How to Apply Makeup for Dark Indian Skin

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Applying makeup when you have dark skin can sometimes be tricky, since many makeup companies cater to lighter skin tones. However, dark skin has the advantage of pulling off a much greater range of colors than lighter shades. People with light-to-medium skin often have to shy away from more intense colors, but bold and bright colors look amazing on dark skin. These colors blend into dark skin much more naturally, giving you a beautiful and sophisticated look. [1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Putting on Your Face

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  1. Keep your skin moisturized . Dark skin tends to take on an "ashy" look when not properly moisturized. To keep from taking on an unhealthy-looking gray cast, always apply a moisturizer to your face after your daily shower.
    • If you have dry skin, you may want to use a liquid or cream foundation. For added hydration, you can mix a few drops of moisturizer into your foundation before you apply. Just be aware that this will lessen the coverage.
    • You can also use a tinted moisturizer or bb cream for a dewy finish and translucent coverage.
    • If you have oily skin, apply a mattifying primer on your oily spots, like your T-zone. [2]
  2. Match your foundation to your skin tone perfectly. If you choose to make foundation a part of your beauty routine, it's important to find a product that's as close as possible to your natural skin tone.
    • When shopping for foundation, swatch it against your forehead or jawline. It's common for people with dark skin tones to be a little lighter at the face, so using your hand may not give you an accurate match. [3]
    • In some cases, you'll need 2 foundation colors—one for the center of your face, and one for the outer edges. Color match the lighter foundation to the apples of your cheeks and match the dark foundation to your jawline or chest. You can also use these colors as your contour. [4]
    • You can also go to a local beauty shop or the makeup counter at a department store and ask for help there. These businesses often employ skilled makeup artists who might be better able to find the perfect match. Many will also offer a free makeover with your potential new foundation to help you decide.
    • You should make sure the foundation you're thinking about buying is perfect in all lights, not just under the ones in the store. Try shopping without foundation or concealer on your face when trying out new foundations. Go outside and use a hand mirror to make sure the product blends in perfectly in the sun.
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  3. Dark under eye circles are common in people of Indian descent. They are caused by an excess amount of melanin being deposited in the skin, which is a process controlled by genetic predisposition. [5] If you have these dark under eye circles, you may want to take extra care to cover them, as an even skin tone will give you a more youthful, vibrant look. Pick a concealer that is the same shade as your natural skin tone or 1 shade lighter. It should have a slightly warmer undertone .
    • To apply, swipe the concealer under your eyes and blend at the edges. [6]
    • Try applying orange color-correcting concealer under your skin-tone concealer. Orange concealer is applied the same way as conventional concealer and helps make under eye circles disappear. In addition, it is a great all-around color corrector for blemishes on dark skin. [7]
    • You can also use concealer down your nose, on your Cupid's bow for a highlight, or anywhere you need more coverage. [8]
  4. Use bold blushes . Many blushes that look too bright to be used in everyday makeup on lighter skin actually blend beautifully into dark skin. Bright oranges are especially great for adding a touch of color to your cheeks if you have warm undertones.
    • More subdued colors like rose and coral also complement dark skin nicely. These are great choices for daytime looks.
    • For nighttime makeup, consider using deep, rich colors like plum, wine, and bronze. The metallic in bronze blush is particularly great for creating a healthy glow.
    • Avoid neutral browns and beiges. These tend to make already brown skin look dull. [9]
  5. You can use a powder that matches your skin tone or one that is translucent and matte. Setting powder will both help your makeup last longer and reduce shine. This step is especially important if you have oily skin. [10] [11]
    • Be cautious when using illuminating powders or "illuminators." Make sure it has been especially formulated with dark skin in mind. These contain warm gold tones that will prevent the ashiness that other illuminators can give to dark skin. [12]
  6. While tanning is the trend in Western cultures, skin "bleaching" treatments are incredibly popular in India, especially among women with dark skin. It's best to stick to natural methods of lightening your skin, as many pharmaceutical products can have dangerous side-effects.
    • Examples of natural skin lighteners that some people find effective are lemon juice, turmeric, and dairy products.
    • The best way to make your skin a little lighter is to avoid sun exposure and to apply sunscreen when you can't. [13]
    • Bleaching your skin is by no means necessary. Dark skin is beautiful in its natural state. Don't lighten your skin to conform to some beauty standard. Only do so if it's your own personal preference. [14]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Complementing Your Eyes

