5 of the Best Foundations for Brown Skintones

Anyone with a skin tone on the darker side of the spectrum will know all too well how hard it can be to find a foundation that compliments the skin. It has been a long battle for me but thankfully things are a changing. Cosmetics brands are cottoning on to the power of the black consumer and black women spend a vast amount on both hair and makeup (I definitely do).

Foundation matching can be tricky. Some beauty companies only offer limited shades with the darkest shade being made for olive-skinned women. I have found the best way to test shades is to apply a little to your jaw line and blend. It should match your neck. Oily skins need to go for a shade lighter as the condition of the skin will affect the colour.

1. Illamasqua Skin Base: This foundation comes in 25 different shades ranging from porcelain tones to a very dark shade with yellow undertones. Whatever your skin tone Illamasqua have the shade for you. It gives flawless coverage and lasts all day – buy here

2. Rimmel Light Perfecting Radiance Foundation : This foundation will not be suitable for those with very dark skin tones as it only offers ten shades but it will suit Asian and mixed race skin tones and at just £6.99 it’s a steal! buy here

3. NYC Skin Matching Luminizer – While they only offer 5 shades their darkest shade is very dark. It leaves the skin with a beautiful dewy finish so is a great choice for those who don’t require full coverage and at £3.99 it’s a bargain. buy here

4. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Bare Perfection – This one comes in 11 shades ranging from caucasian tones to a very dark brown suited for black skin tones with yellow undertones. This foundation is light, oil-free, and gives the skin a flawless look and smooth feel. It also includes SPF. buy here

5. L’oreal True Match Foundation – this one comes in nineteen different shades which is the largest selection I’ve seen from any high street brand. It is more expensive than both NYC and Rimmel but still comes in at under a tenner. It helps smooth the texture of the skin and provides long-lasting full coverage and it includes SPF. buy here

What is your favourite foundation?