When a beauty trend appears in an assortment of magazine is your first reaction – will this work on black skin? If so read on…
Say NO to…. Pastel Eye Shadows
“For darker skin black women pastel with white pigment can look chalky and ashy – it just doesn’t sit well with the skin. So I would avoid colours like matte baby pink or blue,” explains Kelly Rowland make up artist, Pauline Briscoe. Tread carefully with this season girly trend and while we are noting saying ban this look from you cosmetic bag completely, choose colours that have more of an iridescent glimmer or shimmer in a pastel tones instead. Wear lightly for a fleck of colour that will look magical in the light.
Buy: Barry M Dazzle Dust in Lilac £4.59
Say YES to… Bright Colour
Colours like rich burgundy, navy blue, chocolate browns, vivid greens, bright golds or bronze are fantastic on black women because the skin tone can handle vibrant or deep tones” say Lori Taylor Make-Up artist for Smashbox. In other words our luscious chocolate skinned complexions are simple made for colour- happy times. However don’t go over board, concentrate the colour on one feature – be it the eye or lips- Blue eyeshadow is particularly hot right now.
Buy: Black up Eyeshadow in X £x
Say NO to… Humidity Skin
“This season skin trend called humidity skin – I know if someone is dark skin they don’t like to look too shiny often,” agrees MAC Senior artist Caroline Donnelly. As black skin tends to produce more oil – a shiny face is never a desirable one. So to make this trend work for you, leave a little bit of the skin natural but powder down the centre of the face. “Get rid of the shine forehead, nose and chin but leave some of the real glow on the cheekbones.”
Buy: Nar Cream Blush £21
Say YES to… Bold Lips
I love bold matte lipstick on black women, I truly do, it’s strong and sassy and I’m not alone – “you always want what you can’t have and I love a bright red lip on a full mouth,” laugh Caroline. If you would rather take it down on the bright factor go a little bit darker rather then a pillar box red go for something a bit more wine. “It looks beautiful against dark skins and you still get the redness without shouting it out.”
Buy: MAC Lipstick in Dubonnet £13.50
Say maybe to… Bright Glossy Lips
This is completely down to personal preferences – as some women with full lips feel almost clown like with bold glossy lips. This is because with any shiny finish the effect will always make your features even more volumised. If you’re of the bigger, the better mantra, experiment with neon tones this summer for a seriously puker pout. “Black women shouldn’t be afraid of wearing bold colours. Use Nicki Minaj as inspiration for a pop of colour.” Adds Pauline.
Buy: Bobbi Brown Neon Lipgloss £17
Say NO to… Drawn on Eyebrows
Perfectly shaped eyebrows can lift the features and instantly give proportion to the face. However over plucked and thin draw on eyebrows creates a permanently surprised (or angry) expression. “Full and arched is this season’s shape. Using a good pair of quality stainless steel tweezers pluck a little from both sides, always trying to keep to your natural shape” explains Shavata from Shavata Brow studio. If your worried about spare hair fill in with brow powder over pencil to make the illusion more natural and less harsh.
Buy: Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duo £21
Say Yes to… Metallic Eyes
Metallic Eye shadow makes black complexions pop with a capital P so you can’t really go wrong with this trend. “Eye shadow colours with silvery undertones can tend to be a bit harsh on black skin. So use colours that are warmer that has more golden tones for a more flattering look,” adds International Make up Artist for New CID, Mikey Phillips. Gold and bronze hues look beautiful during summer as the light will bounce off your complexion and bath you in a warm glow.
Buy: Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Incite £15.50