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  1. Using an eyeshadow brush, apply just a bit of tan or cream eyeshadow under the arc of each of your eyebrows. This will create the illusion of a more dramatic brow and bigger eyes. This trick is especially effective on dark Indian skin. [15] [16]
  2. While not usually thought of as a traditional look in India, shimmery cream or pale gold eyeshadow used as a base on the lids make a great everyday makeup choice for dark skin. When properly blended, this eyeshadow can look natural on dark skin while highlighting the eyes.
    • A touch of cream or pale gold eyeshadow by your tear ducts can also make your eyes look brighter without covering the entire lid.
    • Remember that dark complexions can pull off all colors. Just choose a dark shade of the color you want to try. Feel free to explore any eyeshadow that suits your tastes. [17]
  3. Although you can wear any color, the best colors for dark skin are highly pigmented. Use an eyeshadow brush to dab the color onto your lid. Start near the inner corner of your lid and work your way to the outer corner of your eyelid. Bring the color up just over the crease.
    • For example, violet, teal, fuchsia, and red all look lovely. You can also experiment with metallics. [18]
    • If you have warm undertones, choose colors that are based on a red/orange palette. For example, you could choose a dark orange shadow or a warm red.
    • If you have cool undertones, choose colors that are based on a blue palette. For example, you could choose a bright indigo or a red mixed with blue hues. [19]
  4. Nudes can make you look washed out, and ashy colors can make your skin look dry and dirty. If you want to wear a nude shadow, choose one that is metallic or has a shimmer. [20]
  5. Use kajal to make your eyes pop. Lining the lower eyelids with kajal (either from homemade powder or a commercial stick) is a ubiquitous look in India. This tradition began with a belief in kajal's medicinal properties, but many people around the world now use kajal for purely aesthetic reasons. [21]
    • You can also use kajal to give yourself smoky eyes . Smoky eye makeup is another classic choice for Indian skin of all shades, but it is especially stunning when paired with dark skin.
    • Heavy black eyeliner looks much less stark and more flattering on dark skin. People with lighter skin have more difficulty pulling off this look, especially when lining their lower eyelids.
    • Liquid eyeliner is another staple of Indian fashion, both in India and among people of Indian descent living abroad, that looks great with dark skin. [22]
    Rihanna, Founder, Fenty Beauty

    Using makeup is empowering. "Makeup is like a secret weapon. Depending on my mood, my look, or the occasion, makeup can go from very subtle to a complete transformation, and that’s the fun in makeup: being able to play and create in endless ways."

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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Adding Lip Color

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  1. Simply spread on a layer of foundation the same way you use it on the rest of your skin. This trick helps when applying brighter lip colors to dark lips. Otherwise, these colors may not show up very well. [23]
    • Foundation will also help your lip color to last longer.
    • You can also use concealer or lip primer instead of foundation.
  2. This deep red suits all complexions and is a staple part of many Indian women's makeup regime in India and abroad. It is especially flattering on dark skin, as it is typically not far off from one's natural lip color. Unlike people with paler complexions, if you have dark skin, you can pull off burgundy as an everyday lip color without looking overdone. [24]
  3. While much more bold and adventurous than burgundy, bright reds also pair well with dark skin.
    • Orangey "fire" red shades are great for bold daytime makeup.
    • Use cooler and more neutral bold reds for a dramatic nighttime look. [25]
  4. While they may look great as blush and eyeshadow, these colors don't work as well when used as lip colors. They can make your skin look dull and lifeless. Lip colors that are very glossy, frosty, and shimmery can cause the same issue.
    • When you do choose to go pale and glossy, favor pinks and corals with intense rather than muted hues. [26]
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  • Question
    What is the use of pancake in makeup?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Pancake makeup is used for the theatre or for covering severe scarring. It is a heavily pigmented makeup that provides heavy, opaque coverage.
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  • Question
    How should I apply liquid foundation?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can apply liquid foundation with a makeup brush or with a damp beauty blender. Using a beauty blender or sponge will give a slightly softer more diffused coverage.
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  • Question
    What is a dusky skin tone?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Dusky is usually a term for darker skin tones. Sometimes the term is used for very deep tones and other times it is used for more mid-range tones like caramel and olive.
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      Tips

