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For consumers with tan to deep complexions, going makeup shopping can often feel like a migraine waiting to happen. The lack of inclusion on beauty aisles can make finding the perfect shades more frustrating than it already is. Fortunately, there are plenty of beauty brands for women of color with impeccable options — some of which you likely haven't discovered yet.
Although there is still progress to make, the cosmetics industry is seeing major improvement with providing options for all beauty lovers. There's Rihanna's new Fenty Beauty line, of course. Many big names like Lancôme and Maybelline have extended their shade ranges to suit melanin-rich skin. Drugstore sensations like Black Opal and Black Radiance ensure brown babes have worthy budget-friendly options. There are even several well-known black owned makeup brands like Iman Cosmetics and Shea Moisture serving up all-inclusive product lines. Still, so many melanin-friendly brands have flown right under the radar because they're not sold at major retailers.
Although you can never go wrong with the tried-and true, the beauty brands you've never heard of have some of the best options for WOC. Earning their moment in the spotlight, these 15 retailers are so deserving of your next big makeup haul if you're a beauty with melanin-rich skin.
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Hue Noir
True Hues Flawless Finish Foundation, $30, Hue Noir
The star of the Hue Noir inventory is the True Hues Flawless Finish Foundation, a crease-resistant, matte base made in 25 medium to deep shades. Even with a great range, foundation matching from behind a computer screen isn't exactly ideal, so there are samples available upon request to ease the process.
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2. Omolewa
Glitter Pan Palette, $64.99, Omolewa Makeup
Browse the Omolewa Makeup website and you'll not only find boatloads of options for deeper skin tones, but also tutorials showing full faces using the brand's products.
3
Maréna Beauté
Poudre Caresse Pressed Setting Powder, $43, Marena Beaute
A Swedish cosmetics brand that develops high-quality products exclusively for women of color, Maréna Beauté has plenty of options to suit darker complexions.
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The Lip Bar
"Boy Trouble", $13, The Lip Bar
A black owned business whose founder was frustrated with the underrepresentation of WOC in the beauty industry, The Lip Bar has a selection of fun shades that don't ash out darker skin tones.
5
Koyvoca
KV Classic Creme-To-Powder Foundation, $14, Koyvoca
Boasting 21 honey to espresso foundation shades, Koyvoca Cosmetics truly has brown babes covered. There are even contour creams that actually get deep enough for darker complexions to carve out their features, something most beauty companies fail to include.
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Danessa Myricks Beauty
"Desire" Illuminating Viel, $22, Danessa Myricks Beauty
Makeup artist to the stars, Danessa Myricks took her beauty savvy and turned it into a cosmetics company that has something for everyone. You name it, and Danessa Myricks Beauty has tons of it, whether it's foundation, illuminators, or lippies that pair well with deep skin.
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B.A.A.B.S. Beauty
Creme Colour Corrector Palettes, $35, B.A.A.B.S. Beauty
Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free, B.A.A.B.S Beauty offers top quality products without unnecessary additives. If their mega inventory gets a little overwhelming, try their beauty box subscription service that sends a curated selection of products that cater to WOC for customers to sample.
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Mented Cosmetics
Capsule Collection, $89, Mented Cosmetics
All hail the masters of brown girl friendly nudes! When the masterminds behind Mented Cosmetics couldn't find true nude lipsticks for darker skin tones, they hit the beauty lab to create their own shades. You're guaranteed to find a nude that compliments your complexion in Mented's stock of lippies, and you won't even need a liner to make them work.
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Plain Jane Beauty
Creme Minerals, $36, Plain Jane Beauty
Organic and cruelty-free, Plain Jane Beauty does WOC justice with a wide range of products to suit all beauty lovers. Try their sample sets of eye shadows, highlighter, foundation, and more if you're just not sure where to start.
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Magnolia Makeup
"Nola" Ultra Matte, $16, Magnolia Makeup
New Orleans based brand Magnolia Makeup is a company devoted to color. They offer highly pigmented makeup that always pops, whether you opt for their pigments, lippies, or blush.
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Fashion Fair
"Teak" Fast Finish Foundation Stick, $32, Fashion Fair
Fashion Fair Cosmetics doesn't just offer one of the best shade selections for WOC. Their inventory includes skincare, too, making them a one stop beauty shop.
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Beauty Bakerie
Flour Setting Powder, $24, Flour Setting Powder
If there's one thing Beauty Bakerie has down pat, besides being all-inclusive, it's the most adorable bake shop themed packaging. There are illuminators that come packaged like pints of ice cream, setting powders in flour bags, and so much more.
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Gold Label Cosmetics
"Baby Grand" Gold Label Cosmetics, $20, Gold Label Cosmetics
Another beauty company dedicated to bold lippies, Gold Label Cosmetics has such swoon-worthy shades. With their intense pigmentation, it'll be hard not to drool over every single tube.
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Laws of Nature Cosmetics
Foxy Finish Mineral Créme Foundation, $25, Laws of Nature
Laws of Nature Cosmetics is all about producing safe, mineral makeup for diverse skin tones. Whether you try their cream or powder foundations, women with medium to deep skin tones will likely find a match.
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AJ Crimson Beauty
Dual Skin Creme Foundation Compact, $35, AJ Crimson
The cat is out of the bag. AJ Crimson Beauty is whipping up contour kits and duos with shades that actually show up on deep skin, and you've got to see for yourself.
Calling all women of color! These are the melanin-friendly beauty destinations we deserve that will never make women with deeper skin an afterthought.
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