My Perfect Shade: Ethnic Skin Makeup

Counter Confidential

"Finding Your True Match" by Undercover Beauty Agent

Being a person of color, I understand that finding a foundation or concealer for darker complexions can be a tricky task. There are different undertones in the skin that can make a foundation look ashy or dull. And in some cases, brands just don't make your shade. I think I watched about fifty videos about Laura Mercier’s Silk Crème foundation before I decided that I had to have it. It didn’t occur to me that the girls in tutorials were much paler than me until I went shopping. I spent a good twenty minutes at the counter looking for a darker shade in the foundation until I realized there wasn’t one. Laura Mercier didn't make it!

This sort of thing happens daily at my counter. There are so many women out there that want to try specific brands, but can’t find their shade in that brand's range of makeup. Recently, a lady with deep, chocolate skin asked me to color-match her using a really popular brand's foundation. I could tell that the makeup would be too light, but she insisted anyway. I was beyond embarrassed when she yelled at me for turning into "Casper the Friendly Ghost.”  She stormed off before I could recommend a foundation more suited for her darker skin.

Beauties, don’t be afraid to trust your artist if he or she suggests something new—there are some great brands out there for darker skin tones. Here's are my picks for flawless face makeup that works on darker complexions:

1 Cargo One Base

This concealer plus foundation all-in-one comes in a nice range of colors. I also love how it has an applicator wand for precision. The formula blends nicely into the skin, especially under the eyes, and automatically brightens and conceals problem areas.

Also Try: Eve Pearl Dual Salmon Concealer & Treatment  

2 Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation 

This liquid foundation delivers medium to full coverage and is perfect for any type of event because it's long-wearing and the formula blends so well into the skin that it's almost invisible. The color selection is awesome—there are so many shades to choose from!

Also Try: L'oreal True Match Foundation 

3 Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder 

Not only is this powder infused with vitamin C, green tea, and other healthy skin goodies, the finished look is smooth and flawless. The powder looks great alone or over foundation because it has a buildable coverage. 

Also Try: Covergirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Pressed Powder

Image courtesy of weheartit

Undercover Beauty Agent is just an average makeup artist at your local beauty counter who's reporting true stories exclusively for Beautylish: "I love what I do because I get to make people feel beautiful on a daily basis. Working with so many different people in New York City has definitely been interesting. I've learned a lot and not all of it is very pretty. I'm a beauty advisor by day and a secret beauty agent by night, totally ready to share all my insider secrets and gossip."