As a darker-skinned woman, it can be a difficult task trying to find the right foundations for darker skin tones. Not only do you have to find a brand that stocks your shade, you also need to ensure the brand has the right undertone and more than one variation of caramel or cocoa. Thankfully, there are some brands out there who cater for all shades of women’s skin with foundations for every skin tone that also offer a wide range of undertones. So you can wave that ashy foundation goodbye
Check out the best foundations for darker skin tones right here
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $50 at Sephora
Now legendary in the beauty world, Rihanna’s vast 40-wide range of foundation shades changed the game for women of colour and make-up. High coverage with a matte finish, find your perfect shade match via the four skin undertone groups.
Kat Von D Lock It Liquid Foundation, $49.00 at Sephora
If you love full coverage this is the foundation for you. This foundation gives you a flawless base covering any dark marks or hyper pigmentation you may have, just remember — a little goes a VERY long way.
NARS Sheer Glow is a lightweight foundation with sheer to medium coverage with claims of many skincare benefits, perfect for oily/combination skin whilst also giving you a gorgeous glow.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, $58 at Estée Lauder
Possibly one of the most raved-about foundations for darker skin tones right now, and for good reason. This foundation is perfect if you suffer from oily/combination skin and the medium to full coverage it provides also means it’s great for a night out.
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, $63 at Beauty Bay
Whilst not holding a fantastically huge range of shades for dark skin, Illamasqua does offer a few deeper foundations. SB 18 is their deepest shade, another foundation ideal for a deeper, richer skin tone. Skin Base is medium to full coverage making it a good base for nights out and coverage of dark marks.
Bobbi Brown Skin Finish Stick Foundation, $70 at Bobbi Brown
This cult foundation is ideal if you have dry skin and you’re looking for a natural finish. The Skin Finish Stick foundation gives a skin-like appearance with sheer to medium coverage. Easy to apply, pigmented, lightweight and a dream to blend this, foundation is a favourite of many for everyday wear or for special occasions.
LA Girl Pro Coverage Foundation, $19.20 at Beauty Bay
This foundation is not only affordable but offers a decent range of shades for dark skin with the deepest shade, Dark Chocolate, being a rich fit. Incredibly affordable and with a skin-like finish, this foundation is not only pocket-friendly but HD ready as well. Get those selfies ready.
Marena Beaute Le Teint Tarou Foundation, $39 at Marena Beaute
This Swedish brand has created a name for itself by catering to women of colour. With all shades of cream foundation made specifically for dark skin and in a range of undertones, you cannot go wrong here. Best for dry to normal skin or those who want to touch up on the go.
BECCA Ultimate Coverage Foundation, $70 at Sephora
BECCA’s Ultimate Coverage Foundation works well if you’re looking for full coverage or if you suffer from dark marks or hyper pigmentation. This pigmented cream works to hide blemishes without weighing the skin down meaning you can wear this in the day without feeling like you have cake face on.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation, $38.30 at Beauty Bay
Known mostly for her eye brow products, ABH (Anastasia Beverly Hills) has now branched out to make foundations suitable for many skin tones. Lightweight, skin-like and available specifically in a range of undertones, this foundation is perfect for everyday wear.
This foundation is perfect for those of you who like a matte, no-fuss full coverage finish, also making it another foundation great for hyper-pigmentation. Leaving you with a literally flawless finish, this foundation is a favourite to many. It can be a bit heavy at times but a light hand or a beauty blender can avoid this.