If you’re a woman of color, it used to be a daily struggle to find shades on the darker end of the spectrum. Because of that struggle, I completely dismissed so many drugstore makeup brands.
As a result of higher-end brands like Fenty Beauty launching a wide range of foundation shades, drugstore brands have woken up and realized they were missing out. But which drugstore brands have increased their shade ranges?
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I've scoured the drugstore foundation shelves and found nine that currently have the best shades for women of color. I haven't used most of these yet, but I would if I had the budget for it.
1. Black Radiance Color Perfect Foundation Stick
This foundation is another one made specifically for women of color. It’s pretty obvious when you see the shades available. They are all shades of darker chocolate except for one shade. There aren't a lot of shades about 5-8, depending on the retailer. As a result, there are few undertones available.This foundation is said to be oil-free, full coverage, and long-wearing. Because this is a stick, it can be used as a foundation, concealer, or contour.
Where to shop
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation
This drugstore foundation seems to be a go-to for many foundation wearers. Especially for those who have oily skin, like me, and want a matte finish. It's also pretty popular because of the fuller coverage it provides and the many available shades.I’m usually not a big fan of full-coverage foundations because I can feel the foundation on my face, and I typically don’t have a lot to cover up on my face. Because of that, I started off wearing this foundation only when recording my YouTube videos and for special occasions. But over time, I grew more comfortable wearing it, and it became a foundation I would wear daily.
Where to shop
3. Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation Hyaluronic Acid
If you're looking for a more radiant finish versus a matte finish for your foundation, this liquid foundation from Maybelline may be just for you. It claims to be a "skincaring formula clinically tested to visibly plump and brighten skin instantly while improving your skin's health over time."It has two of the more popular skincare ingredients, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. So this foundation is supposed ot help with refining pores, evening skin tone, hydrating, and plumping the skin to minimize wrinkles.
The foundation is buildable and comes in 24 diverse shades covering skintones from fair to deep.
Where to shop
Related read: My Favorite Beauty Products For My Oily Skin
4. Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation
This foundation probably has the smallest shade range at eight total shades, but I think it should be on the list because it's a makeup brand made with women of color in mind, so all of the shades are on the deeper end of the spectrum.The Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Foundation claims to use technology to provide a true-to-tone color match. Plus, it helps to minimize the appearance of pores over time and won't dry out the skin because it contains shea butter and vitamins C and E.
It claims to be perfect for all skin types while providing light to medium coverage and a mattifying effect.
Where to shop
5. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer Liquid Foundation
This is the most intriguing foundation on the list because it's not just a foundation; it's also a concealer. So it claims to "combat under-eye circles, redness, and other skin imperfections." It also claims to be water-resistant and sweat-proof, and it comes with a pump! Not a lot of drugstore foundations have pumps. This foundation comes in over 30 shades, though it looks like Ulta doesn't carry all of the shades.Where to shop
6. Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup
This is an oil-free liquid full-coverage foundation that is made for combination and oily skin. Some things to look for in a foundation for oily skin are transfer-resistance, waterproof, as well as resistance to heat, sweat & humidity. This one claims to have all of that.
Now, if you like to wear your foundation all day, this one from Revlon claims to provide 24-hour wear, true color, and shine control.
This Revlon foundation has SPF15 and comes in 43 shades, all providing a lightweight matte finish. Do be aware that not all retailers carry all 43 shades.
Where to shop
7. L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation
I have yet to try this foundation even though it's been around for a while, but I continue to have my eye on it. The reasons are many.This foundation has 47 shades that are grouped by cool, warm, and neutral. Plus, the L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation is formulated with up to six pigments to help give the most precise match. They claim that the blendable nature and pigments help it to adapt to any skin color and texture, so you can't tell where the foundation ends, and your skin begins.
Where to shop
8. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation
Of all of the foundations on this list, it may be the only one with SPF in it. Even those of us with melanated skin need sunscreen.
This L'Oreal liquid foundation boasts 30 shades and claims to provide medium-to-buildable coverage that lasts all day.
The foundation is formulated with three oil absorbers to resist sweat and transfer.
Where to shop
9. Neutrogena Clear Coverage Foundation
When you look at the description for this, you'll see it's more CC Cream than foundation. It also claims to do a lot for the skin, such as evening skintone, blurring discolouration, pores, and redness. This Neutrogena foundation was developed for acne-prone skin and includes niacinamide.
Where to shop
What drugstore foundation brands have a shade that works for you?
I have used maybelline matte and poreless. It really is good
ReplyDeleteIt really is good. I don't use it for my everyday foundation unless I know it's going to be a long day or I want fuller coverage.
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