      • While some western beauty experts insist that you should use bold colors on only the eyes or the lips (never at the same time), the popular Indian aesthetic is to go all out. Feel free to combine smoky eyes with an intense lip color. [27]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Just keep in mind if you're living in a Western country like the US, going heavy with both eye and lip makeup may look too dramatic. You can compromise by wearing more subtle makeup during the day and pulling out all the stops for evening events.
        Thanks
        Helpful 25 Not Helpful 12
      • Never use a foundation lighter than your skin tone. This can make your skin look patchy and your makeup caked on.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Always be proud of your dark skin. The media tends to put attention on the fairer shades, but you will observe that all the top models and actresses opt for a great tan. You don't need to bleach or cover up your skin - you're beautiful just the way you are!
      • L'Oréal and Estée Lauder have some good foundation tones. Try going to their stores and checking if you can match your skintone. Fenty Beauty also has a wide range of shades!
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.instyle.com/hair/find-best-hair-color-your-skin-tone
      2. ↑ Stephanie Navarro. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 June 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/revealing-the-makeup-secrets-for-dusky-complexion-758
      4. ↑ Stephanie Navarro. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 June 2020.
      5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969674/
      6. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Conceal-Dark-Undereye-Circles/1
      7. ↑ Stephanie Navarro. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 June 2020.
      8. ↑ Stephanie Navarro. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 June 2020.
      9. ↑ http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/revealing-the-makeup-secrets-for-dusky-complexion-758
      1. ↑ http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/revealing-the-makeup-secrets-for-dusky-complexion-758
      2. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/makeup/the-difference-between-finishing-powder-and-setting-powder
      3. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2013/feb/23/beauty-illuminating-powders-sali-hughes
      4. ↑ https://belmondobeauty.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-skin-lightening/
      5. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/is-dark-beautiful-the-fairness-debate-opens-wide-in-india_b_3793257
      6. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/beauty-tips-indian-women_n_4724357.html
      7. ↑ http://beautybanter.com/a-girls-guide-to-highlighting-and-contouring
      8. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/beauty-tips-indian-women_n_4724357.html
      9. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/590707-eyeshadows-for-darker-skin/#/slide/1
      10. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/cool-warm-skin-undertones/
      11. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/590707-eyeshadows-for-darker-skin/#/slide/1
      12. ↑ http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/make-up-mistakes-that-age-you-look-young-with-makeup-tips-tricks/1/445108.html
      13. ↑ http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/make-up-mistakes-that-age-you-look-young-with-makeup-tips-tricks/1/445108.html
      14. ↑ http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/revealing-the-makeup-secrets-for-dusky-complexion-758
      15. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/beauty-tips-indian-women_n_4724357.html
      16. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/beauty-tips-indian-women_n_4724357.html
      17. ↑ http://www.idiva.com/opinion-style-beauty/how-to-apply-make-up-on-dark-skin/27293
      18. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/beauty-tips-indian-women_n_4724357.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To apply makeup to dark Indian skin, start by putting on a foundation that’s the same color as your skin tone. Avoid foundations that are lighter than your skin tone since they can make your skin look patchy. Then, apply a bright-colored blush to your cheeks. Purple or orange look great on darker skin tones. If you have dark circles under your eyes, cover them up with a concealer that's the same shade as your skin. To make your eyebrows pop, apply a small amount of tan or cream eyeshadow below the arch of each eyebrow. Then, apply some gold or cream eyeshadow to your lids and blend it in, which will make your eyes look brighter. For tips from our Beauty co-author on how to add color to your lips, keep reading!

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