Why don't makeup companies make foundations for WOC?

Sep 26, 2014

Zillah B.

It is almost 2015 and most high end brands still do not get it! Drugstore foundations may work for some, but they definitely do not work for all! As a WOC who loves all things makeup, it saddens me to know that the fact is most of these companies just do not consider us much. It shows in the 1 or 2 colors they offer deeper tones. I was so excited to try a certain blush powder with ambient lights, however this product comes off ashy and awful on rich skin tone! Beauty comes in all shapes sizes and tones! We as WOC need to stop chasing products that we're not meant to suit us. We however should invest in companies that specifically cater to our unique, rich golden tones! Fashion fair, Black up, Iman...etc ( sadly not very many ) make beautiful illuminating powders, rich colored blushes, wonderful foundation bases, lippies to die for! But as far as shopping at uper high end main stream brands, the struggle remains real, sadly!

Jun 17, 2015

Lauren G.

Although I'm not very dark, I'm tan-dark, I get pretty dark as the summer goes on and I always have an issue finding the right foundation. usually if its dark enought, its not warm enough, or I can't even find my shade at all. I've found MAC carries almost every shade and tone. as does loreal true match, and nars. also I can't find contouring products dark enough for me because I'm so dark. I use black radience concealers to contour with.

Jan 26, 2016

Thalia R.

I highly recommend Sacha cosmetics (a Caribbean brand) with a great selection (especially if you're warm-toned) and of course, Iman and Black Opal. Recently Covergirl has come out with "Queen" which is god-send for people of colour. (I'm NC 44-45/ Loreal W7 )

Feb 12, 2018

Caitlin T.

As a women with very fair skin will cool undertones I can understand your frustration at not being able to find a foundation that suits. For years I gave up as every brand I tried was simply too dark or just made me look like I was so orange that I looked seriously ill. Even makeup artists that I went too used shades that were too dark and didn't blend well at all with my skin. I have always just asumed that making shades that are very pale and cool not yellow or shades that a dark with different undertones was just too difficult for the makeup brands. However, I few times I have been frustrated when people state well your white so you can just buy drug store makeup as they all cater to you, when they just don't. Many of my friends with a range of different skin colors struggle with finding the right match for their skin and I have always put that down to how complex and different everyones skin tones can be. I am hopfeful that one day I will be able to buy a foundation that suits me as the worst thing about being paler than the majority of companies pale shades is you can't blend anything to make it lighter you just have to give up on that brand.