How To Choose Right Foundation For Black Skin Tones

Finding the perfect foundation can be an epic quest and one that doesn't always have a happy ending. Our drawers are full of foundations that seemed right for us but turned out to be all wrong. Picking the wrong foundation is one of the common mistakes that black woman make . For some odd reason choosing the right foundation seems to be a step most women just get wrong - sometimes horribly wrong . Few things are more unattractive than a beautiful woman whose is face is an entirely different shade of colour than her neck or whose face is covered in foundation so thick it makes them  look like  they are wearing a mask.


Product Benefit 
The purpose in using the right foundation is to make yourself look as natural as possible. Foundation hides flaws, evens out your skin tone , makes you look refreshed  and natural all at  the same time. Your foundation is your canvas  and I believe it is one of the most  important cosmetic investments  you will make. The Bottom Line selecting the best possible foundation is the key to having a great look and long lasting makeup.


There are many things to consider  before you purchase a foundation  and hence I will try to make this post  as simple and informative as possible. After reading this  post  , you will have the necessary information you need before purchasing foundation makeup from any line. Now on to the selection process.


Step 1 : Determine Your Skin Type 
You'll want to figure out your skin type , since they are different formulas for different skin types of skins. So do you have normal skin , oily skin, dry skin , combination skin or sensitive skin ?

• Normal skin has none of the issues listed below. (lucky you )

• Oily Skin looks shiny and feels greasy . It may also have larger pores than normal skin. Spots can be a problem for those with oily skin , as is reducing the shiny appearance.

• Dry skin can look dull and reflects  light badly because of its of oil. It gets itchy and irritated easily ,and can be prone to flaky or scaly patches.

• Combination skin is dry with oily zones or vice -versa. Often the T-zone (the T-shaped area of the face formed by the forehead , nose and chin ) gets oily but cheeks are dry.

• Sensitive skin is prone to skin irritancy and allergic reactions.

Step 2 : Choose a Formulation that Suits your Skin type 

The second thing you'll decide want to decide is which kind of formulation (texture ) you  want. Foundations come in many forms , which can be narrowed down to these four : cream , cream-to- powder , liquid and loose mineral powder .  Some  women choose a texture based on personal preference - they may like the feel of a super - hydrating liquid on their  skin. Other choose based on their skin type. Personally I think it's much easier , less drama and less chance of buyer 's remorse if you  to narrow down your options based on your skin type.   

Normal Skin

Pretty much anything goes for you :  Liquid, Cream and Powder  foundations. It 's based on your personal preference.

Oily Skin 

Choose a foundation that controls oil and shine and is oil free. Foundations that provide "matte" coverage or powder or cream to powder formulas are very good for woman that have oily skin . If you prefer liquid foundation, look for oil-free liquids. Mousses are also good for oily skin. You may want to find primers that help with oil control   like Make up Forever (MUFE) All Matte and Mac Matte. Primers can better control oil than moisturizers.

Dry Skin 

Select a foundation that has a moisturizing formula to relieve dryness. Look for creamier liquid foundations , cream foundations  are your best bet , or tinted moisturizers . Be sure to stay away from foundations that dry to a  powder finish or cream to powder foundations as they make your skin look flaky and even drier. The key for you is prep your face well before using foundation . Either use a thick rich moisturizer to quench the skin or use a serum as they produce "slip " and let the foundation "melt " into your skin.

Combination Skin 

Choose formulas that will absorb oils in the  T-zone, while moisturizing in the other areas. Traditionally , moisturized meant shiny and matte meant opaque. You , however, need a foundation that has moisturizers in it , but is also oil-free. Try using a stick foundation , which will mask shine in the t-zone and blend  well on other areas of the face.

Sensitive Skin 

Since you need to be extra careful , try a foundation that is  oil- free , fragrance- free and allergy tested for skin irritancy. The key word you're looking for is hyper- allergenic.  

Uneven Tone  

If you have spotty or splotchy skin , try an easy to blend sheer liquid formula , which will minimize your pigment problem.

Step 3  :  Consider How Much Coverage 

Once you've found your formula , you need to choose a coverage type . This boils down to what you need to hide. If you like the no makeup look or simply like the option to layer , go for a sheer foundation. Those who want to hide minor discolourations should try medium coverage and anyone with serious skin issues should use full coverage.


~Sheer or Natural Finish - This foundation is light and sheer , usually in liquid form and are almost the consistency of pure water. This  is the foundation for those natural beauties , and people that do not need much coverage due to smooth, clear,  even skin.


~Medium Coverage- These foundations are thicker in consistency and provide some coverage with blemishes , discolourations or just uneven skin tones. They go on thicker and be purchased in liquid form or compact form (like creams, sticks or cream to powder)


~Matte Finish - These foundations are typically for those with oily skin. A matte finish is great for helping to control oily shine and breakthrough shine later. Matte finish makeup is also available in several forms ( liquid, creams, sticks or cream to powder)


~ Powder Finish- These foundations go on creamy and dry with powder finish. These are  wonderful for those oily skin or combination skin because they tend to be thicker and the powder helps with the shine. This type of foundations can applied by anyone , however, if you have a dry skin , you will definitely have to apply a good moisturizer.


Step 4 : Consider Your Skin Tone 


Shade selection is crucial , and finding a perfect match is  what can make or break your decision. If your foundation does not match the colour of your face , it will not look good at all. 


 The perfect foundation shade should identical to your skin tone .  You need to be sure it  is not too dark or too light. Pay careful attention to the next piece of advice it will revolutionize your shade selection process.  Go  for  yellow based foundation  and avoid foundations that feature pink, peach and orange tones. Yellow based foundations look more natural on most skins types ; from light skinned  (yellow boned sisters) to the darkest coloured skin .  If have a very dark skin tone you should go for  a foundation with a either a yellow or red undertone.


Once you have determined the above criteria for  your needs ,you should then test the foundation on your skin to make sure that it is a match. When testing shades , choose at least 3 that you think might matches your skin and your undertones . Apply the  the foundations  onto your jaw line. next to  one another (next door) , blending them  gently into your skin . Do not test foundation on your hand  , as your hands are not the some colour of your face.  If you barely see any foundation applied on your face then it means it is the right colour for you.

In Closing 
As you can see, there are many things to consider before purchasing a foundation. If you use all these tips , you'll be sure to find  the perfect foundation for you. I promise you won't be disappointed. 


Get out there and make yourselves  even more beautiful . 


Later Mzansi Beauties