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Foundation Shades

13 Beauty Brands with the Most Foundation Shades for Brown and Black Skin Tones

IN THIS ARTICLE: FOUNDATION SHADES FOR BROWN SKIN & BLACK SKIN TONES

  1. The Impact of Non-Inclusivity and Bad Publicity
  2. Brands With Foundation Shades for Brown skin and Black Skin Tones 
  3. Fenty Beauty By Rihanna 
  4. Make Up For Ever 
  5. Esteé Lauder  
  6. Morphe
  7. MAC Cosmetics 
  8. NYX Professional Makeup 
  9. NARS Cosmetics 
  10. Dior
  11. Maybelline
  12. Anastasia Beverly Hill 
  13. Lancôme
  14. Pat McGrath Labs 
  15. ColourPop
  16. The Bottom Line
 

Inclusivity in the beauty industry has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. With a growing understanding of the diverse range of skin tones from light to dark and the unique needs of Black and Brown people, it is essential that today’s beauty brands offer products that cater to everyone. 

Fenty Beauty changed the game by launching a groundbreaking 40-shade foundation range back in 2017, making other brands take notice and up their offerings. This has paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse beauty space, ensuring that individuals with darker skin tones and various ethnic backgrounds are well-represented in the industry. 

In this article, we celebrate 13 beauty brands that have stepped up to the challenge and offer the most inclusive foundation shade ranges on the market, empowering people of all skin tones and backgrounds to find their perfect match.

The Impact of Non-Inclusivity and Bad Publicity

While we celebrate the strides these beauty brands have made in inclusivity, it’s also essential to acknowledge the impact that non-inclusivity has had on the industry. Several brands have faced backlash and bad publicity for failing to provide an inclusive range of foundation shades, especially for those with black and brown skin.

This lack of diversity in product offerings perpetuates beauty standards that alienate many consumers, contributing to feelings of exclusion and erasure.

One notable example of such bad publicity was the 2018 launch of Tarte Cosmetics’ Shape Tape Foundation, which initially offered a limited range of 15 shades. The brand faced immense criticism for its narrow selection of darker shades, prompting an apology and a commitment to expand the shade range in the future. The brand has since redeemed itself with the release of its Face Tape Foundation, offering a more inclusive 50 shades.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry. Brands must understand that excluding customers based on their skin tone is not just morally wrong but also detrimental to their reputation and overall success.

The beauty industry has come a long way in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. Brands must continue to prioritize inclusivity and listen to the needs of their diverse consumer base, including those with black and brown skin tones, to drive positive change in the industry.

By celebrating the brands that have embraced inclusivity and holding others accountable for their shortcomings, we can ensure that the beauty space becomes even more diverse and inclusive for all. 

Brands With Foundation Shades for Brown and Black Skin Tones

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Product: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Shades: 59

Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation revolutionized the beauty industry by catering to diverse skin tones. Rihanna’s brand is synonymous with inclusivity, offering 50 shades that embrace the beauty of black people and brown people. With its medium-to-full coverage and soft matte finish, this foundation is perfect for everyone, ensuring that no skin tone is left behind in the quest for a flawless complexion. 

Make Up For Ever

Product: HD Skin Undetectable Longer Foundation

Shades: 40

This foundation comes in 40 shades. Lightweight, medium-coverage foundation leaves skin looking natural while remaining virtually undetectable. A flawless complexion is guaranteed with this formula, which can be worn every day and in the office.

Esteé Lauder

Product: Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Shades: 55

It has 55 shades to cater to a huge variety of skin tones, and it’s long-wearing and oil-free. You’ll get a long-lasting, flawless complexion with this foundation’s matte finish and medium to full coverage. This foundation is lightweight and won’t clog pores, so your skin can breathe. It’s also cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it.

Morphe

Product: Filter Effect Soft-Focus Foundation

Shades: 40

Morphe’s Filter Effect Soft-Focus Foundation comes in 40 shades so everyone can find their perfect match, even women of color. It blurs imperfections and smooths the skin’s appearance with a natural, soft-focus finish. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, which hydrate and protect your skin. This oil-free, long-lasting foundation is perfect for sensitive skin.

