How to Select Face Makeup That Complements African-American Coloring

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Since skin tones vary greatly among women of African descent, finding the right face makeup can be tricky. The wrong makeup can lead to an ashen or flat complexion, but with a little insight and a lot of experimentation, you can minimize the guesswork and put your best face forward.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Blush
Blush Brush
Dark Or Black Eye Shadows
Eye Shadow Brushes
Face Powder
Foundation
Lip Gloss
Lip Liners
Lipstick
Makeup Brushes
Mascara
Waterproof Mascaras
Foundation
Lipstick

Step 1

Look beyond your skin's color and examine its undertones. Rich ebony complexions usually have cool, almost blue undertones, while brown and caramel complexions have warm golden undertones.
Step 2

Choose from shades that appear to be in your color range and may complement your complexion's undertones. Remember that foundation will look different on your skin than it does in a bottle or on a thumbnail palette.
Step 3

Consider lines that specialize in black beauty products for the widest color selection. Always try foundation on your jawline or the inside of your wrist to get the best idea of a color match.
Step 4

Set your makeup with a loose translucent powder. If you're blessed with a flawless even complexion, skip the foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer or tinted powder over bare skin.
Step 5

Contour your cheekbones with a sweep of blush. Plums, currants and mauves will flatter a medium to dark complexion. Caramel, honey and apricot will complement a medium to light complexion.

Tips & Warnings

Bronzer is an alternative to blush for those with a warmer complexion. Dust a light coating over the face, contouring at temples and cheekbones.
When faced with uneven skin pigment, consult a beauty expert for suggestions on a foundation that will even out your skin tone. You may be a candidate for two colors, that when spread over the right areas, will render the uniform look you desire.
Think about your skin type when selecting a face makeup. Oilier skins do better with water-based liquid foundations and cream blush, while drier skins benefit from cream formulas.
Testers in drug stores may not be sterile. Buy with a store guarantee: if the color is not right, then the item is returnable.

Comments

virgolady said

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on 8/7/2009 The BEST makeup for women of color is the IMAN Collection. She has shades that compliment ALL shades and they are simply beautiful. I have been using her Earth #2 or Earth #3 for years. Her powder is to die for. Check it out!

msmayor said

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on 10/26/2008 I think I can do this!!Thanks

MelodyKay said

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on 8/21/2008 I love makeup! But have always had a very difficult time matching my skin color. As with many people it changes throughout the seasons and with geographical moves. My overall favorite makeup now is UniversalColors. The "me" shade simply disappears into my coloring and can provide a coverage from sheer to heavy without looking caked or "made up." I have a light brown/tannish complexion with freckles. I have used MAC, Prescriptive, Flori Roberts, Lancome, Fashion Fair, Queen from covergirl....you name it....either I looked "funny" or as the case with Flori Roberts and Fashion Fair, the makeup simply rubbed off on everything.....oh I almost forgot....tried mineral makeups also....tooo messy! I went to the color me web link but I could never buy makeup on line without being able to try it.

mshurt said

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on 6/4/2008 For very dark skin there is very little color we need on a day to day basis. I wear Flori Roberts Touche' Satin Mohogany foundation. It adds moisture and an even golden glow. You do not have to use but a little blotted on any blemishes then blend. Another idea is to wear it as a blush contoured on the cheeks. IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Provides a polished look without much effort. www.colormedirect.com/shuwanahurt