Finding a new fund can be a challenge. You need to consider your skin type, coverage, formula and most importantly your skin tone. While the latter isn't that difficult for everyone, it remains a challenge for those with darker skin tones, as even some of the biggest beauty brands offer limited options for deeper colors.
Fortunately, over the years many brands have become more inclusive and now offer more than 50 shades in their collections. Need help getting through them all? We asked eight experts and editors (and checked Sephora and Ulta reviews) to find the best foundations for dark skin.
Meet an expert
How to choose the right foundation for dark skin
"When choosing a foundation, you need to consider coverage and texture, as well as your skin's needs," says Snug. You should consider the finish (i.e. matte, dewy or satin) and your skin type (i.e. dry, oily or combination skin).
Then you need to determine your shade to find the best match for your skin. There are a few tricks to learn. The most common (and easiest) way to check is to look at the color of the veins. If you have blue veins, you have a cool undertone. But if you have a green undertone, you have a warm undertone. And if you have a mixture of blue and green veins, you have neutral tones.
If all of this seems too complicated, you can also go to the nearest Sephora, Ulta or other beauty store and pick up some foundation samples that suit your skin best. Apply the stencil one at a time along the jawline and gently blend with a makeup sponge (or your fingers). Wait a few minutes for it to absorb into your skin and then go outside where there is natural light (near a window is also good). Whatever suits your skin suits you best.
Personal testing will be required, but we talked to eight black women (and dug into online reviews) to find the 16 best dark foundations that complement darker skin tones to help you narrow down your options.
A quick look at the best foundation for dark skin
© Provided by PureWowDasha Burobina/PureWow
© Provided by PureWowUlta/Keanda Snape
If you have dry skin, this foundation is designed to provide full coverage and hydration without leaving a greasy feeling at the end of the day. Contains hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, grape seed oil and vitamin E for lightweight coverage and a natural finish. "I personally use it and always have it in my client's make-up bag. It has a wide range of colors for women, good coverage and a great finish,” says Snape.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
Whether you're looking for sheer or sheer coverage, this foundation is easy to create anytime. The formula contains a serum complex of polymers and amino acids, which provide hydration and radiance to the skin. It also has diamond dust, which gives the skin a soft soft focus effect. The price is quite high, but reviewers say the exact color alone is worth it. “I hate this fund. I hate it because it's so perfect and it costs $70. It's honestly the best foundation I've ever used. It blends perfectly with my skin, stays on well and mimics my skin tone. The watery formula turned me off at first, but don't be fooled, the subtlety is part of the magic. The mother of makeup struck gold,” shared a customer.
© Provided by PureWowSephora / Mikaela Verelin
Highlight your natural glow with this liquid foundation. The oil-free formula blends perfectly with medium coverage. The brand's microfilament technology is said to improve your skin's texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time. "As someone with oily skin, Armani Beauty Foundation is great for helping to tighten my pores. It has a variety of colors and is very long-lasting," says Mikaela Verelen, content creator and host of Macy's LIVE.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
No one wears it as long as Estée Lauder. Buyers praise the light finish of the foundation and consider it a favorite even on the hottest days. “Full coverage and a bit is important. I have combination skin so this foundation is perfect and I live in Florida so I usually use a matte foundation! I highly recommend this to anyone who lives in hot/humid areas and is looking for a good matte foundation that lasts [all day],” shared one reviewer.
© Provided by PureWowSephora / Mikaela Verelin
While we don't endorse using foundation all day and night, we appreciate Dior's claims of 24/7 wear. The formula contains iris extract to prevent oxidation, as well as hibiscus and wild pansy extracts to renew skin and restore moisture. "It's a very light foundation and I use it every day. My skin looks like skin. With the warmer months approaching, it's the perfect base for a no-makeup look," says Verelien.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
With "filter" in the title, we expect a soft, fuzzy base. According to the evaluators, it stands out in this respect, and some do. "I love this foundation. It's [definitely] a full coverage foundation that some people might not think of for everyday use, but I can [use] half a pump and get full coverage! I've had other foundations that claim to be full coverage, but they really are! A little goes a long way and it does a great job,” says one enthusiastic customer.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
With over 1,000 five-star reviews, this lightweight foundation has become a fan favorite for its skin-like effect. It is formulated with mineral powder to control excess sebum and glycerin to promote hydration. The formula also has SPF 15 for UV protection. "[This foundation] is verified. I love how comfortable they are and how easy it is to pair with other products," says makeup artist and content creator Zainab Hasan. "It suits my skin type well and a lot of the brand's products are skincare-focused, so They have good coverage which I love the most."
