Beauty & Karma

Usually having olive to darker skin tones  it can be hard to find the right foundation.  I often hear from many of my customer that are Indian or African American that the foundation they currently use is either too dark  or ashy looking on their skin.  Being of these skin types usually means you probably won’t need much makeup, but when you do, there are a few secrets in choosing the right foundation.  In general,  women with olive to darker skin tone usually have what’s called “hyper pigmentation” where some areas of the skin are darker or lighter than others.   You might notice this type of  skin around the  lip area, under the eye area, sides of the face, and corners of the forehead are slightly darker than the center of forehead and cheeks.  The other concern is that many women feel that their skin is oilier, which makes the hyper pigmentation stand out even more.

Secrets to getting the flawless skin:

• Always start with a good moisturize and then a primer for your skin type.
• Next choose a tinted foundation  either in medium or darker tones, depending on your complexion. Personally, I love Laura Mericer Tinted Foundation she just came out with 4 new shades for darker tones.
• If you have  hyper pigmentation  issues, then look for a good concealer or cream based concealer. My favorite is the Cover FX  Cream Foundation they have tons of color selection to choose from.  Look for shades in between E40- E80 or M40-M80.
• Get a good concealer brush and apply the cream foundation or concealer just to the  darker areas and under the eyes and pat with you fingers. But don’t use it for the whole face, just in areas you see the imperfections.
• Next, using your  fingers, apply the tinted foundation slight over the cheeks, forehead, nose, and  corners of the chin, simply blend with the rest of skin on your face.  Remember you don’t need much of the tinted just a pea size is enough for the entire face.
• Finally, apply loose powder with a powder brush by pressing the brush over the entire face but not so heavy  on the cheeks.  Leave the cheeks looking dewy and radiant because the little shine adds a glow to your complexion.

Some of my favorite powders are  by Cover FX, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier

Cover FX Cream Foundation: Best Colors E 40 – E80  or M40-M80

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: Colors Almond, Tan, Caramel, Walnut, Mocha

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Cover FX Cream Foundation

Bobbi Brown Loose powder Golden Orange

Laura Mercier Powder Mineral Finishing #2

Cover FX Radiant Mineral Powder