Makeup.......for black skin?

Question

My sister and I are really interested in buying some make up and also learning to apply it (a light foundation, eyeliner maybe false lashes etc) do you know where we can get a good consultation and maybe try some products then purchase the ones that look really good?

Please note we are black girls with brown and one dark brown skin. And we live in London. Thank you in advance kind ppl!!!

Answer 1

CoverGirl worked with Queen Latifah to come out with the CoverGirl Queen Collection. This is made specially for women of color.

Answer 2

With a consultation it depends a lot on the person doing it - rather than the brand and you can often get some bizarre / wrong information!! Try and see if you can get a consultation with someone who is wearing a look you like and also if you can get along with them and they understand your needs.

Most lines now have a range that covers black skin tones and I would look for one within your price range.

If you have money to spend - head to the beauty halls in either Liberty or Selfridges or Harvey Nics - they have all the main ranges and a few specialist. I am certain Selfridges has a specialist for black skin tones although I can't remember if it is Iman or another brand.

Otherwise check out a large boots. Or if you are really strapped for cash - Superdrug has a large range of cheap lines.

False lashes can be tricky but they are pretty cheap. The singles look more realistic although take longer to apply. You can get them at most beauty stores and remember to get some Duo adhesive for them.

Answer 3

Boots No.7 do a foundation in light medium or Dark which adjusts to your skin colour so it looks totally natural.
I also agree with what someone else said that as far as eyeshadows go you can get away with really bright colours.
As for applying it either go to a website with videos ie. videojug.com or buy a make-up book. Or go to Boots or and department store and they will give you a make-over.
Be warned though they may try and convince you to buy all the make-up they've used!!

Answer 4

Tip: Spend money on your foundation (it should be compatible with your skin type and the best quality you can afford). Get consultation to select the closest shade possible (a real match, not lighter or darker) - have fun at the makeup counters!). The other makeup products like eye shadow, mascara, gloss, etc... you can always opt for the ones they sell in the pharmacy (help save you some $$$). For example:

False eyelashes: MAC (expensive) vs Revlon (budget)
Black mascara: Lancôme (expensive) vs Maybelline Great Lash or Revlon Fabulash (budget)
Liquid eyeliner: NARS (expensive) vs Wet 'n' Wild (budget)
Makeup remover: facial wipes (expensive) vs baby wipes (budget) - DON'T use baby oil to remove eye makeup, it can cause oil spots to develop around the eye area.

Foundation and Concealer Tips from Elke Von Freudenberg: "Make sure your foundation blends into your skin... create your perfect concealer by mixing a dot of your foundation into your concealer... you want your concealer to match your skin, not be two of three shades lighter... To test foundations, apply a small amount to a sheet of white paper and observe whether or not an oil ring develops. If a ring does develop, the foundation may change color after you wear it for a short time. Also, check to see if the foundation looks too pink or gray on white paper. If it does, it will make you skin look fake or too ashy."

Excerpts from "How to be a Budget Fashionista" by Kathryn Finney: "Black Opal makeup stick - ... a great foundation for women of color." Product information, see source below.

Bobbi Brown, Looks & Tips for African-American women: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/looks/thelook_africanamerican.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY6015

What face powder my former Indian boss was using and recommended (while I was working for her last year): Clinique Derma White Brightening Loose Powder (it's silver white powder but it doesn't appear white on the skin, feels cold and hydrating) - the thing is, I doubt if it's still in the market, I checked the UK site, it's not listed.

What I'm using (and absolutely love): Dr. Feelgood (face balm, I use it before applying my foundation), Some Kind-a Gorgeous (a foundation "faker" - for any skin tone, translucent and lightweight) and Boi-ing (concealer), all three by Benefit: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com

And if you like reading and want to learn more than just applying makeup, "Making Faces" by Kevyn Aucoin is a great book to start.

I agree with the famous saying that makeup is to enhance your beauty, not to mask it and it's not about looking young (but you already are, so don't worry) but looking great!

Answer 5

Bronze and gold eyeshadows look fantastic on black skin and if your skin condition is good, don't use a foundation, just a light shimmer dust on your cheek bones to highlight them.
If you're going to use eyeliner, try any find one just a few shades lighter than your own skin tone to highlight your eyes.

Answer 6

I can't believe you are in London & you are asking this question!!!!!
You can try the local specialist african/carribean shops that sell cosmetics.
But I would recommend MAC everytime. I use MAC foundation, maybelline mascara, eyeliner & nivea lipgloss.
MAC are also brillant for showing you how to apply make up properly & the colours to suit your skin tone.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Benefit have lots of makeup - it's really good stuff too, and they have loads of shades and colours, so there is bound to be one to suit your skin tone! You can go to a shop that sells benefit products like debenhams and book a makeover, and they will teach you how to apply it too!
And if you are going to america soon - my friend got loads of benefit make up dead cheap over there and at the airport too!
x

Answer 8

go to house of Fraser where they do mac make up....Missy Elliot uses it Maria Carey and more they are fantastic and so u make up for free and u don't have to buy the products at the end if u think its no good. have a look at the website and see what product might suit u then when you go into the store you can tell them exactly what you want!

Answer 9

Bobbi Brown do make up for u and if u go into department stores like debenhams you can ask for a make up consultation and they can test different make ups to see what suits u. Often u can just walk in and they do it for free. I thing Body shop do it too.
Hope u find what u r looking for. x

Answer 10

Go to Debenhams and then at the make up section Max Factor are doing a foundation match to your skin type.
They will tell you what foundation suits your skin type and colour best, and even better its free!

Answer 11

It is important to recognize your own skin tone and choose shades that best complement your natural tone. Black skin care is easy once you learn what products work best on darker skin. You can find a wide variety of black skin care products in the market, most of them made of shea butter. Black skin care products include soaps, face creams, body lotions and moisturizer. Most black women use shea butter for to keep their skin healthy. Shea butter, widely found in the tropics of Africa, is considered best especially for black skin.

It nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F. Vitamin A and E are vital for a healthy and clear skin. Shea butter is best for sun damaged skins and they are also widely used to prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F acts a skin protector and rejuvenator. It soothes rough, dry or chapped skin and helps soften dry or damaged hair. All the more, shea butter has high level of Cinnamic acid, a natural sunscreen. Women of color must be careful before using skin peeling agents. It might leave their skin with pigmentary changes.

Choose black skin makeup products carefully or you might be left looking ashen when you want to sport your best face. Each tone of black skin needs careful and deft makeup products to bring out its rich hue. Caramel brown complexions have warm golden overtones while rich ebony skins have cool overtones. Match your foundation with your skin tone. Set it off with loose translucent powder. A hint of color at the cheeks can complete the entire look. Go in for caramel, honey or apricot to complement the skin color or else go in for currant or mauve. Accentuate your eyes with a rich palette of colors if your skin has a deep dark shade. Soft oranges and rust work well for warm brown skins. The best mascara would be in brown or brown -black.