© Provided by PureWowthe final
The brand has six different formulas based on skin tones (such as very light, light, olive, tan, brown and dark brown) that cover all 51 shades in their extensive range. This allows you to customize each foundation to suit your coverage needs. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and mixed berry extracts, it is designed to hydrate the skin and cover redness and discoloration. "The Uoma Beauty Foundation has a smooth and velvety surface. The foundation doesn't feel heavy at all [and] provides great coverage. It evens out my texture and makes me look moisturized. Highly recommended!" shared one reviewer.
© Provided by PureWowSephora/Nakeisha Campbell
This liquid foundation feels like a second skin. The oil-free formula is made with breathable polymers and hyaluronic acid for a comfortable, oxidant-free finish. “I love how easy it is to apply and it gives me a natural glow. I put it on a few times and people couldn't tell I had foundation on,” says Nakeisha Campbell, PureWow's Associate Entertainment and News Editor.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
Not surprisingly, the foundation made this list with over 7,000 five-star reviews. Ingredients include coconut water, alpine rose and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and glide on easily. “It was the perfect shade for me, which is rare. I love the coverage and how buildable it is. I feel like I can wear it with everyday looks. It looks natural, but I can also build it up for fuller coverage so it doesn't stick. As someone with oily skin, I love that it's oil-free and really stays on my skin without any shine or shine,” says one customer.
© Provided by PureWowSephora / Karel McKay
If the Pro Filt'r remains a staple for many due to its variety of shades, don't underestimate its successor: the Eaze Drop skin tone. Enriched with Hydrablend Complex (also known as Glycerin) the formula feels light on the skin. "As I like to lighten my makeup a bit, I prefer to use that skin tone. It has a natural texture and doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything on my face. It's a part of my makeup routine and a real lifesaver during the summer months (especially in the New York heat),” says Karel McKay, Entertainment and News Editor, PureWow.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
When Haus Lab launched its foundation in September 2022, it instantly went viral with its flawless coverage and 51 shades. Fans love the lightweight formula that contains fermented arnica, an antioxidant-rich plant that helps reduce redness and irritation. “This is the best foundation I've ever used! [I] was able to get full coverage with two swipes of the product and everything went on really well. [Also] the color combination is accurate and looks like leather,” added one customer.
© Provided by PureWowSephora
This lightweight foundation is a great choice for dry skin. It uses a botanical blend (also known as lotus, gardenia and lily) to nourish and soothe dry patches. "When I was looking for a light base, this was my choice. [It matches my skin tone very well [and] looks natural. I need full coverage for a few days, the formula offers buildability," says People magazine editor Stephanie Sengwe.
© Provided by PureWowNOTHING
With NYX, you don't have to spend a fortune on customization. Shoppers can't get enough of full coverage that's waterproof, scratch-resistant, and comfortable for all-day wear. The essential vitamin E ingredient protects the skin, while the pigmented formula hides blemishes and dark spots for perfect coverage. "The color of this foundation is accurate. The color and tone is perfect for my skin tone. [It is] full coverage, not partial. [The foundation] doesn't make my skin oily or dry. All in all, I would recommend this foundation to anyone because you can't beat the price and quality,” shared one of the reviewers.
© Provided by PureWowSephora/Monica Velazquez
Are you struggling with dark spots, redness or uneven skin tone? This foundation promises to conceal and enhance your texture over time. It is enriched with a blend of fruit extracts (such as raspberry, apple and watermelon) that soften and brighten the skin. "My first impression was that the shade didn't match [my skin tone], but once the color was on my skin, it was perfect," says beauty blogger and content creator Monica Veloz. "I love how I can wear it as a full coverage moment or how I can layer it to give variety [for any look]."
© Provided by PureWowSephora
This foundation does it all: hold, coverage and a waterproof formula. However, it is the unique design that sets it apart from others on the list. The triangular, compact design makes it easy to glide on the skin and build the foundation for all your touch-ups on the go. “I like the Hourglass Foundation. It's so smooth and looks flawless on the skin once applied, especially on deep, rich skin tones,” says Brandi Allen, celebrity makeup artist and Black Beauty Roster expert.
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