15 dark-skin foundations that actually deserve all the praise

Beauty brands have definitely upped their game when it comes to supplying a full spectrum of foundation shades, as well as considering different undertones (although undoubtedly there is still further to go).

But it’s not always been this way. While some brands (honourable mentions go to MAC, Bobbi Brown) have long created extensive and inclusive shade ranges which always challenged claims that darker tones are harder and more expensive to produce. These claims have plagued the industry for years and, some brands proclaiming to provide for all, have fallen short of proffering up shades people would actually want to wear.

Why is there a lack of good dark skin foundations?

Brands have often hidden under the guise of monetary value when questioned about their colour range choices. We searched high and low for information as to what goes into making a deeper foundation, and if making darker hues is in fact more expensive than its fairer counterpart? The short answer to the latter question is no. All foundations are made up of varying amounts of the same four colours: white, black, yellow, and red, the final shade just depends on how much of each is blended in.

Ensuring the undertone aren’t ashy just takes formulators understanding deeper skin tones – the same way pink and yellow undertones are catered to for fairer shades – and blending the formulas accordingly.

Then there is that good old excuse that brands like to use, implying that their consumer is not predominantly dark-skinned, and it goes without saying that consumers will only spend on brands that actually cater to their needs. Luckily for us, there are brands out there that really do understand undertones and have mastered the art of creating products suitable for dark skin.

The phenomenal global success of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty (whose 50-strong shade range that launched in 2017, made it one of the best-selling beauty brands in the world) has pushed brands with limited shades into making a comprehensive colour range a key focus. Afterall, Black shades do sell.