Achieving the perfect base for Afro-Caribbean skin

Afro-Caribbean women in the UK often feel limited with the choice of makeup that’s available to them and end up resorting to the next best shade of foundations and concealers resulting in an ashy look. However there are popular ranges in America that cater brilliantly to darker skin tones and are available to British buyers too…

By Leah Simpson

Prime

Banish dark circles

Launched in the United States in 2008, Khuraira has grown so popular that it's now shipping to the UK. Its wonder product is the Dark Circle Complex Primer, £18.85, which is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of under eye circles. Although the orange putty is not a concealer it helps create a flawless non-chalky finish by neutralising the blue hue that creates the drained look.

Dark Circle Complex Primer, £18.85, www.khuraira.com
Concealer

Spot of bother?

For those annoying spots or dark blemishes that pimples can often leave behind, Black Opal’s Flawless Concealer, £6.99, provides maximum coverage.

Available in these five tones Honey, Toast, Tan, Beautiful Bronze and Mahogany, the darker end of the spectrum is well catered for by this brand. To apply, swivel the concealer stick until a small amount appears at the top, glide along the under eye area, starting from the inside corner and pat blend with your ring finger.

Flawless Concealer, £6.99, www.pakcosmetics.com
Camouflage cream

Nobody's perfect

For serious skin imperfections, including acne, vitiligo, rosacea, scars and unwanted tattoos, Keromask’s camouflage formula is designed for all skin types and suitable for disguising any imperfections.

It’s smudge-proof, heat resistant and 10 times longer lasting than everyday foundations. For conditions that concealers just cannot tackle, the cream, £15.73, comes in an impressive 24 shades.

Camouflage cream, £15.73, www.keromask.com
Foundation

The cream of the crop

If you like to use a cream foundation the Make-up Designory, £16.24, promises to hold up beautifully under the most extreme conditions. Work from the top to the bottom of the face and on to the neck for an even application and to avoid demarcation lines. Oily complexions should dampen the sponge before applying.

Cream foundation, £16.24, www.shop.mudshop.com
Liquid foundation

Long lasting beauty

Tired of topping up your base several times a day? With 16 shades to choose from Mac’s long-wear foundation, £22.50, gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition.

Lightweight and creamy, it applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage. Problem skin needn’t be an issue because it controls oil to keep skin fresh, natural and flawless.

Long-wear foundation, £22.50, www.maccosmetics.co.uk
Waterproof coverage

Making a splash safely

Wearing most types of foundation in the sun is harmful, as it clogs pores and does not allow the skin to breathe. Oxygenetix, £41, is non-comedogenic, breathable and has SPF, making it the perfect option for summer skin care.

Better still it’s waterproof and lasts up to 90 minutes in chlorine. Founder Barry Knapp warns that by using alternative make-up containing glycolic, salicylic acid or retinol, you may be accelerating UV damage.

Oxygenetix, £41, www.lovelyskin.com
Loose foundation

Cover up can be good for you

Bellapierre’s mineral foundations, £34.99, contain just four ingredients; Mica, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide minerals which are nurturing for the skin. One pot of the loose powder can last about a year and it comes in ten different shades. As well as being a base it also claims to act as a concealer, SPF, setting and finishing powder if you’re looking for just one product to add to your make-up bag.

Mineral foundation, £34.99, www.bellapierre.co.uk
Blusher

Smile sweet cheeks

Now it’s all about adding great dimension to your face with colour that won’t wash you out.

Available in gorgeous deep tones such as Desert Rose, Autumn Glow, Amaretto and Suede there’s no need to worry about making a mess with Bellapierre’s loose mineral blusher, £29.99, as it comes with a convenient twist-and-lock sifter.

Loose mineral blusher, £29.99, www.bellapierre.co.uk
Bronzer

For sunkissed shades

Go for this Sublime Powder from Paris brand Black Up, £23.75, which contains golden shimmering particles to bestow skin with an incredibly soft, radiant, healthy glow.

Available in six shades, it leaves the epidermis matte and soft, covering it with a thin veil of powder that gives the complexion a uniform and glowing effect.

Apply to facial contours over your foundation paying special attention to forehead, cheeks and chin.

Sublime Powder, £23.75, www.debenhams.com
Finishing powder

Shine for the right reasons

To seal your now perfected look in, here's the product for you. Also great for touch ups throughout the day, Khuaria’s Invisible Powder, £25, as favoured by Oprah Winfrey, absorbs and reflects light.

The white stuff, when applied sparingly, is actually translucent and helps keep and even tone on you face when the elements get out of balance.

Invisible powder, £25, www.khuraira.com
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