Karine Laudort A good foundation is a staple in someones makeup bag but the most important thing to finding a good foundation is getting the right shade. Some of these brands you may have heard of and some you might not, or you may not know the extensive shade range they have to offer! However, we are recommending these brands as they are now accommodating to various shades and undertones especially for deeper complexions, whilst maintaining a good formula for many skin types. We have one for everybody!
Under £10:
1. Collection – Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation (£6.49)
This is a matte finish vegan foundation from Collection that claims to last up to 16 hours, hence the name “Lasting Perfection”. The 6-in-1 formula primes, conceals, covers, smoothes, protects & mattifies whilst seamlessly blending onto your skin. This foundation even has SPF30 so is perfect for some added extra sun protection! Collection has also now formulated their foundation to perfectly match all their shades of the Lasting Perfection Concealer, making it easier than ever to shop your base.
2. Maybelline – FIT ME Matte & Poreless Foundation (£5.99)
One option from Maybelline’s range of foundation products in this lightweight matte foundation formulated for your individual skin tone and texture that controls shine and blurs pores throughout the day. It uses an oil-free formula so it is a perfect foundation for oily skin but still allows your skin to breathe because of its lightweight coverage.
3. LA Girl – Pro Coverage Long Wear Illuminating Liquid Foundation (£9.95)
This lightweight but full coverage foundation is ideal for creating a flawless finish without feeling too heavy. It has been developed to deliver seamless results every time, the PRO. Coverage HD Long Wear Illuminating Liquid Foundation is perfect for creating looks that last. The hydrating formula glides onto the skin imparting gentle hydration and incredible coverage so you can create radiant camera ready finishes whilst caring for your skin with antioxidants that provide your skin with hydration to ensure it is left feeling its best.
4. L’Oreal – INFALLIBLE 24h Matte Cover Foundation (£9.99)
A long-lasting foundation with 24h matte coverage and a natural, second-skin finish this foundation is formulated with an ultra-blurring serum and highly mattifying powders to deliver an ultra-resistant matte coverage. This foundation has up to 24hr shine resistance but blends naturally onto your skin for a barely-there feel yet a full coverage finish. Sweat-proof, heat-proof, transfer-proof and waterproof – finally, a foundation that lasts as long as you.
Between £10 to £25:
5. Revlon – Revlon ColorStay Foundation (£12.99)
Revlon ColorStay oil-free foundation is another matte finish option that delivers a flawless finish for both oily and combination skin that you can wear for up to 24 hours. If you want smooth, perfect-looking skin lasts all day without the drying or caking that we all hate, this could be a great option for you.
Claiming to be a ‘life-proof’ foundation with impeccable stay, this foundation can withstand everything life throws your way so it is perfect for every skin tone, type and lifestyle!
6. NYX – Professional Makeup Cant Stop Foundation (£15)
Lightweight, waterproof and pigmented this NYX Full Coverage Foundation hustles as hard as you do. This liquid formula is comfortable to wear and comes in 45 flattering tones that do not transfer. Every shade glides on smooth, delivering matte coverage and colour that stays true for up to 24 hours and works to control shine and mattify your complexion all-day long. But it does not stop there: this foundation is non-comedogenic and suitable for normal, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types.
7. Morphe – Fluidity Full Coverage Foundation (£16)
This morphe foundation is available in an entire 60 shades, of course including shades for those with darker complexions! Shades to fit you. And you. And you. Because Morphe has recognised that the shade struggle is real. This is a long-wearing, full-coverage foundation that performs like a boss and is not caught in the middle or playing sides. But instead, values your hue, and your wallet! Say hello to and welcome this all-in kind of foundation. All the soft matte coverage. All the time. For all our babes.
8. Iman Cosmetics – Luxury Concealing Foundation (£16.50)
A brand that provides a premium collection for women of colour, catering to undertones and shades that other brands do not pay much attention to Iman Cosmetics provides 14 foundation shades for olive, golden and deep complexions that are lightweight and medium-to-full coverage. The Luxury Foundation offers full coverage & long-wear formula which will give you a flawless and radiant complexion. Its buildable and versatile coverage makes this the ultimate 2-in-1 foundation.
Between £25 to £35:
9. Fenty Beauty – PRO FILT’R Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (£27)
Fenty Beauty, the brand name that has refused to not be heard. Rihanna shook the makeup industry as she launched her first foundation with 50 shades, that pushed brands such as Kylie Cosmetics and Dior to then extend their range to accommodate deeper complexions too. This foundation does what it says, it aims to provide a matte finish which is medium-to-full coverage. If you have not tried it yet, do not miss out!
10. Beauty Bakerie – InstaBake Aqua Glass Foundation (£32)
A cruelty-free cosmetics brand that aims to make their consumers feel empowered and beautiful! Their foundation comes in 30 different shades, is vegan, full coverage and long-lasting, allowing you to go on about your day!
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s minimalist aesthetic when it comes to beauty, this lightweight foundation is designed to deliver that enviable glass skin effect as it cloaks the visage in an even, natural-looking hue. Also encouraging hydrating benefits that prevent over-drying the skin, the smudge-proof formula dries down to a comfortable, radiant finish.
11. Estee Lauder – Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF10 (£34)
A foundation renowned for how long-wearing it truly is, no need to worry about re-applying! This buildable, matte foundation comes in 60 shades, from light to deep and caters to various undertones allowing you to find the shade that is right for you.
12. Bobbi Brown – Skin Foundation (£34.50)
This water-based, oil-free formula delivers undetectable coverage and a fresh, hydrated glow for the most natural skin-like finish. In addition to weightless, long-wearing coverage and hydration, the formula minimises the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections, and delivers broad-spectrum UV protection. It has a buildable formula that goes easily from light to medium and again, it is available in a wide range of shades for all skin tones.
13. NARS – Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (£35)
There is longwear. And then there is strong wear. This is NARS’ first 16-hour foundation that stays turned on by the power of radiance and they have made longwear lightweight and radiant. High coverage foundation is now super natural. Its breathable, fade-resistant formula is infused with Raspberry, Apple, and Watermelon extracts to help smooth and improve the look of your skin instantly, and overtime for full-powered radiance. It wears longer, stays stronger, and looks better with each hour.
Premium Pricing:
14. Vapour – Soft Focus Foundation (£43.92)
This makeup artists favourite is a skin-loving foundation that leaves you with a radiant glow that has been consciously made for you + the planet. You can build this foundation from light to medium coverage, depending on what you prefer but you will be left with a super natural finish and get endless compliments on your skin (not your makeup). This foundation works great for all skin types, balanced, oily or dry skin and not only that, but it also works like skincare with Frankincense, Myrrh and Lotus that soothes, calms and nourishes your skin.
15. Pat McGrath – Sublime Perfection Foundation (£60)
This silky, luxurious and weightless Sublime Perfection Foundation is Pat McGrath’s first-ever venture in perfecting their bases. Infused with a lush Vita Serum Complex, this nourishing formula is designed to fight the formation of wrinkles by activating the natural production of hyaluronic acid whilst leaving your skin looking flawless.
So, whether you are on a budget or wanting to treat yourself to a more high-end product, finding a foundation for darker skin is not as hard as it used to be. The options are now almost endless ranging from light coverage to heavy, suited to dry or oily skin and giving you the choice of a flawless look or naturally enhanced skin. Hopefully, this has helped you discover some new foundations that could be your next new favourite!
