Finding the correct foundation for dark skin tones can be difficult, so here’s the ULTIMATE guide for you! These foundations won’t result in an ashy finish and break the bank. I’ve also included videos with all the foundations being used, so you’ll be able to see them in action. Let’s get into it!
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you! Purchases go towards supporting beginnersguidetomakeup.com.
Research
I wanted to mention how long it took me to actually find these products! It took me a total of 4 hours because I wanted to make sure this was a great list that you’d be able to rely on! The amount of time this took shows how many brands are not inclusive and need to do better especially considering how much money these brands are worth. If any brands do notice this blog post that are not as inclusive when it comes to shades, please do better.
I felt this blog post would feel incomplete without mentioning that, I hope you enjoy the recommendations!!
1. Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Foundation
Coverage: Medium-Full Coverage
First up, the Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Foundation has an AMAZING range of shades for darker skin tones! Those with oily skin will really love this product because it has a semi-matte finish and is contains a lightweight, creamy formula. This foundation is also vegan and cruelty-free.
After doing some research it seems those with dry skin may not like this product, as it’s prone to caking and getting patchy.
Formulated without oil and parabens.
Video Reviews:
NEW Revolution conceal & define INFINITE concealer | REVIEW ON DARK SKIN |
LETS FIGURE OUT THIS REVOLUTION CONCEAL & DEFINE FOUNDATION SHADES TOGETHER: F13 – F17
Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Foundation | dark skin girl
2. Maybelline FIT ME foundation
Coverage: Medium-Full Coverage (buildable)
Maybelline was mentioned a ton of times when I was researching! There are two Maybelline liquid foundations, each formulated for different skin types.
First up, is the Maybelline Matte and Poreless Foundation. It’s full coverage and long wear, with a matte finish. This best suits normal to oily skin types.
Second, have dry skin and want a dewy finish?! Try out Maybelline Dewy and Smooth Foundation. This foundation will leave you with a hydrated and glowing finish. It contains SPF 18 to help your skin battle the day.
Both foundations provide buildable coverage.
Video review links:
FULL Face of Maybelline Makeup! | Jackie Aina
Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Swatches! || Extended Shades || 355 VS 360
3. Elf Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation
Coverage: Medium-Full Coverage
Elf Cosmetics has been ALL over the internet this past year, so you know this would definitely be on the list! Elf Cosmetics is one of the most inclusive drugstore brands out there and consistently creates high-quality products at low price.
The Elf Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation provides buildable coverage and improves skin tone and texture! Glycerin is one of the key ingredients which will help with hydrating your skin.
Video reviews:
ELF FLAWLESS FOUNDATION | HONEST REVIEW – *watch before buying *Dark Skin(MOCHA)
Elf Flawless Finish $6 Foundation | On Dark Skin
4. Milani Conceal and Perfect
Coverage: Full Coverage
For those of you that like a 2-in-1 product, this is the perfect product for you! The Milani Conceal and Perfect acts as either a concealer or foundation. This product leaves a full-coverage matte finish, and is oil free. Also, the shade range is sooo impressive!
Video Link:
Milani Conceal & Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation and Concealer Demo & Review on dark skin #7
5. I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation
Coverage: Full coverage
Juvias place honestly popped off with this foundation! The I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation is full coverage. You will have a velvety, skin-like finish that lasts all day!
From the video, you’ll see this foundation matches the lady perfectly! It looks so good.
Video Links:
Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation | Dark Skin Hunt| Stylishlyelle
NEW THREAD BEAUTY BLACK OWNED MAKEUP BRAND at TARGET| REVIEW+WEAR TEST
6. Thread Beauty Complexion Stick
Coverage: Full coverage
Honestly, I am SO excited to share this form of foundation. It’s under $10 and has been viral ALL over the internet this year! The Thread Beauty Complexion Stick went viral was because of the cheap price point and the shade range. This foundation will provide long-wear coverage with only a few swipes!
If you don’t like liquid foundation or want to try something different this is a foundation to try out! This brand is cruelty-free and vegan too.
Video Links:
New Black Owned Beauty Brand At Target: Thread Beauty l Too Much Mouth
7. Colourpop Pretty Fresh Foundation
Coverage: Medium, buildable coverage
Colourpop is SUPER well-known in the makeup community for it’s quality products at a low price! The Colourpop Pretty Fresh Foundation is an amazing option for those wanting medium, buildable coverage. It contains hyaluronic acid to give your skin a healthy base, along with hydra fresh complex and coconut water.
COLOURPOP PRETTY FRESH FOUNDATION REVIEW | OILY SKIN WOC
8. Colourpop Hyaluronic Tinted Moisturizer
Coverage: Light coverage
This is the second recommendation I have for you, and it’s their Colourpop Hyaluronic Tinted Moisturizer! This is a hydrating and light coverage product that will even skin tone. If you want light, hydrating coverage this is the product for you!
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, and coconut water, + works with all skin types!
Colourpop Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer | 12 Days Of Foundation Hunt Day 3 | Too Much Mouth
WHAT NOW COLOURPOP?! (THREE) |Ohemaa Bonsu This was an interesting review, and she mentioned to keep in mind that this foundation or at least the shade she received is good for those with red undertones.
9. CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP FOUNDATION
Coverage: Full coverage
This foundation is a great match for those with dark skin! The NYX Cosmetics CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP FOUNDATION is full coverage with a lightweight feel. Matte finish, and stays that way for up to 24 hours!
This foundation is formulated to work with normal-oily skin types and sensitive skin. It’s also non-comedogenic.
Full Face Using Drugstore Makeup Products | Beginner Friendly For Dark Skin WOC
FULL FACE OF NYX – CANT STOP WONT STOP FOUNDATION / CONCEALER | DRUGSTORE MAKEUP TUTORIAL | DARKSKIN
OK Is THAT What We Doing Now?! Alissa Ashley x NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop! | Jackie Aina
DRUGSTORE FOUNDATION FOR DARK SKIN?!! NYX CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP FOUNDATION
10. Maybelline Foundation 24-Hour Foundation
Coverage: Full coverage
Maybelline seems to have the best foundation range when it comes to cheaper makeup! The FIT ME was mentioned above, but the Maybelline Foundation 24-Hour Foundation is another favorite so I thought to mention it. The lady in the video linked below mentioned how much she loved this!
This is a full-coverage foundation that will last all day. The lady mentions how she wore this all summer and it did not budge! It’s a lightweight formula that’s suited for all skin types too.
They did reformulate the foundation to 30 hours, but I found the link for the original 24 hours above on Amazon!
Video link of lady talking about her favorite cheap foundation for dark skin!
A Ten Hours Look At Maybelline Super Stay Foundation- How Did It Perform? | Ohemaa.
There you have it! The best cheap foundations for dark skin tones, I hope you find these to work well with your skin! Check out The Basics for more content like this and be sure to subscribe to keep up with the latest makeup hacks and advice!