Cosmetic Lines for Women of Color

From LoveToKnow Makeup

Women of various ethnicities may wonder what benefits they can get from cosmetic lines for women of color. Once you explore all of your options in the world of makeup, you may find that lines that cater to women with varying skin tones is just what you need to create your best look.

Do You Need Special Cosmetics?

There was a time when women of color really needed makeup lines just for them. This is because mainstream cosmetics were geared toward one type of complexion and these weren't compatible with darker skin tones. Even when this makeup was made in darker shades, it often left an ashy undertone on dark complexions.

With recent formulations, however, there's been a great advancement in colors in all makeup brands, not just cosmetic lines for women of color. So while women of varying ethnicities can often shop for makeup in their local drugstores, you may have other reasons to buy cosmetics made for different skin tones.

Characteristics of Ethnic Cosmetics

You can expect some common characteristics in makeup formulated for ethnic women, including:

  • Deep, vibrant colors: You'll find a full range of colors, including deep, rich hues that can overwhelm very fair skin. Burgundies, deep purples, all types of browns, crimsons, bronzes, golds and metallics are some of the vibrant colors you'll find in everything from eye shadow to blush to lipstick.
  • Wide range of foundation shades: Although brands like Revlon and Max Factor have branched out to include many different skin shades and offer a wealth of colors in foundations, you'll find an even bigger range in cosmetic lines that cater to ethnic women. Some women with very dark skin have trouble finding the right shade for them, but can usually find a deep enough color within these specialty brands.
  • Oily-skin formulations: African-American women are often prone to oily skin. The same natural oils that keep darker skin elastic and less prone to wrinkles are the same ones that can cause complexion problems. Because of this, makeup lines made for women of color usually feature a variety of oily skin foundations to counteract this issue.

Different Cosmetic Lines for Women of Color

Here are some well known cosmetic lines that feature foundations, eye shadows, lipsticks, nail products, skin care products, blushes, face powders and more in colors that are compatible with women of varying complexions:

  • Iman Cosmetics: Designed by the famous supermodel Iman, who had a difficult time in her early career due to the lack of color-friendly cosmetics, you'll find high-quality makeup and accessories that work for women of all skin tones.
  • Fashion Fair: One of the oldest makeup lines geared toward women of color, this name is probably well known among African- Americans. Knowing that black women's skin tones run the full gamut of the color spectrum, Fashion Fair has long offered women of all complexions quality cosmetics designed to bring out their beauty.

|Black Opal]] in local drugstores, offering a less expensive option in makeup. Besides the full range of cosmetics women have come to expect, you'll also find skin care products that meet the specific needs of people of color, including uneven coloration, scarring and dark spots.

Shopping for Cosmetics

Fashion Fair can be found at department stores such as Macy's, Dillard's and Belk, while Iman and Black Opal are more accessible and available at retailers such as Target and Walgreens. Benefits of shopping at department stores include:

  • Personalized help
  • Testing colors before purchase
  • Makeover assistance

Of course, this personal help comes with a higher price tag, but if you really need assistance with choosing your best shades and makeup tips, it's worth it.

On the other hand, if you're comfortable with buying makeup that you can't try before you buy, drugstore purchases are usually less expensive. Plus, you can find these stores in just about any city or town, making it easy to find the makeup you need.

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