I’ve recently developed a new appreciation for eyeshadows and lip glosses, and thanks to our new beauty editor, Erica Reed, I’ve learned which makeup lines create products that compliment the skin tones of women of color. I was pleasantly surprised at how much variety is available for us. I grew up watching my mom use Fashion Fair products, and remember vividly when that was about the only makeup line available that worked with our skin. However, the following lines are vying for our attention and have amazing products to offer:
M-A-C: Since M-A-C hit the makeup scene, it’s been a hit with women (and men) worldwide. The makeup is known to be a bit heavy, so it’s best used for those who want full coverage for their skin. Their color palettes for lips and eyes are vast and vivid and they have a myriad of choices to compliment every skin tone.
Black Is fav: Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer. Comes in a range of colors and provides sunscreen – can’t beat that.
NARS: Nars has recently become my new favorite makeup line and what I love about them most are the unique colors within the collection and how pigmented the makeup is. Nars is bold and modern, and thought their color pairing sometimes seem odd, they go well together. Also, NARS is the home of The Multiple
, a makeup stick that is multi-use for eyes, cheeks, lips and decolletage. Although the most popular color in this line is called “Orgasm
“, I would suggest The Multiple in Malibu
and South Beach
for caramel complexions and deeper.
Black Is fav: Eyeshadow Duos and Palettes. If you can get your hands on a eyeshadow palette, grab it. You will have so much fun mixing and matching NARS’ beautiful colors.
Bare Escentuals: I discovered Bare Escentuals when I learned my old favorite, Prescriptives, was reduced to a website. What made Prescriptives so great was their ability to match your skin tone perfectly and create custom powders and foundations. Bare Escentuals is the next best thing, as they offer such a wide range of colors, you are certain to find something to work with your hue. Bare Escentuals is also a hypoallergenic makeup line so it works well on sensitive skin. Their foundation is actually good for your skin and blemishes go away much faster when using it.
Black Is fav: Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation and makeup brushes
. This powder-to-cream formula is easy to apply and barely noticeable. Sunscreen in the formula is a definite bonus. Their makeup brushes are made for the powder form the products come in. This helps with application of the products.
Smashbox: Smashbox is best known for one of their star products, the Photo Finish Foundation Primer
. This primer feels like velvet and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. The primer, tinted or clear, is oil free and can be worn alone or under foundation. It acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup which is great for someone with sensitive skin. Another plus to using a primer is that you won’t need to use as much foundation because of the smooth shield that is protecting your skin.
Black Is fav: Smashbox’s line of best-selling lip enhancing lip glosses. They come in very complementing colors for our range of complexions, are very moisturizing and long lasting.
What makeup lines do you use? Tell us!
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. This formula is light, goes on smooth, smells good and does the job of keeping lips moisturized alone or underneath another product. 
. The whipped texture of the butter makes for a smooth application on your skin. Try this on your elbows, knees, and feet too to keep them soft during winter months!
. This thick and creamy formula, which comes in an array of scents is long-lasting, moisturing, and economical. For under $6, you won’t find a hand cream that works better. 
. Cost effective and easy, this formula works well on both natural and relaxed hair.