When it comes to beauty, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. That's why it's important to have an arsenal of products that work for you and your specific needs.
If you're a woman of color, that means finding products that cater to your unique skin tone.
To help you build the perfect beauty routine, we've rounded up 10 must-have products for women of color. From a foundation that won't oxidize to a mascara that gives you the perfect flutter, these products are sure to become your new favorites!
#1: Lipsticks that don't bleed
For women of color, finding a lipstick that doesn't bleed can be a challenge. But with the right formula, you can get a long-lasting color that doesn't migrate. There are a lot of great options out there, and it's easy to get overwhelmed.
Once you figure out your undertone, though, finding the perfect lipstick is a breeze. If you have a cool undertone, look for lipsticks with blue undertones.
For warm undertones, go for lipsticks with orange or red undertones. And if you're lucky enough to have a neutral undertone, you can pretty much rock any color!
#2: A foundation that won't oxidize
Many women of color have trouble finding a foundation that doesn't oxidize or change color after it's been applied. If you've ever applied your foundation only to find that it looks completely different an hour later, you know the struggle.
The good news is there are plenty of great foundations on the market that are specifically designed to meet the needs of women of color.
These foundations typically have long-wearing formulas that resist oxidation, so rest assured that your makeup will look great all day long.
#3: A concealer that covers dark circles
If you're a woman of color, chances are you've struggled to find a concealer that adequately covers your dark circles. It can be really frustrating to find a concealer that's too light or too dark, which is why it's important to know your undertone.
For women with cool undertones, look for concealers with pink or peach undertones. If you have warm undertones, go for concealers with yellow or gold undertones. And if you have a neutral undertone, any color will do!
#4: A bronzer that doesn't look muddy
When it comes to bronzer, many women of color find that drugstore options just don't cut it. The problem is that most drugstore bronzers are made with cool undertones, making them look muddy on warm or neutral skin tones.
To avoid this problem, look for bronzers with warm undertones. These will give you a natural-looking glow that won't look out of place.
If you can't find a bronzer with warm undertones, try using a matte neutral brown blush instead. It'll give you the same effect without looking muddy.
#5: A highlighter that doesn't accentuate texture
It can be tough for women of color to find highlighters that don't highlight skin texture. Many highlighters on the market are made with shimmery formulas that can highlight imperfections rather than conceal them.
To avoid this problem, look for highlighters with a matte finish. These will give you a natural-looking glow without accentuating any imperfections. And if you're looking for a little extra shimmer, try using a highlighter with a champagne or gold undertone.
#6: The perfect contour shade
For most women of color, finding their perfect contour shade is a rare yet momentous occasion. That's because most brands don't offer a wide range of contour shades that cater to different skin tones.
When you find your perfect match, though, it's worth the search. A good contour shade will seamlessly blend into your skin, giving you a natural-looking sun-kissed glow. And once you find your perfect shade, be sure to stock up!
#7: An eyeshadow primer that prevents creasing
If you have oily or hooded eyelids, chances are you're no stranger to creasing eyeshadows. It can be really frustrating to apply your makeup only to have it all disappear a few hours later.
The good news is there are plenty of great eyeshadow primers on the market that can help prevent creasing. These primers typically have a silicone-based formula that creates a smooth, even surface for your eyeshadow to adhere to.
And if you have really oily eyelids, look for an eyeshadow primer with a matte finish. This will help absorb excess oil and keep your makeup in place all day.
#8: A waterproof, volumizing mascara
WOCs are blessed with long, fluttery lashes, but that doesn't mean we don't like to enhance them with a little mascara!
ForChics Better Than Falsies Mascara is our top pick for waterproof, volumizing mascara. This mascara has a unique brush that helps to lengthen, curl, and volumize lashes. And it's also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about smudging or flaking throughout the day!
Plus, this mascara is also vegan and cruelty-free! How's that for a beauty win?
No matter what your beauty routine looks like, these are the must-have products for women of color. With these products in your arsenal, you'll be sure to look and feel your best!
