Tips for Finding the Perfect Makeup for Dark Skin Tones

How to Find the Perfect Makeup Shades for Dark Skin Tones

Work With Your Undertones to Find Foundation

Whether your skin tone is fair, dark or anything in between, the key to finding the right makeup is knowing your undertones. But when it comes to shopping for the right foundation for dark skin, things can get a little confusing. For example, the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation comes in 41 shades that have neutral, cool or warm undertones. If your complexion has pink, red and blue undertones, you’re cool. If it has yellow or golden undertones, you have warm undertones. If your skin has a balance of both, you have neutral undertones. If you’re unsure what your undertone is though, try one of these tests to find out.

The White vs. Cream Test

Grab two articles of clothing, one white and the other off-white. While wearing no makeup, decide which color complements your skin tone best. If it’s the pure-white shade, your undertones are warm. If the cream color suits you more, you have cool undertones. If both flatter you just the same, you’re neutral.

The Vein Test

Look at the veins on your wrists. If they’re green, then you have warm undertones. If your veins are blue, you have cool undertones. If you have both colors or they appear to be blue-green, then you have neutral undertones.

The Jewelry Test

If gold jewelry enhances your complexion, you’re likely on the warmer side. If silver jewelry looks best on your skin tone, you have cool undertones.

Choose the Right Blush

Deep mauve shades like a cranberry or even bright orange blush look stunning on darker skin tones. Bright fuchsia also complements dark skin with warmer undertones, while tangerine will flatter cooler undertones. If you’re looking for a cream blush, we suggest the MERIT Beauty Flush Balm in shade Cheeky.

Find a Great Bronzer

A sun-kissed glow works for every complexion. You want to look for a product that will highlight and enhance your skin tone for that lit-from-within glow. Look for a neutral bronzer like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer. Apply it to your forehead, temples and upper cheekbones for an instantly warmer complexion.  

Opt for Jewel-Toned Eyeshadow

Any rich eyeshadow shade will really make your eyes pop. Jewel tones like purple, bright blue, emerald green or a deep burgundy stand out against your complexion. We’ve been loving the Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow, because it comes with a variety of bold jewel tones — like our favorite, Garçonne — along with more neutral shades for everyday looks. Gold and bronze tones instantly warm your skin tone and brighten up your eyes, too. Steer clear of white, pale or frosty colors, though, as they can give your skin an ashy or dry appearance. 

Pick a Flattering Lipstick Color

Just like the bright blush colors, dark skin tones can have just as much fun with lipstick, whether it’s glossy and sparkly pinks or matte berry lip colors. Those with warmer undertones also look stunning in peach, orangey-red and even chocolate brown shades. One of our favorites is the Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte Matte Lipstick in More Coffee. At the end of the day, though, we suggest picking whatever lipstick color you love or the hue that makes you feel most confident.

Design: Juliana Campisi