Pimples, blackheads and undereye circles are among the most common skin care issues for all women, but hyperpigmentation is particularly challenging for women of color.
Even if we take meticulous care of breakouts, excess melanin production often leads to dark spots that are notoriously hard to get rid of. The truth is, settling into a routine that evens out skin tone takes time, so we depend on makeup to temporarily shield blemishes.
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We’re reminded time and time again that the beauty industry has a long way to go where inclusivity is concerned, so we went directly to a pro makeup artist, Tara Lauren, for a cheat sheet on the most Black-girl friendly options. She stresses however, that skin care is “key,” to a makeup look that doesn’t look heavy or cakey.
“Apply moisturizer to clean damp skin,” she shares. “This allows the skin to retain moisture and create a smooth supple canvas underneath foundation…No need to pile on the products; choosing the right foundation can make obtaining great coverage simple and stress free.”
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Additionally, ensure that your moisturizer contains a minimum of SPF 15 and consider adding a primer in between moisturizer and foundation for longer wear. Keep reading for Tara’s top 7 picks and pro-tips for using each one!
Two Way Cake can be applied wet or dry. For wet application, use a damp sponge and press the foundation into the skin. For dry application, use a kabuki brush and lightly buff into the skin. Both options provide an adjustable velvet smooth coverage.
This foundation was developed with twice the amount of pigment and water than typical foundations, allowing it to completely conceal hyperpigmentation, imperfections and uneven skin tone. Because it is so concentrated, a little goes a long way. Apply a pump of the foundation to the back of your clean hand, sweep over it with the bristles of a duel fiber brush, like the Bdellium Studio 958 brush, and buff into the skin.
This buildable coverage stick foundation comes in 30 shades, so you’re sure to find a match. Use the stick directly on the face, making a few markings. Next, use a damp sponge, like a Beautyblender, to stipple into the skin for a demi-matte natural finish.
This innovative foundation is not only perfect for all skin types, but hyaluronic spheres it contains ensure comfortable wear that lasts all day. From film to selfies, digital media is displaying images with amazing detail and this HD formula will have you #filterfree on camera and to the naked eye.
Not only is this formula long wearing, it also has an SPF of 15, which will protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is important when it comes to discoloration and hyperpigmentation because exposure increases the appearance of the unprotected area.
With 15 hours of staying power and light diffusing spheres, this foundation blurs the appearance of imperfections. It’s also sweat-resistant and transfer-proof. You can apply with a flat foundation brush, making quick strokes and patting problem areas for more coverage.
You can control the coverage of this foundation one drop at a time, literally. The dropper located in the bottle allows you to customize coverage. From sheer to full, buff the desired amount into skin. You can always apply more product in problem areas for a seriously smooth canvas.
