Brown Skin: How to Find The Perfect Shade of Foundation

Finding the perfect foundation can be a real struggle for many women. The truth is, choosing the right shade is like choosing the perfect dress: if it suits you right, you will conquer the world. The sole purpose of using a foundation is to help your skin seem evenly toned. However, if you miss your shade, you will look like a clown.

Darker skin tones usually have a mixture of undertones due to pigmentation in different areas. Because darker skin tones have more pigment, scarring can take longer to heal, which means that it can be difficult to hide darker patches.

Also, let's not forget that finding the perfect foundation shade for brown skin may seem impossible sometimes. Many beauty companies have about 20 shades, of which "cafe con leche" is usually the darkest one. Only recently have makeup brands begun expanding their foundation ranges for women of color. Naturally, this is good news, but you still have to choose the right tone of your foundation.

If you have dark skin, there are a few things you should know before you go to your favourite drugstore and look for your next, life-saving foundation shade. First of all, you have know your skin type. For example, if your skin is oily, you should always go one shade lighter, because your skin's natural oils will give the illusion of a slightly darker shade.

Secondly, you must always test the foundation before buying it; the best way to do this is to use a Q-tip and test a few shades on your jawline, but we will explain this a bit later. We will also suggest what kind of texture your foundation should have.

Finally, women of color are women with tones and undertones. That being said, we will explain in this article how to successfully work with your undertones in order to find the perfect shade.

Undertones are your friends (if you know them well enough)

Your skin color consists of tones and undertones. That being said, have in mind that no matter how dark your skin is, the key to finding the perfect shade of foundation is to know your undertones.

For example, Lancome Nude Miracle comes in Suede W, Suede C and Suede N, and for a good reason too- beneath your skin tone lies a shade of the following undertones:

Cool skin tone: pink, red or blue undertones Neutral skin tone: a balance between cool and warm skin tone Warm skin tone: yellow or gold undertones

In case you're not sure about your skin tone, The Vein Test can help you define it: If the veins on your wrists are green, you have warm undertones If your veins are blue, you have cool undertones. And if you have both blue and green veins, that means that you have neutral undertones!

It's testing time!

After we defined undertones, testing different foundations on brown skin is the next step. Choose the color you believe is matching your skin tone and apply it from your cheek to your jawline. Have in mind that with brown skin, face is usually lighter than the body, so make sure that the foundation color matches your body. You should always make sure that your foundation seamlessly melts into your neck in order to appear as natural as possible.

It is also recommended to test two or three shades, alongside one another. Then, wait for several minutes in order to let the foundation warm up and combine naturally with your skin.

The perfect foundation texture

As we already mentioned, dark skin tones have more pigment, and due to different skin tone irregularities, you should choose a foundation with a heavier texture. These types of foundations allow you to build up the most efficient coverage for your skin. However, you should always apply heavier base lightly in order to correct the pigmentation and get your undertones to the right level. This doesn't mean that your foundation should feel like a mask on your face, though. In order to choose the perfect foundation shade and texture, you have to wear it all day long. Don't worry, we did that for you and we reviewed some of the best foundations for brown skin.

The Body Shop Oil Free Foundation

Many women love the Body Shop, but finding such an effective foundation for darker skin was a real surprise! This foundation comes with SPF 15, which is naturally a good thing, and it comes in 10 shades, so it is possible to find the perfect match for brown skin. Generally, this foundation is great because it has an even coverage and it covers all blemishes and pigmentation perfectly. When it comes to texture, it has a creamy texture and it doesn't look caked on at the end of the day. It has a matte finish but that "ashy" grey tone is not included.

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation may be a bit pricey, but don't worry, this foundation will last for months. Also, you will be very pleased with the results: the foundation comes in 16 shades, it is extremely lightweight and it gives the skin fantastic coverage that really lasts the whole day! It also smells great, which is always a good thing when it comes to makeup. Another great thing about it is that this foundation is good to use even without powder. This YSL foundation has Vitamin E as well. You can also buy the Y-Brush from the same brand that is being sold separately from the foundation.

NARS Sheer Matte Foundation

This foundation is definitely one of the more expensive ones on the market, however, it really pays off. Oiliness and uneven skin are usually the biggest problems of brown skin, and this foundation covers it all. Let's begin from the shade range: there are about 10 shades you can choose from, it is fragrance free and it contains anti-oxidants that improve radiance. You don't have to use too much of this foundation to cover blemishes, because it is very rich in pigment and still, so lightweight. If your skin has red and yellow undertones, you will probably find it perfect for your skin.

Black Opal Foundation Stick

Black Opal is a brand formulated specifically for brown skin. They also make creme to powder and liquid foundations, but this time we decided to try foundation stick. Unlike other products on this list, Black Opal Foundation Stick is not so expensive. It comes in a variety of shades for brown skin and it has SPF 15. The best thing about this foundation is that it doesn't clog your pores and it blends perfectly on your face. This foundation stick is also paraben-free and fragrance-free.

SheaMoisture Sheer Liquid Foundation

This is another budget-friendly foundation we decided to review on this list! SheaMoisture Sheer Liquid Foundation is blended with Shea Butter that provides great hydration and it nourishes your skin. Does it feel too heavy on your face, though? Not at all! This liquid foundation feels and looks absolutely weightless on the skin. It comes in about 20 shades, and there are a few warm undertones you can choose for your particular skin tone. This foundation also does a great job when it comes to covering some light discolorations and it stays perfectly on face during the whole day.