How to Figure Out Foundation Color for African Americans

It can be difficult for African-American women to find the right shade of foundation.

It is sometimes a challenge for African-American women to find the right foundation for their skin color. If the foundation is too light, your skin will look chalky. If it is too dark, your skin will look heavy and fake. As you begin your search for the right foundation, it may be helpful to speak to a cosmetologist who can give you input on your skin type and tone.

Instructions

1. Evaluate how dark your skin is. Ask yourself if it is somewhat dark, moderately dark or very dark. This will give you an idea of where to start as you try to find the right foundation.

2. Look carefully at your skin color to identify the subtle colors in your pigmentation. You skin may have yellow, blue or reddish undertones. If you have yellow tones, opt for a warm, golden foundation color. If you have cool, bluish undertones, your foundation should also be a cool color. If you have reddish undertones, choose a foundation with a rosy color.

3. Use a foundation that you believe is close to your skin color, both in terms of darkness and coloration.

4. Apply a small amount of the foundation to your jawline and blend it in.

5. Examine the blended foundation in a lighted area to determine how well it matches your skin tone. Although no foundation will ever be a perfect fit, it is best to err on the side of slightly too dark rather than too light.

6. Continue to sample foundations until you find a shade that blends well with your skin color. Once you find the general color, sample at least three similar shades before selecting one. Although you may be inclined to choose the first foundation that blends with your skin, fine tuning your selection guarantees that you find the best match possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Never purchase foundation without sampling it first, as you are unlikely to select the right color on the first try.

• Consider trying foundation that is specifically formulated for African-American skin tones. This will give you more color options.

• Foundations with an SPF will protect your skin from the sun and keep it looking young.

• Choose a foundation that is well-suited to your skin type.

References

• African American Makeup: African American Makeup
• Makeup for Black Women: Natural Makeup for Black Women
• Black Opal: Find Your Shade