Best Makeup Brands for Black Women
In 1994, supermodel Iman was inspired to launch her own cosmetics line targeted to “women with skin of colour” to address the lack of inclusion she experienced in the beauty industry. Twenty years later, many black women unfortunately still struggle to find makeup products in shades that fit our skin tone.
I have curated this list which I will update regularly, to highlight makeup companies that develop products in shades suitable for black women. Some of the brands listed are black owned while others are companies that show product swatches on dark skin or use black models and bloggers in their advertising regularly.
If you are looking for black owned brands only, check out the 100 Black Owned Beauty Brands list!
For cruelty-free and/or vegan brands for black women check our Cruelty Free Makeup Brands for Black women list.
A
AJ Crimson Beauty
Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Melanin Must-have: Contour Cream Kit in Deep , Dipbrow Pomade
B
Becca Cosmetics
- Melanin Must-have: Shimmering Skin Perfector
BenNye
- Melanin Must-have: BenNye Banana Powder
BH Cosmetics
- Melanin Must have: Missy Lynn Palette
B.L.A.C Minerals Cosmetics
Black Opal Beauty
- Melanin Must-have: Black Opal True Colour Stick Foundation
Black Radiance 

- Melanin Must-have: Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Foundation
Black Up Cosmetics 
- Melanin Must have: Black Up Full Cream Coverage Foundation
Bobbi Brown 
- Melanin Must-have: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick, Bobbi Brown Longwear Even Finish
C
ColourPop 
- Melanin Must-have: ColourPop UltraMatte Lipstick, ColourPop Supershock Shadows
ColouredRaine 
- Melanin Must-have: Matte Lip Paint
CoverFX
- Melanin Must-have: CoverFX Custom Cover Drops
CoverGirl Queen Collection
- Melanin Must-have: CoverGirl Queen Collection CC Cream, CoverGirl Queen Collection 3 in 1 Foundation
E
E.l.f Cosmetics
- Melanin Must Have: Blush & Contour Duo
F
Fashion Fair
- Melanin Must-have: Fashion Fair Oil-Free Perfect Finish Souffle
G
GoldLabel Cosmetics 
H
Hue Noir 
I
Iman Cosmetics
- Melanin Must-have: Iman Contour Trio, Iman BB Creme
J
Jordana
K
Kevyn Aucoin
- Melanin Must-have: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer
Ka'Oir 
L
L.A. Girl cosmetics
- Melanin Must- have: L.A. Girl ProConceal HD Concealer, L.A. Girl Matte Pigment Gloss
Lancôme
- Melanin Must-have: Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation
Laura Geller Beauty
Laura Mercier
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Line
M
M.A.C Cosmetics
- Melanin Must-Have: M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid, M.A.C Lipsticks
Magnolia Makeup 
Makeup Forever
- Melanin Must-have: Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Foundation
Maybelline
MDMflow
Milani Cosmetics
- Melanin Must-have: Milani Shadow Eyez, Milani Blushes
Morphe Brushes
- Melanin Must-have: 350 Palette
N
NARS Cosmetics 
- Melanin Must-have: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, NARS Sheer Glow
NYX Cosmetics
P
- Melanin Must-have: Creme Minerals Foundation
S
Sacha cosmetics
- Melanin Must-have: Sacha Butter Cup Setting Powder
Shea Moisture Makeup
- Melanin Must-have: Shea Moisture Sheer Foundation
Sleek Makeup
Smashbox Cosmetics
- Melanin Must-have: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35
T
Tarte Cosmetics
U
Urban Decay
- Melanin Must-have: Naked Palette 2 and 3
Stay fabulous!
Have some other brands and key products flattering on women of colour not listed here? Comment below!
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