December 13, 2010

Your Insider’s Guide to Makeup Foundation for Black Women

Dewy, full, sheer, natural? With so many foundation choices at the drug store, masstige and luxury levels, how does one decide? Even who we may think are sophisticated shoppers like celebs Tichina Arnold and Nicole Ari Parker may question what’s the best foundation for them when taken away from the comfort of their television show makeup artists.

Let’s clear up some of the confusion with our insider’s guide to makeup foundation for Black women.

If you’re seeking a flawless complexion without it looking or feeling heavy, then use Benefit Some-Kind-a-Gorgeous Cream to Powder Foundation ($28, bloomingdales.com). It’s an oil-free invisible skin finish that works for most skin tones.

Do you have T-zone issues? Try Clinique Superbalanced Makeup ($21, sephora.com). It’s an oil-free liquid foundation that adds moisture and subtracts oil where needed. If you’re cheeks are dry or oily, then this makeup will either deliver the moisture your skin needs or absorb oil from that area and give you the perfect, natural look you’ve longed for. Expect moderate coverage.

For the most natural look, use a liquid foundation like Boots No. 7 Radiant Glow Foundation ($7.34, target.com) – oil-based for dry skin types, and water-based for oily skin types. This type of foundation also produces a dewy finish. You can also get a dewy finish with Kevin Aucoin The Radiant Reflection Solid Stick Foundation ($45, barneys.com). It offers a sheer coverage and works for all skin types. When you use it you’ll notice how cool the stick is against your face. Aaahhh, what a great feeling!The undercover star of this entry is from a brand that’s never been mentioned on this site, but I’ve heard of for many years – Face Stockholm. Not too long ago they launched Mineral Powder Foundation w/SPF 15 ($38, facestockholm.com) which, unfortunately is only available in seven shades, but depending on the success of this line the shade palette will expand. Mineral powders are perfect for the person seeking a natural, matte finish but can also be used as translucent coverage. This particular foundation is great for camouflaging the appearance of large pores. I love it!

Need to cover up some hiccups? Mehron Celebre Pro HD Makeup ($9.95, mehron.com) is the pro makeup artist’s choice, but can be used by the average person. It’s an oil-free, fragrance-free cream makeup that gives you a smooth, buildable coverage that isn’t greasy and works for all skin types. With a palette of 20 colors you can definitely find the right shade for yourself.

Hue Knew It? I did. Everyone loves receiving gifts, especially during the holidays. Enter The Glamourous Life Holiday Giveaway for your chance to win the most glamourous cosmetics from Physicians Formula!