STYLE

We’ve all experienced the struggle of trying to find blush or eyeliner that fits our skin tone, especially if you are a girl of color. Luckily, awareness is growing about the lack of beauty resources available to us, and a lot of new brands have come out on the market in an effort to tackle the issue like our faves below. The best part? Many of these brands can be found at your nearest drugstore (aka they're *not* all super expensive). 

 

1. BlackUp 
This French brand—available at Sephora—sells a load of products for primarily darker skin tones like concealer, primer, mascara, lipstick and balm. BlackUp also makes a point of using professional, quality ingredients which is always a big plus in the makeup world. 

 

2. IMAN Cosmetics 
Founded by an African model, IMAN Cosmetics was one of the first to produce skincare and cosmetics for skin tones across the spectrum. Found at mass retailers like Target and Walgreens, this brand is especially good for foundation (they have 16 shades!). 

 

3. Cover FX
Canadian makeup company Cover FX looks to make natural shades for every skin tone. Currently, many beauty vloggers use this brand and all products are free of gluten, parabens, mineral oil, fragrance and talc. The brand is known for being easy to find a color for yourself. 

 

4. Sleek Makeup
Sleek Makeup is UK-based but ships to US customers. Very popular worldwide, a few must-buys include Matte Me lipstick, Divine Eyeshadow (comes with 12 different shades) and the Solstice Highlighting Palette. 

5. Black Opal
Cheaper than most makeup lines, Black Opal is known to have the best foundation sticks for girls of color. With an abundance of unique shades like Nutmeg, Kalahari Sand and Black Walnut, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a shade that fits y-o-u.

6. Shea Moisture
Shea Moisture offers organic, natural and sulfate-free cosmetics that aren't tested on animals. From hand soap to facial wipes to blush, this brand has a great variety of different health and beauty products. Bonus: 10 percent of sales go to women-led businesses.

 

7. koyVoka
Another cruelty-free company, koyVoka was recently founded last year. Catering towards deeper complexions, the company provides long-lasting and highly-pigmented makeup for both bold and trendy looks.

8. MAC Cosmetics
Basically *every* girl is familiar with MAC Cosmetics. They're an easy-to-use (aka beginner friendly!) brand and bestsellers include their lipsticks, concealers and powder blushes.

What is your favorite makeup brand? Have you had experiences finding makeup for darker skin? Tell us in the comments below! 

Photo credit: ItsMyRayeRaye.

by Amrita Bhasin | 8/8/2017