10 Makeup Tips For Dark Skin You Need
Navigating the beauty industry as a dark-skinned individual can be quite a challenge. Oftentimes, beauty companies don’t take people with darker skin into account when creating their products. However, there are many products out there that are great on dark skin. Those with darker skin tones should be able to enjoy experimenting with makeup as much as anyone else! Here are 10 essential makeup tips for dark skin that you need.
1. Remember Your Undertones
Essentially, your skin’s undertone is the shade within your skin color. They are the color deep within your skin tone and affect the overall hue of your skin. When choosing your foundation shade and all subsequent face makeup products, it’s important to acknowledge your undertones. Determining your undertones will help you find the foundation brands and shades that you should be gravitating towards. The most common mistake in foundation shopping is buying foundation for the wrong undertones. Your makeup will look inexplicably off.
2. Find The Perfect Foundation
Your search for a perfect foundation match may seem endless, but don’t give up. Foundation shade ranges have come a long way in the past few years regarding shade inclusivity. Don’t be afraid to head into stores and try several foundations. Those makeup artists in Sephora are there to help you! You can even try mixing various foundations to create the perfect match yourself. Make sure to swatch them on your hand or wrist before applying them to your face. Your face makeup should not be significantly brighter or significantly darker than your neck and chest. Without a good foundation match, the rest of your makeup will look cakey and unnatural.
3. Use Blush
Blush can be the perfect product to add depth and color to dark skin tones. Dabbing some blush over your cheekbones can add warmth and vitality to your makeup look. Rich maroons or saturated violets will be an absolute game-changer. You can also try other colors such as purples, deep cherry, orange, magenta, fuchsia, and warm browns. Powdered blushes or bright pink blushes tend to make the skin look ashy, so try to avoid those. Cream and liquid blushes tend to be better suited for darker skin tones as well. Your skin will look healthy and glowing.
4. Try Deeper Eyeshadow Colors
When attempting eyeshadow looks, don’t forget your undertones! Also, don’t be afraid to try bolder and deeper eyeshadow looks. Browns and deep violets or plums complement dark skin tones well. Again, try simmers or glitter eyeshadows. Alternatively, try bright eyeshadow looks as well. Obviously, you’ll need to swatch and test your eyeshadows before applying them. Eyeshadows that are high in pigment are sure to pop on any skin tone.
5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
The secret to flawless makeup lies in an excellent skincare routine! If you don’t take care of your skin, adding makeup will only further harm your skin. The first step in routine skincare has good sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays while also helping to treat hyperpigmentation and aging. You can also find foundation, moisturizers, and lip products that contain SPF for further protection. While it’s not a worthy replacement for your daily sunscreen, makeup products with SPF can cover blemishes while also working to improve your skin’s appearance.
6. Don’t Forget The Moisturizer
Skin that isn’t moisturized can often look ashy or dry underneath makeup. Dark skin is especially prone to looking ashy when unmoisturized. Especially in the fall in winter months, moisturizing is essential. Applying makeup to dry skin will only make your makeup look dull. Apply moisturizer to your skin before applying makeup. Likewise, you can consolidate these steps and buy moisturizing makeup products. Moisturizing primers, foundations, and concealers can all help keep your skin looking healthy underneath your makeup.
7. Try Bronzer
Bronzer is an excellent makeup product for those with darker skin tones. Bronzer can be added to various parts of the face, most notably the cheeks, for a dazzling, sun-kissed glow. Not only can bronzer be used to accentuate the skin’s natural glow, but it can also sculpt and highlight various areas of the face. Again, you should honor your undertones but opt for a slightly darker bronzer than your natural skin tone. Your bronzer should harmonize with your other makeup products to enhance your natural glow.
8. Experiment
Finding the perfect makeup products and looks to complement your skin tone can be quite a journey. Take the time to try various products, colors, shades, and techniques. You’re not guaranteed to find the perfect products for your face on the first try, so don’t be afraid to try different things. You’re bound to have terrible outcomes, and as much as wasting money on terrible products hurts, it’s the only way to find the right products! Everyone has to overcome the learning curve, and experimenting is the only way to sharpen your skills.
9. Don’t Skip The Primer
Primer is essential in any makeup routine. Primer helps blur any blemishes on the skin before makeup application. It can also hydrate the skin and reduce the size of pores. Essentially, primer acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup. Someone with darker skin tones may want to avoid primers with color-correcting properties to them, as they might leave a white cast. Opt for translucent primers or tinted primers that match your skin and its undertones.
10. Balance Your Eye And Lip Makeup
Unfortunately, trying to create bold eye looks and lip looks at the same time can be quite overpowering. Try to focus on either one or the other. If you want to create a bold eyeshadow look with multiple colors and creases, opt for a more simple lip look. Preferably a one color lipstick, lip gloss, or chapstick. If you want to create a bold lip look, opt for a more straightforward eyeshadow look. Perhaps a nude color, a shimmer, or a simple eyeliner look.
