11 Makeup Tricks For Dark Skin

Being dark skinned and finding makeup that works for you is much harder than it should be. While brands like Fenty Beauty have made access to makeup for BIPOC more accessible, it can still seem impossible to find the right shades to complement and match your natural tone. Here are the best tricks from the pros to make your beautiful skin tone shine like the gem it is.

1. No frozen lips
It may be tempting to want to go back to this early 2000s trend, but frosted makeup doesn’t really do anything for dark skin. It actually seems too dramatic. Instead, opt for a solid color, which will create a richer, more sophisticated look, highlighting your lips in a more positive way.

2. Avoid red blush, play with darker colors
If you have darker undertones, you can play with blushes in deep brown, plum, and brick tones that light-skinned people can’t achieve. These looks are luscious and romantic in all shades of brown and can accentuate cheekbones and other features, and sometimes even work as highlighters.

3. Try foundation on your jawline
It’s the worst thing to try out your foundation in the store under that horrible fluorescent lighting, only to come home and find out it’s not the right color at all. Instead, we suggest testing samples on your jawline and performing that test in natural sunlight so you can accurately assess the situation, even if that means leaving and re-entering the store after taking a selfie # goldenhour. Black Radiance and Fenty Beauty have options that blend into the skin.

4. A matching matte powder is a must
Avoiding shine and maintaining a matte look is sometimes more difficult for those who do not have fair skin. Try to find a powder that matches your skin tone, as translucent powder can sometimes give your skin a white or washed-out appearance when it should enhance that glow. With the right powder, you may not even need any other makeup.

5. But don’t be too matte
While a matte powder can reduce shine, using too matte makes your skin look cakey and makes you look older than you really are. If you have naturally dry skin or are looking to balance a matte product, use a liquid or cream foundation which will blend better and give you a sleek no-makeup look.