Sir John's 7 Best Makeup Tips for Dark Skin Tones

When it comes to makeup, finding the best shades and products for your skin tone can get difficult. While the beauty industry has become a more inclusive, tone-friendly space, dark skin tones can still have trouble finding the right match for them. While YouTube videos and online forums provide a general technique on what to use and where to place your makeup, you may need a little more guidance. That’s why you should follow these makeup tips from L’Oréal Paris’ Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sir John Barnett. These expert tips will take you one step closer to finding your perfect makeup match, and will leave you with a flawless makeup application every time you pick up your makeup brushes and tools.

TIP #1: YOUR COMPLEXION HAS MULTIPLE COLORS

We all tend to group our skin tone to one hue, but keep in mind that your skin actually contains a variety of colors. “When it comes to finding a foundation for women with a deeper skin tone, something to keep in mind is that complexions often feature multiple colors and this is especially true for women of color,” Sir John says. This is why many foundations feature shades with different undertones to choose from.

TIP #2: GRAB TWO FOUNDATION SHADES

Our skin doesn’t actually stay the same shade year-round. While in the winter and fall our skin tends to stay more true to our natural color, we usually get tanner in the warmer months. That’s why Sir John recommends grabbing an “everyday shade” and a “summer shade” when shopping for foundation. “This allows you to always have your proper shade on hand, no matter the season,” he says. 

TIP #3: DON’T BUY A FOUNDATION JUST BECAUSE IT’S TRENDING

Just because a trendy foundation will work on one person does not mean it will work for you. Instead of buying a foundation solely because your favorite beauty vloggers are using it, Sir John advises sticking to a trusty foundation that you know will work for you. 

“You should always shop for foundation that fits your skin type, rather than buying something because it is ‘hottest new launch,’” he says. “One foundation I recommend for all skin types is the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup. It is one of the ‘O.G.’ foundations we’ve all used and the shades are tailored to your undertones to really match your skin.”

TIP #4: USE THE PERIMETER OF YOUR FACE TO COLOR MATCH

Things usually get tricky when it comes to color matching, which is why Sir John suggests this brilliant hack: use your hairline and the perimeter of your face. He said that these areas are a little darker than the inner-circle of your face, and the lighter areas are where you don’t have to go in with a heavy hand for makeup application.

TIP #5: APPLY MOISTURIZER BEFORE FOUNDATION

We’re all guilty of skipping moisturizing before foundation every now and then, but Sir John says that it makes a huge difference to the finish of your makeup. So, it’s always wise to apply moisturizer as a first step, even if you have oily skin.

“A common misconception is that if you have oily skin you don’t need to apply moisturizer, but this isn’t true – your skin always needs water and hydration,” he says. “If you need to use a mattifying moisturizer because you are oily, opt for that instead of something super emollient.” 

TIP #6: FEEL FREE TO EXPERIMENT

Sir John says that utilizing your products in different ways can reveal some impressive results. For example, instead of using your foundation all over your face, try using it only on problem areas and spots that you’re looking to cover, and then opt for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or light concealer everywhere else for some light coverage.

TIP #7: FOR A LUMINOUS GLOW, TRY USING LIQUID HIGHLIGHTERS

Sir John is a self-admitted addict of glowing, luminous skin, and he achieves this look on most of his clients by using liquid or cream highlighters. While many highlighters can leave an ashy look on darker skin tones, Sir John notes that there is one versatile liquid highlighter that he loves using for all skin tones: the L’Oréal Paris Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops.

“The great thing about this product is that you can mix and match and layer both, or just wear one solo,” he says. “The formula is also buildable and very blendable, and the addition of the shea butter is what I love because it applies seamlessly. I use this on all of my girls no matter their skin tone is and just apply with my fingers, tapping into the skin. If you want more of a glow, just keep building until you achieve the look you want.”