Best Makeup Products For Dark Skin Tones
The Best Makeup For Dark Skin Tones, According to Pro Makeup Artists
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It shouldn't be hard to find makeup for darker skin tones, but unfortunately, it often can be. Whether the undertones are slightly off, the pigment isn't saturated enough, or there just simply isn't an inclusive range of shades available to begin with, not all cosmetics products are conducive to all skin tones. Still, that's not to say there aren't a handful of amazing out there that are doing it right.
Nobody knows their way around the aisles of Sephora or a makeup bag quite like a professional makeup artist, which is why we asked a handful of them to share their favorite makeup products that flatter deeper complexions. From foundations that come in 30-plus shade ranges to rich eyeshadow palettes with major color payoff, check out the best makeup products for dark skin tones, according to the pros ahead.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Prism FX Hydrating Lotion
"I love the Danessa Myricks Beauty Prism FX Hydrating Lotion in "Golden FX" ($28) for its ability to add the perfect radiance and bounce to all melanated skin tones." — Deja Smith, celebrity makeup artist
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
"When it comes to working on darker skin, I'm always mindful to have complexion products that are inclusive of all undertones. The last thing we want is to have a client looking grey or dusty because the foundation is off. One of my favorites is the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($36). They nail it with shade range and they offer an array of undertones for deeper skin." — Jonet Williamson, makeup artist
NARS Liquid Blush in Dolce Vita
"I love my NARS Liquid Blush in Dolce Vita ($30); I use it on Marsai Martin all the time. That is the best blush, especially for darker tones. It gives such a beautiful, fresh, flushed look to the skin — it took me a while to find that color." — Shannon Pezzetta, celebrity makeup artist
UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation
"Darker skin tones generally fall on the cooler side of the spectrum
with more red or even blue undertones. Therefore, I personally love using highly pigmented warmer foundations to balance out deeper skin tones, giving them the radiance needed to for that healthy glow. Right now, I'm crushing on Uoma Beauty's Double Take Contour Sticks ($40) and their Say What?! Foundation ($39). They are perfectly pigmented to compliment deeper skin-tones leaving the skin velvety smooth." — Yolonda Frederick, celebrity makeup artist
MAC Lipstick Matte Finish in Ruby Woo
"My favorite product is the Fenty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick in Caviar ($25) for contouring on every complexion, or the MAC Lipstick Matte Finish in Ruby Woo ($19) is the best true red on deep complexions." — Brittany Whitfield, makeup artist
AJ Crimson Artist Kit in Warm/Deep
"My AJ Crimson Artist Kit in Warm/Deep ($149) is a staple in my kit. It can be used as a foundation, concealer, highlight, and contour, which is music to my ears as I love multi-use products. I also love the fact it has buildable coverage and is cruelty-free. I apply the product with my By Joy Adenuga 004 Brush ($21) for seamless application." — Joy Adenuga, makeup artist
Urban Decay Naked Wild West Eyeshadow Palette
"[Eyeshadow is] an artist's playground, Urban Decay knows how to deliver amazing color payoff in rich textures that work beautifully on deeper skin." — Jonet Williamson, makeup artist
Editors note: try the Urban Decay Naked Wild West Eyeshadow Palette ($49).
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
"I've been loving the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation ($46) since the brand expanded the shades. The Skin Tint is now carried in 30 shades and is a fusion of coverage, SPF, and skin care. It adjusts to the skin tone and can be used for light to medium buildable coverage." — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist
Danessa Myricks Colorfix Foils
"Danessa Myricks as an overall brand [is my favorite] because it has great pigments and a range of shades that allow you to create beautiful dewy and colorful looks on darker skin tones." — Amber Amos, makeup artist
Editors note: try the Danessa Myricks Colorfix Foils ($18).
