Makeup for Dusky Skin
How to Apply Makeup for Dark Skin
Applying makeup when you have darker skin can sometimes be tricky, since many makeup companies cater to
lighter skin tones. However, dark skin has the advantage of pulling off a much greater range of colors than lighter
shades. People with light-to-medium skin often have to shy away from more intense colors, but bold and bright
colors look amazing on dark skin. These colors blend into darker skin much more naturally, giving you a beautiful
and sophisticated look
Putting on Your Face
- Keep your skin moisturized. Darker skin
tends to take on an “ashy” look when not properly
moisturized. To keep from taking on an unhealthy-looking
gray cast, always apply a moisturizer to your face after
your 8daily shower.
● If you have dry skin, you may
want to use a liquid or cream foundation. For added
hydration, you can mix a few drops of moisturizer into
your foundation before you apply. Just be aware that
this will lessen the coverage.
● You can also use a tinted
moisturizer or bb cream for a dewy finish and translucent coverage.
● If you have oily skin, apply a mattifying primer on your oily spots, like your T-zone.- Match your foundation to your skin tone perfectly. If you choose to make foundation a part of
your beauty routine, it’s important to find a product that’s as close as possible to your natural skin tone.
● When shopping for foundation, swatch it against your forehead or jawline. It’s
common for people with darker skin tones to be a little lighter at the face, so using
your hand may not give you an accurate match.[3]
● In some cases, you’ll need 2 foundation colors—one for the center of your face, and
one for the outer edges. Color matches the lighter foundation to the apples of your
cheeks and matches the darker foundation to your jawline or chest. You can also use
these colors as your contour.
[4]
● You can also go to a local beauty shop or the makeup counter at a department store
and ask for help there. These businesses often employ skilled makeup artists who
might be better able to find the perfect match. Many will also offer a free makeover
with your potential new foundation to help you decide.
● You should make sure the foundation you’re thinking about buying is perfect in all
lights, not just under the ones in the store. Try shopping without foundation or
concealer on your face when trying out new - Conceal dark under eye circles. Dark under eye circles are common in people of Indian descent.
They are caused by an excess amount of melanin being deposited in the skin, which is a process
controlled by genetic predisposition. If you have these dark under eye circles, you may want to take
extra care to cover them, as an even skin tone will give you a more youthful, vibrant look. Pick a
concealer that is the same shade as your natural skin tone or 1 shade lighter. It should have a slightly
warmer undertone.
● To apply, swipe the concealer under your eyes and blend at the edges.
● Try applying orange color-correcting concealer under your skin-tone concealer.
Orange concealer is applied the same way as conventional concealer and helps make
under eye circles disappear. In addition, it is a great all-around color corrector for
blemishes on darker skin.
● You can also use concealer down your nose, on your Cupid’s bow for a highlight, or
anywhere you need more coverage.
4 .Use bold blushes. Many blushes that look too bright to be used in everyday makeup on lighter skin
actually blend beautifully into darker skin. Bright oranges are especially great for adding a touch of color to your
cheeks if you have warm undertones.
● More subdued colors like rose and coral also complement darker skin nicely. These
are great choices for daytime looks.
● For nighttime makeup, consider using deep, rich colors like plum, wine, and bronze.
The metallic in bronze blush is particularly great for creating a healthy glow.
● Avoid neutral browns and beiges. These tend to make already brown skin look dull.
5 . Finish your routine with a setting powder. You can use a powder that matches your skin tone or
one that is translucent and matte. Setting powder will both help your makeup last longer and reduce shine. This
step is especially important if you have oily skin.
Be cautious when using illuminating powders or “illuminators.”
Make sure it has been especially formulated with darker skin in
mind. These contain warm gold tones that will prevent the
ashiness that other illuminators can give to dark skin
- Consider skin lightening treatments if you want
lighter skin. While tanning is the trend in Western cultures, skin
“bleaching” treatments are incredibly popular in India, especially
among women with darker skin. It’s best to stick to natural methods
of lightening your skin, as many pharmaceutical products can have
dangerous side-effects.
● Examples of natural skin lighteners that
some people find effective are lemon juice, turmeric, and
dairy products.
● The best way to make your skin a little lighter is to avoid sun exposure and to apply
sunscreen when you can’t.
● Bleaching your skin is by no means necessary. Dark skin is beautiful in its natural
state. Don’t lighten your skin to conform to some beauty standard. Only do so if it’s
your own personal preference
