FINDING THE RIGHT SHADE
Growing up, I loved makeup but hated the process of makeup shopping. In middle school, most Saturdays were spent at Nordstrom with friends, picking through countless makeup samples and swatching lipstick after lipstick onto the backs of our hands. Lipsticks, glosses, mascaras, and eyeliners were the easiest to excitedly reach for while standing beside my friends, but when it came to products meant to even, blur, or bring color to my skin, I was out of luck. I entered the store knowing that, unlike my friends, I would most likely leave empty-handed, not because there wasn’t anything I desperately wanted to buy, but because when it came to most makeup brands, I wouldn’t find anything that complimented my skin tone.
When my friends (none who were BIPOC+) asked why I didn’t select a foundation and concealer, I would repeat my carefully practiced answer, “I don’t think any of these will work for me.” Years later, I have a much better understanding of what products compliment my skin best and where to find them. From NARS to Fenty, beauty brands have been taking the necessary steps to inclusivity by creating products that can benefit and be enjoyed by anyone who wants them.
This is a guide for anyone out there who’s still struggling to identify the brands and products they can rely on to enhance their natural beauty no matter their race, gender, or background! We’ve rounded up four brands (and our favorite products from them) that you should give a try.
Rose Inc
Rose Inc was developed as a partnership between biotech company Amyris and former Victoria's Secret “Angel” Rosie Huntington-Wiley, merging the bridge between clean beauty and science. All Rose Inc products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, with 25%+ of their products crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic. Our product pick from this line of beauty products is their Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum. It comes in fourteen gorgeous shades and offers its wearer an improved skin moisture barrier and a blurred complexion with a luminous finish.
Rare Beauty
Founded by Selena Gomez in 2016, Rare Beauty has been dominating the beauty industry with its vibrant and inclusive foundations, concealers, and blushes. We’ve absolutely fallen in love with their best-selling Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. It comes in various gorgeous colors and, when used correctly, adds a natural hint of color that rivals the simple act of pinching your cheeks. The best part? The blush is available in both a glossy and matte finish, so you can choose which ones best suit your skin type!
Dior
While at a considerably higher price point than the two aforementioned brands, I would be cheating you if I didn’t highlight the incredibly inclusive Dior Beauty is. If you haven’t yet tried any of their products, you’re missing out! The Dior Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation SPF 15 stands out to me the most from this brand. The foundation is available in jaw-dropping 42 shades and offers amazing hydration, coverage, and a smooth, radiant complexion.
Saie Beauty
I discovered this brand while researching the everyday makeup routine of influencer Matilda Djerf. In one of her TikToks, Matilda listed the Saie Beauty Glowy Super Gel as her secret to achieving an effortless and glowy makeup that keeps her photo ready. It’s a lightweight luminizer worn alone, with your favorite foundation, or tinted SPF as a primer. Both of the shades offered for this product compliment all skin types and tones, a win-win! It quickly became a must-have addition to my makeup routine and a lifesaver when in a time pinch.
And there you have it! Four brands deserve a spot in everyone’s makeup bag.
FEATURED
ROSE INC.
Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted SerumA hydrating skin tint that delivers powerful skincare and sheer, radiant coverage.
RARE BEAUTY
Soft Pinch Liquid BlushA weightless, long-lasting liquid blush that blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush. Available in both matte and dewy finishes.
DIOR
Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation SPF 15This new generation foundation is made in 42 shades according to a strict list of ingredients. Heat and humidity-resistant,* it delivers 24h** color-true wear and hydration while visibly reducing pores for a smooth and radiant complexion.
SAIE
Glowy Super GelWelcome to the glowiest, lightest weight luminizer. Wear it alone. Or under (or mixed with) foundation or tinted SPF as a primer. OR over any look for a super glowy finish. Feels like nothing. Looks like everything.
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