MAC Cosmetics

Product: Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation

Shades: 63

It’s no secret that MAC Cosmetics’ Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation comes in a variety of shades. With the added bonus of SPF 15 protection and an impressive 63 shades to choose from, this foundation provides medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish. Catering to a diverse range of skin tones, this foundation has become a go-to choice for many makeup enthusiasts seeking a reliable and inclusive option.

NYX Professional Makeup

Product: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation

Shades: 45

A wallet-friendly option, NYX Professional Makeup’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation comes in 45 shades, catering to a wide variety of skin tones. Despite being lightweight, this full-coverage foundation claims to be long-lasting and transfer-proof, making it perfect for those who want a flawless complexion without breaking the bank.

NARS Cosmetics

Product: Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Shades: 33

Image: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoxP4FLrCuM/

Although NARS Cosmetics’ Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation only comes in 33 shades, the brand is committed to offering shades for everyone. With a focus on catering to various dark to light skin tones and undertones, NARS ensures that their customers can find their perfect match. This foundation provides medium to full coverage with a radiant finish, perfect for those who want a natural, glowing complexion that looks and feels lightweight on the skin.

Dior

Product: Dior Forever Foundation

Shades: 42

With 42 shades to choose from, Dior’s Forever Foundation has you covered for every skin tone. It comes in two finishes – matte and glow – so you can match your style. It gives a flawless, shine-free look, while the glow finish gives a radiant glow that brown and dark skin tones love. Forever Foundation has skincare ingredients to improve your skin over time, making it a luxurious, high-performance choice.

Maybelline

Product: Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Shades: 24

You can also try Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation, which comes in 24 colors. With a matte finish, this foundation minimizes the appearance of pores and provides medium coverage for normal-to-oily skin types.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Product: Luminous Foundation

Shades: 50

Luminous Foundation by Anastasia Beverly Hills comes in 50 shades. You’ll look natural, radiant, and feel light. This medium-coverage foundation ensures that both black people and brown people can find their perfect match. It blends easily into your skin and lasts all day. Plus, it makes a flawless base for other makeup products.

Lancôme

Product: Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

Shades: 50

Designed for all skin types, Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation comes in 50 shades. This oil-free, long-wearing foundation offers medium to full coverage with a natural, matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. The comprehensive shade range and exceptional wear time make it an ideal choice for those seeking a flawless complexion that stays put throughout the day.

Pat McGrath Labs

Product: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

Shades: 36

Pat McGrath Labs’ Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation offers 36 shades with a variety of undertones, catering to a diverse range of skin tones, including black and brown skins. This luxurious foundation provides buildable coverage with a radiant, skin-like finish that feels weightless on the skin.

ColourPop

Product: Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Hydrating Foundation

Shades: 42

ColourPop’s Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Hydrating Foundation is an affordable option with a 42-shade range. This medium-coverage foundation offers a natural, skin-like finish and is infused with hyaluronic acid and coconut water to help hydrate and nourish the skin. Suitable for all women of color, this foundation is perfect for those looking for a comfortable, long-wearing option with added skin benefits.

The Bottom Line

Inclusivity in the beauty industry has come a long way, thanks in part to the efforts of brands like Fenty Beauty that have pushed for more comprehensive shade ranges. These 13 beauty brands have made significant strides in offering foundations that cater to a wide array of skin tones, including black and brown skin. By acknowledging and catering to the needs of people of color, these brands help people feel represented and included in the world of beauty.

With options at various price points and finishes, there’s a foundation on this list for everyone, regardless of their skin tone or budget. As we continue to see growth and innovation in the beauty industry, we can expect even more brands to follow suit and prioritize inclusivity in their product offerings. Embracing diversity is not just a trend but a movement that will continue to shape the industry for years to come, fostering a more inclusive and accessible beauty space for all. 

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