| Beauty In Color:
The Best Foundations for Women of Color
by Daria V. Wright
It’s time to stop blaming the foundation ladies. Banishing the early onset of aging, flakes, blemishes, and dehydration is best form of flattery to your foundation. Skin that has been cared for is essential to achieving a perfectly polished complexion, and should serve as the heartbeat of your beauty routine. Remember that even if your foundation or moisturizer contains an SPF, I recommended you wear a separate sunscreen as well. Also, note that an SPF between 30 and 45 is sufficient for most of us.
Here my mini-foundation guide to some top brand recommendations for women of color.
 Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer; $45 at Kevynaucoindirect.com
The details: Multifunctional, healthy skin enhancing foundation and concealer in one
Ideal for: Suitable for all skin types, great for normal to dry skin
Intensity of Coverage: Medium to full, for less intense coverage sheer down with a moisturizer
Pros: Large color selection of 16 shades that mimic actual skin complexions, a little goes a long way, great for under eye circles, contains hydrating honey and jojoba oil, long shelf life, absolutely gorgeous finish to the skin
Personal Testament: My personal favorite cream foundation when working professionally
Cons: Price point, takes some practice to work with, may need to mix two shades to achieve perfect results, doesn’t offer any sun protection benefits.
 Temptu’s Airbrush Makeup System; $225 at Sephora.com
The details: Professional airbrush results at home
Ideal for: All skin types, oily skin may require a loose powder to absorb excess oil
Intensity of coverage: Wide range of application techniques possible from sheer to medium to full coverage
Pros: Airbrushing foundation sprays a fine mist of color to the skin. This application process tends to be more forgiving, allowing the color to self adjust to the wearers complexion. The machine is compact in design, allowing for neat and precise application, the product itself lives up to its promise of long lasting wear. Best for women who have additional time to commit to a morning beauty routine, great for highly visible professionals who need to look polished, and women who love the newest beauty gadgets.
Personal testament: My foundation finish was so beautiful that others actually took notice, and I’ve officially converted into an airbrush believer.
Cons: Price, needs electricity, takes some practice and requires more time to work with in the beginning.
 Iman Cosmetics Stick Foundation; $15 at Drugstore.com
The details: Silicone based, matte finish, oil- free cream stick foundation, contains jojoba oil for hydration, in addition to antioxidants A, C, and E.
Ideal for: Normal to oily complexions
Intensity of coverage: Medium to full coverage
Pros: Natural looking, Can be used as a concealer, great coverage, great price point
Cons: Color matching is only available in person when an Iman makeup artist is present to match shades at stores. However, info about color comparison utilizing other popular foundation brands can be found at http://imancosmetics.com/meetyourmatch
 Revlon ColorStay™ Makeup with SoftFlex™; $12.99 at Drugstore.com
The details: Long- wearing, patented, lightweight foundation
Ideal for: Has two separate formulations that are suitable for specific skin types
Intensity of coverage: Medium to full coverage
Pros: Price point, coverage, nice color range
Cons: The inability to try the product in store. However, once you find your perfect shade it will save you money in the long run. The darker color range doesn’t offer any sun protection benefits.
 Beauty
in color is our monthly beauty column aimed at reviewing products, highlighting
color trends, and focusing on the hair care and skin care needs of women of color.
Please contact Daria V. Wright if
you have story ideas or product suggestions.
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