I’ve never been one to experiment with makeup. I have my favorite foundation, lipgloss, and mascara and rarely try anything new. But for my recent wedding, I knew it was time to venture into the makeup aisles and explore. I discovered several products perfect for my dark skin that I now incorporate into my daily routine.
Are you one of those ladies who’s always on the lookout for the perfect makeup for brown skin? If so, you’re in the right spot!
For brown girls on the hunt, and those intimidated by new products, here’s a list of our new must-have makeup for brown skin.
Like many brown girls, my eyelids have been darker than the rest of my face basically since birth. This primer is perfect to make your lids the same color as your skin before applying any makeup.
I’ve always envied the beautiful eyebrows of many of the girls I see on Instagram but was intimidated by the work I assumed went into them. Anastasia’s Brow Wiz has a pencil on one side and brush on the other—I can do my brows in less than five minutes!
Finding eyeshadow that shows up on my dark skin has always been a challenge. This eyeshadow palette has 12 shades that can help create a classic smoky eye and shimmery gold for different events.
I usually use whatever random clear lip gloss I have sitting around, on my lips. But MAC’s clear lipglass lasts longer than any drugstore brand without the stickiness.
I can never leave my house without mascara. I have tried so many of them since I love mascara so much. I love this particular one because it curls my lashes and makes them look so luscious and full.
Brown skin is prone to pigmentation and under eye circles. I know this because I have large circles under my eyes. I love this product because it works like magic on my skin and brightens my under eyes. I always use this with my concealer and color corrector.
I am all for highlighters and bronzers. The opal-gold one by Becca gives a soft golden glow to olive skin. I wear this during the day as well as the evenings—versatility at its best!
This highlighter is my absolute favorite! It gives such a beautiful golden glow to the cheeks. I also sometimes use it to highlight my eyes, and it has worked each time, beautifully.
I am all for the glitter especially now, since it is the holiday season. The gold shadow in combination with a powdery champagne/gold/bronze shadow looks gorgeous on brown skin, any day!
Abha Rai is a social worker and a doctoral student at the University of Georgia, Athens who works on domestic violence issues with South Asian immigrant women in the United States. She identifies herself as a women’s rights activist and a feminist. She has been passionate about social work since high school. She loves to travel, try out new food and is a fitness freak. On a free day, she loves to sip coffee, write her heart out and go out for a nice long run.
Sneha Goud recently graduated from NYU with an MA in public administration. Follow her on Twitter @sneha_goud for her thoughts on reality television, feminism, and all things South Asian.
Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.
The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.
Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.
Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.
Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.
Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.
If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.
Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.
This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!
Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.
UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!
Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.
I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!
Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!
According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.
Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!
Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!
Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Nordstrom]
[Photo source: Nordstrom]
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Sephora]
[Photo source: Sephora]
Abha Rai is a social worker and a doctoral student at the University of Georgia, Athens who works on domestic violence issues with South Asian immigrant women in the United States. She identifies herself as a women’s rights activist and a feminist. She has been passionate about social work since high school. She loves to travel, try out new food and is a fitness freak. On a free day, she loves to sip coffee, write her heart out and go out for a nice long run.
Sneha Goud recently graduated from NYU with an MA in public administration. Follow her on Twitter @sneha_goud for her thoughts on reality television, feminism, and all things South Asian.
