade Topaz is a universally popular option. This golden, rich highlighter gives dark skin a natural, warm glow without looking too metallic. It enhances the skin’s natural beauty and is suitable for both day and evening looks.
For a more intense, dewy glow, Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife offers a bold gold sheen that complements dark skin beautifully. The formula is smooth and just a small amount is enough to create a radiant, highlighted effect.
Blush
Blush can add a vibrant, youthful pop of color to dark skin, but it’s important to choose shades that are bold enough to pop on darker skin tones. Makeup artists typically recommend bright, vibrant shades like tangerine, coral, or deep berry red.
MAC Powder Blush in Raizin is a stunning reddish-brown shade that adds a natural flush to darker skin tones. It’s great for everyday wear as well as more dramatic looks.
For a rich, warm glow, NARS Blush in Taj Mahal offers a gorgeous burnt orange color with a hint of shimmer that adds a radiant flush that perfectly complements dark skin.
Eyeshadow
When it comes to eyeshadow for dark skin, bold colors often pop beautifully. Makeup artists recommend that deep, rich shades like purple, gold, and copper tones complement dark skin tones and create depth and dimension.
The Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette offers a range of warm shades that go great with dark skin. The shades, which range from rich golds and browns to burnt orange, allow you to create stunning eye looks that highlight your features.
For a more daring look, the Juvia’s Place The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette offers a variety of bold, vibrant shades, including shimmers and mattes, that go beautifully with dark skin. The pigmented formula ensures that the colors pop and stay in place throughout the day.
Lipsticks
Lip color can completely transform a look, and for dark skin, makeup artists often recommend rich, bold shades. Dark skin can wear deep reds, purples, browns, and even lighter shades with ease. The right lipstick can elevate your makeup, and the possibilities are endless.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo is a classic red with blue undertones that flatters dark skin beautifully. The matte finish stays in place and gives lips a rich, bold pop of color.
For those who like more neutral lips, Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored is a universally flattering red with a liquid formula that goes on smoothly and is comfortable to wear. The formula is long-lasting and looks stunning on dark skin.
Setting Powder
Setting powder is crucial for setting your makeup and ensuring it stays in place throughout the day. For dark skin, makeup artists recommend using a setting powder that is finely milled and won’t leave a white film.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Medium Deep is a top pick. This translucent powder helps set makeup without changing the color of your foundation and leaves a matte but smooth finish. It’s perfect for controlling oil while keeping skin looking fresh.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder in Nutmeg is another great option. It’s finely milled and blends effortlessly, leaving skin looking flawless and setting makeup without the risk of flashbacks in photos.
Bottom Line
The best makeup for dark skin is all about choosing products that complement your undertone, create a smooth finish, and enhance your natural beauty. Makeup artists have long advocated for more inclusive beauty products, and now, with brands like Fenty Beauty, NARS, and others taking the lead, there’s no shortage of options for dark skin tones.
From foundation to lipstick, it’s important to focus on shades and formulations that accentuate and brighten dark skin without creating ashy or dull finishes. High-quality products like Fenty Beauty, NARS, and MAC offer a wide range of colors and formulas that cater to dark complexions and provide a radiant and flawless look. Remember, makeup for dark skin is all about highlighting the unique beauty of your complexion, and with the right products, you can achieve stunning, long-lasting makeup looks that are as vibrant and diverse as your skin tone.