As a woman of color, my journey into discovering and practicing makeup has been filled with ups and downs. I’d buy the same products that influencers recommended, only for them to look discolored and unnatural when applied on my face. Whether it’s finding the right shade of concealer or picking the perfect lip color, I’ve struggled with it all. Many women of color tend to deal with hyperpigmentation and usually have undertones that vary from the typical shades we see at the drugstore. In fact, even stores that carry luxury makeup brands, such as Sephora or Ulta, have limited options for most women of color to pick from. While inclusivity in the beauty industry is something that still hasn’t been achieved, I can happily say that I’ve found my fair share of makeup products that work for my brown skin. Here are five WOC-friendly makeup products that make me excited to get ready in front of the mirror every morning!
1. LA Girl pro conceal hd Concealer
Shade: Orange
If you’re someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation, you know how frustrating it can be when your concealer or foundation shows up gray on your skin. The most affordable product from this list is the LA Girl concealer: a color corrector that neutralizes dark tones on the face. I struggle with hyperpigmentation around my mouth and under my eyes, which is where this corrector comes in handy. Before going in with concealer, I quickly apply some orange corrector under my eyes and on my chin; this creates a seamless transition for my concealer, which no longer appears gray after the corrector. If you’re a woman of color who doesn’t use a corrector, you definitely need to try this one out! LA Girl is a complete game-changer.
Bonus: This corrector won’t have you looking like a ghost in any of those late-night flash photos!
2. Haus Labs Concealer
Labeled the “Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + Depuffing Concealer with Fermented Arnica,” this concealer is everything the name says and more! It’s my go-to undereye concealer, and for good reason. As a combination of skin care and makeup, this concealer is one of the most popular products from Lady Gaga’s makeup line: Haus Labs. With its smooth finish and depuffing properties, the Haus Labs concealer evens and brightens my skin tone without creating those pesky creases everyone hates. After this product was released, women of color fell in love with Lady Gaga because the shade range of her concealer is out of this world! Every shade comes in three versions that are each intended for a different undertone. With this variety, I guarantee you’ll find your perfect match with the Haus Labs concealer.
3. Patrick Ta DOuble – Take Creme & powder blush
Shade: She’s Baked
I just started using blush a few years ago, and I’m shocked that I haven’t been using it longer. It brings life to my face by adding a pop of color to my cheeks, so it’s now a staple in my makeup routine. Unfortunately, finding the right shade of blush can be difficult for WOC, especially if you’re looking for a cream or powder blush you can layer. Luckily, Patrick Ta makes the search for the perfect blush easy with an incredible cream and powder duo from his makeup brand. The palette consists of a cream and powder blush; both shades are slightly different but designed to compliment each other when layered. The most WOC-friendly shade out of all them would have to be “She’s Baked,” which is the shade I use. I tap a bit of the cream shade onto my cheeks, and when I go back in with powder products, I sweep some of the powder blush on top, creating an effortless glowy look. There are even more WOC-friendly shades in the line, however, “She’s Baked” is a gorgeous, vibrant berry color that I simply can’t resist; adding this blush into my makeup routine is one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
4. FENty Beauty gloss bomb lip Luminizer
Shade: Hot Chocolit Heat
Being a WOC means having to learn color theory when picking the right shade of lipstick or lip gloss. I can’t even remember how many times I thought a lip color would work on me, only for it to appear an unnatural shade of bright pink when applied to my lips. Thankfully, the Fenty Beauty lip gloss in the shade “Hot Chocolit” delivers results every single time. As someone whose lips are on the smaller side, lip gloss (specifically plumping gloss) is my best friend. This shade’s a gorgeous brown that blends beautifully with brown skin and hyperpigmented lips. While the tube can look slightly dark and intimidating, the moment it’s applied onto the lips, it enhances and plumps them — almost like the cherry on top of a sundae but for makeup; pair this with a creamy brown lip liner and you have a stunning nude lip that will blow everyone away!
5. Givenchy Prisme Libre Setting and Finishing Loose Powder
While it’s on the more expensive side, this setting powder mattifies and blurs my skin unlike any other. As a woman of color with oily skin, this powder’s my holy grail. It doesn’t give any sort of flashback, as it’s a mixture of orange, pink, beige, and yellow pigments, which color corrects and evens the skin upon application. This product will have your makeup looking flawless, almost like you’re facetuned in real life. My advice is to purchase the smaller size first; if you like it, maybe consider saving up for the bigger one.
Finding makeup products that work can be challenging as a woman of color, especially if you have a darker skin tone. Thankfully, more makeup brands are starting to prioritize inclusivity in their products, which gives me more hope for the future of the beauty industry. If it weren’t for the products I mentioned, I wouldn’t have a seamless, convenient makeup routine that works for me. I hope any woman of color reading this can find the same solace in these makeup products that I do!