As melanated women, “girl maintenance” can be quite the task. Between browsing beauticians and landing lash ladies, finding the right match for our bi-weekly upkeep is often exhausting. Throw in the search for a bomb nail tech and it’s easy just to say “forget it” altogether. However, while those things may be daunting, they’re fun and necessary. The same goes for our at-home self-care routines. Here are the best beauty products for Black skin.
In an age where gatekeeping is at an all-time high, letting each other in on the secret(s) to premium makeup and skincare at an affordable rate is important. With the climate of today’s economy, (the truth is) not everyone’s pockets are wide enough to cash out on hundred-dollar bottles of foundation or moisturizer. Some of us still rely on drugstore favorites to get us by… and that’s okay!
This is why you should always:
- Stockpile: We’re all guilty of getting “just enough to last” until there isn’t anymore. Then, as soon as we run out, we’re either scrambling to find our go-to items or forced to settle for something less-effective. Whether there’s a sale or you have some extra coins after bill-paying day, it’s vital to load up! This is a great way to help budget and free up the money you would (usually) allot upon running out for something else the following month.
- Compare prices: Walking into the store and picking up the first thing you see isn’t recommended. See what’s more reasonable, check the labels, and read the ingredients. You’d be surprised how many hidden gems you can come across if you choose quality over quantity. The higher the cost doesn’t always mean the better. Neither does the prettier packaging!
- Apply wisely: Utilize what’s needed to get the job done! Spread it out! Too often, we skip the directions and plop it on without realizing we’re doing ourselves a disservice by overusing the product and speeding up the restocking process.
The Best Beauty Products for Black Skin That You Need in Your Makeup & Skincare Stash
Freeman Purifying Avocado + Oatmeal Clay Mask
Freeman Purifying Avocado + Oatmeal Clay Mask is the perfect solution for restoring softness and evening out discoloration for the normal-to-combo girlies. This green tube of greatness isn’t too heavy or harsh on the skin, brings a radiant look to your problem areas, and offers deep exfoliation. Packed with vitamin E, the mask aids in dirt and excess oil removal from the pores.
How to use: Place the product on your face and neck and let dry for 7-10 minutes. Once completed, rinse with warm water. Repeat twice weekly or as often as needed.
Available at Walmart for $10.99.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder
Lights, camera, ACTION! When we say that the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder will have you all SET, we mean that! This inexpensive necessity is the holy grail of makeup. The powder will keep your face intact whether shopping or shooting a breeze with your girls. From reducing the appearance of pores to mattifying your overall beat, this will do the trick every single time.
How to use: Apply this product BEFORE and AFTER foundation/concealer for the ultimate coverage. Pat (don’t swipe) until blended.
Available at Ulta for $9.99.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
Although on the higher end of the price spectrum, Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is worth every penny! What’s so admirable about this product is it’s full coverage, long-lasting, and doesn’t feel like an extra layer on your face. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t cake upon application, and won’t sweat off during the day. A pump here and there goes far! Also, if you’re of darker skin tone, there’s no need to worry about if the foundation will leave orange residue behind. The chemists involved ensured that this would have a natural, matte finish!
Want a cheaper option? Try NYX Professional Makeup’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop 24HR Full Coverage Matte Foundation.
How to use: Puff product into your face with a beauty blender or a foundation brush. Tap onto the skin until completely blended.
Available at Lancôme for $57.00.
POND’S Dry Skin Facial Moisturizer Cream
There’s nothing better than a good moisturizer you can rely on for sensitive skin! And POND’S is just that. Their Dry Skin Facial Cream is undefeated. This dermatologist-tested product is superb at reviving your skin and eliminating the dry build-up that sometimes dominates the T-zone. The cool, pudding-like texture brings a relaxing feeling that’s similar to a day at the spa. Instantly hydrate your skin by getting your nourishment through Heaven in a jar… literally. This cream is also great for makeup application prep.
Want a cheaper option? Try Equate Dry Skin Facial Cream.
How to use: Lather the cream on a freshly washed face with your fingertips. Gently rub it in until it dissolves.
Available at Target for $5.99.
NYX Cosmetics Bare With Me Multitasking Makeup Spray
Infused with aloe and cucumber extracts, NYX Cosmetics Bare With Me Multitasking Makeup Spray is the go-to for priming and setting your face before, during, and after makeup application. Celebrated for its refreshing, multi-purposed nutrients, the triple-threat mist can be used for different needs within your beauty routine. Don’t go another day without adding this to your makeup lineup. Your effortless slay awaits!
How to use:
Three ways NYX Cosmetics Bare With Me Multitasking Makeup Spray works:
- Following your skin regimen, spritz the product on a clean face to prime it before applying makeup.
- For flawless protection, spray your beauty sponge of choice, place a few pumps of foundation onto the buffer, and blend.
- Just beat your face? Immerse your face into the mistiness of the spray to set. Reapply as needed.
Available at NYX Cosmetics for $10.00.
Which of these from our ‘Best Beauty Products for Black Skin’ list will you try? Let us know below!