From complexion colors not being readily available to other unflattering options, those with deeper skin tones know the struggle of shopping for makeup.
Thankfully, the industry is starting to pay attention, with an onslaught of products and/or entire makeup lines dedicated to women of color and pigments created specifically for deeper skin tones.
Now that we have the color range and product supply to sufficiently slay, we have to know what to do with it, right? Did you know that inspiration is all around you?
Social media has created an amazing platform for both professional artists and aspiring beauty junkies to discover easy tutorials. Instagram has not only become famous for its onslaught of self portraits; it’s literally a mall for makeup mavens. Brown skin girls all over the map are showing us how it’s done with uber-inspirational pictures of their work!
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Find insta-inspiration for your next big night out by perusing beautiful makeup looks on darker skin tones. Get ready to feel more confident than ever!
01
All That Glitters
Use a pinkish glitter like Monica to accent your eyes. A rose colored lipstick will also help add balance to the look.
@monicastylemuse/Instagram
02
Green With Envy
Gather your favorite hues of yellow-green and add them to your eyelid for a little pop of color! This beauty also added cool hues of blue to make a bold statement.
@beautybybb_
03
Cut Crease
If you aren’t familiar with a cut crease, let your eyes steal the show!
Pro-Tip: This one takes a little practive. Use ultra creamy and pigmented eye shadows when trying to achieve this look, so that the colors pop and will blend well together.
@beautyby_melissa
04
Pink Lips
Make your lips the star of the show with this slightly ombre, pink-nude lip. Use deep rose colored liner to outline your lips, followed by your favorite lip stain to the middle! Don’t forget to blend–you’ll be happy you did.
@newyorktaylorr/Instagram
05
Hello, Glitter Lips
The trending glitter lips are not just for the holidays and @aangelsimms is proving just that! This melanin queen opted for a magenta eyeshadow to accompany her glitter-bombed lips with a dust of gold in the inner tear duct. Love!
@aangelsimms/Instagram
06
Neon Beauty
Add an orange tint to your cheeks and lips for a fun pop of color!
@cherrycollab, @brittanysky/Instagram
07
Bronze Goddess
Her complexion is stealing the show, and for good reason! Use the warmth of your favorite bronzer to achieve this glowing look. Compliment with a nude lip.
@tamiastyles/Instagram
08
Chocolate on Chocolate
This beauty enhanced her melanin with a chocolate colored nude lip and deep brown crease. Love!
@beautybybemii/Instagram
09
Nude & Bordeaux
Mix and match the nude and Bordeaux colored lip trends like this dark skinned beauty for a versatile and eye-catching look.
@leochrista, @darkskinwomen.makeup/Instagram
10
Glow For The Gods
This brown skin beauty made her complexion the star of the show. Invest in a new highlighter to brush onto cheekbones and your brow bone. Accompany with false eyelashes and you’ve got the look!
@luluhasaan/Instagram
11
Copper Rocks!
Find your new favorite cooper-toned eyeshadow and give your eyelids a dusting. You can add a chocolate colored eye liner on top if you really want to wow them without trying too hard!
@leochrista/Instagram
12
Pop Of Pink
Experiment with pops of pink or berry on your lips. Compliment with soft, neutral eyes for a fun day to night look.
@chastitysamone/Instagram
13
Eyeliner, Please
Opt for a non traditional eyeliner for a quick pick-me-up.
@madisinrian, @darkskinwomen.makeup/Instagram
14
Peachy & Professional
Want to set yourself up for success on your next big professional adventure? Try a muted eye, black liner and peach lip gloss. Easy breezy!
@tamiastyles/Instagram
15
Glossy Lips
We’re not sure if it’s the double winged liner that caught our attention or the defined glossy lips, but you can’t go wrong either way!
@pearlpaulao/Instagram
16
Fly Away Eyeliner
How do you feel about her winged eyeliner? Or her gorgeous glowing skin? It’s all so good!
@melachild/Instagram
17
Bolder Brows
Bold, more defined brows can help frame the face, or add a polished finish to your makeup routine.
@taesface/Instagram
18
Red Undertones
Incorporate red somewhere other than your lips, like your eyelids, for a fiery finish.
@lopeakanmu/Instagram
19
Drama!
Nothing adds drama like violet glitter and a bomb highlight!