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Finding the right foundation can be a chore. Even after being shade matched at cosmetic stores, foundations can change once it sets in or look even appear completely different in different lighting.
As a woman of color, it can be tough to find proper matches due to the lack of available shades with proper undertones. I can recall numbers times when I’ve been eager to snag a new product and rush to the store only to find that the 5 or 6 shades available don’t work for me. It can be very discouraging.
After much time through trial and error, I have found a few foundations that not only wear comfortably but also match me perfectly. These are the foundations I can not live without. I have normal to dry skin with an even texture. I live for long wear, non cakey, medium to full coverage foundations. I prefer soft, and radiant looks. I it is important to me not to look too red or orange. I also don’t want to look lighter than I am.
Here are 5 foundations that I have been using for the past 6-8 months:
The Lancome foundation stick is my number one for everyday wear. It is super easy to use since it is in the stick form – I typically just do about 3 strips down each side of my face and one across my forehead. I prefer to blend it out with a soft, flat, dense foundation brush like the Sigma F80.
The Lancome liquid foundation is the first product I tried from the brand. I first fell in love with the shade range then the long-wear ability. This foundation can literally be worn from sun up to sun down and won’t budge. I prefer to use a beauty blender for a smooth air brushed finish.
Double wear is a foundation that I keep around when I need super full coverage. Once it sets it does not move. One of my favorite things about the brand is you can get a free 10 day sample from the cosmetic counter. I used the sample for a couple of days then went back to purchase and got another sample. It was so satisfying knowing that I was absolutely in love with the product prior to committing.
This foundation for me was something I kind of stumbled upon. I purchased a couple of the lighter shades for clients then a couple darker ones. Eventually, I was searching for a summer shade and grab this. I really didn’t fall in love with the foundation until I saw it on my own skin. I love the way it blends. The color does not change. It dries with a nice natural finish. I have been using this one nonstop for about a month.
Personally, I do not fool with too many drug store foundations. I feel like my local stores’ buyers are not buying with a diverse customer base in mind. I usually can only find what I need in Ulta and Sephora. I randomly will catch a fully stocked drug store with products that work for me but it is very rare.
Black Opal is one of the few drugstore brands that consistently comes through. It is affordable yet performs as well as my high end products. I love the shade range as a woman of color. The coverage is amazing.
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