The Best Makeup for Black Women | Ultimate 2022 Guide

The beauty scene today has evolved dramatically over the past 5 years. From consumers wanting a large lineup of products to now craving a more minimalist approach with only a few go-to products they reach for on the daily.

People are leaning more towards their personal favorites for their everyday makeup routines, especially during the warmer months where you are more focused on durability throughout the day. 

Studies show that in the beauty scene 11.1% of the total U.S beauty market spent 6.61 billion on beauty, yet black brands available make up only 2.5% of revenue.

In a market that only recently expanded the spectrum of shades, black women are constantly on the hunt for products that not only match their skin, but are versatile and durable.

Taking advantage of this, here’s just some of the best makeup for black women.

Best Foundation for Black Women

The last thing you want to worry about when it gets warm out is your foundation melting while you’re at brunch. As the first step in almost everyone’s makeup routine, starting off with a strong foundation can make or break the look.

Elf's Flawless Satin Foundation | 4.0 Stars on Ulta Beauty

Elf's Flawless Satin Foundation has been compared by some to a tinted moisturizer, while others appreciate its buildability for medium-coverage.

Given a rating of 4 by Ulta Beauty, it’s known for being neither matte or dewy in finish, which is perfect for the summer months. As a more affordable option for young black women, this product is beginner friendly, and an oldie but a goodie to most. 

Fenty's Pro Filt'r Hydrating Foundation | 4.0 Stars on Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Pro Filt'r Hydrating Foundation is known for its wide range of shades. Many consumers have chosen this product to be a part of their daily staples.

Receiving a rating of 4 from Sephora, reviews show that it works well for combination to oily skin types, which to be honest is all of us during the summer. If you’re in the market for your skin in a bottle, look for this in your nearest beauty store. 

Nars' Sheer Glow Foundation | 4.0 Stars on Ulta

Another favorite is Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, with 4 stars from Sephora many influencers recommend this foundation because of its dewy, natural finish with buildable coverage which is easier to control in the summertime.

The line carries up to 40 different shades where you can mix and match shades as well, which makes sense considering that Nars was the go-to for many black beauty consumers for many years. 

Best Blush for Black Women

For some black women, their favorite part of their routines is blush because it can add personality and life to their makeup. The best makeup for black women guarantees visibility to take your look to the next level.

Covergirl Trublend High Pigment Blush | 4.5 Stars on Ulta

Covergirl Trublend High Pigment Blush is one that comes with a generous amount of pigment, in a good range of shades for black women.

Given 4.5 stars from Ulta Beauty, using the glow from the sun with colors like Hot Frenzy is a great way to spice up even the most basic look. Plus, you’re able to build up this product to get the perfect coverage while lasting all day long. 

Lys Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Bush | 4.8 Stars on Sephora

Lys Cream Blush touches on a type of product that is on the rise when it comes to everyday makeup, which is a cream-based formula.

Some women prefer its application over traditional powder formulas, and as we recommend the Lys Cream Blush as one of the best makeup products for black women it's a favorite due to the color variety, comfortability, and coverage, amongst a few points. 

The Saharan Vol. 1 Blush Palette | 4.9 Stars on Ulta Beauty 

The Saharan Vol. I Blush Palette is good for an everyday makeup routine, with 6 shades catered to darker skin tones. Ranking at 4.9 at Ulta Beauty it also emphasizes facial structures throughout long wear time.

Many reviews state that the palette is very beginner friendly as the colors aren’t too pigmented, so consumers continue to praise it and go back to it time and time again. 

Best Highlight for Black Women

Highlight is a main step in a makeup routine during the summer because women like that glowy finish, emphasizing your natural beauty to match the weather. 

And for black women using highlighters that have those deep bronze and gold undertones to match their skin in mind definitely allows for that. 

Becca Cosmetics is definitely not the first brand that comes to mind for some black women as they don’t specifically cater to women with darker skin tones, but their products including highlighters have shown to cover the whole spectrum from light to dark shades. 

Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter | 4.0 Stars on Sephora 

Their Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter is a subtle formula using fine particles in their shimmer, and the finish is semi-dewy to add a moisturizing effect on the skin. Being rated as 4 by Sephora, it's a clear favorite for black women to use for a healthy glow that lasts all day, especially in the summer. 

Fenty Beauty's Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter | 4.6 Stars on Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter is highly reviewed on Sephora (4.6) for its far range of original colors, and the way they shimmer and shine where you can use it for both extravagant looks and for your everyday styles. 

The Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter also comes in a duo palette where you can mix and match on the color wheel with a variety of highlight shades. This palette is amongst the best highlighters for black women because of its deep undertones, making them more customized to dark-skinned women. 

Bobby Brown Highlighting Powder | 4.6 Stars on Sephora

Another bestseller is the Bobby Brown Highlighting Powder, which Sephora gave 4.6 stars. It is known for a subtle highlight, with a long wearability in any weather so consumers can wear it year round and still get the same fun glow in all of their favorite looks. 

As makeup styles and trends change just like the seasons, many women find new reasons to try out different products but almost always end up going back to their favorites throughout the years. 

While the brands and products mentioned are not all that is available out there for black women in beauty today, it is clear that these brands provide some of the best makeup for black women as they are evolving to cater to them in their everyday lives. 

✍️ Written by Jalissa Robinson