The Internet has been talking about the importance of colour theory and how brands need to be inclusive with their products for eons now. With troopers like Fenty Beauty and NARS, and recently Ariana Grande's R.E.M. Beauty, which just dropped a range of concealers in 60 shades, a wide shade range is always appreciated. Drawing on that note, we want to pay an ode to all of the makeup brands that understand their consumers and their diverse needs, are available in India, and cater to Indian skin specifically. So, if you also have been disappointed with the limited Eurocentric shades that make you look like a washed out and oxidised ghost with no perfect match, then here are the top brands that have a stellar foundation shade range. And don’t worry, as these ones will definitely have something similar to your skin tone, especially great for folks with mid to deep skin tone.
8 Brands That Make An Inclusive Shade Range And Are Really Brown Skin Friendly
Quick Guide On How To Choose Your Perfect Shade Of Foundation
We all know that you can only repurchase your tried and trusted foundation shade online and can't discover your shade through some online charts and websites, no matter how thorough they are. So, when you visit the store, here are some of the steps that you can follow to find your closest match:
1. Always go to a store and try the shades in person.
2. It is better to know your undertone, but if you have no idea, you can ask the professionals there. They will provide you with a colour corrector that will help you to even out pigmentation and will help your foundation to sit well on your skin, according to its shade.
3. Although you won't be applying your foundation to bare skin, it is always better to test out the shade that way to know if it creases or not and how it will sit.
4. After the application, always check the look of the shade in natural light, rather than harsh store lighting or fluorescent lighting, to make sure you are getting your match.
Things to look for in your foundation:
It truly depends on your preference and skin type, but always go for a dewy finish, that leaves your skin looking hydrated, with a smooth finish, and would create an even base for your other products as well.
Too Faced
Kay Beauty
Kay Beauty, other than being Katrina Kaif's brand, gained hype for its lip pencils and eye pencils. But lately, you'll see more and more people going for their 'Hydrating Foundation', which comes in 20 shades. The shade range includes almost all brown skin-friendly options and is very buildable. It leaves your skin looking moisturised, dewy, and erases blemishes with a buttery, smooth texture. It will provide mid-to-full coverage, and contains ingredients like Avocado butter, hyaluronic acid, and mango butter.
Smashbox
Makeup Forever
Makeup Forever creates some of the best foundation and concealer formulations on the market. They have 22 shades that are waterproof, giving full coverage with a natural finish. This range of foundation is very buildable and has more than 75% shades that are made for brown skin. It also blends like butter; a little amount goes a long way, meaning a very good value for your money.
Estee Lauder
If you have oily skin, Estee Lauder's matte foundation range, 'Double Wear Stay-In-Place', would be a great choice. Available in 22 shades, this range has a water-proof foundation with SPF 10 and is extremely lightweight. It gives a natural matte finish with a very good amount of coverage. Even if you have a deep skin tone, you will find your shade here and stay for up to 24 hours.
Plum
Plum with its 10-shade range, 'Soft Blend Weightless Foundation' also surprised us, but even though the number is not that impressive, each and every shade is suitable for someone with a mid- to deeper skin tone. It sits comfortably on the skin, is very easily blendable, is lightweight, and honestly feels like there is nothing on the skin. You can easily build it with your preferred coverage, and is an economical product to start your makeup journey with.
Nykaa
The beauty giant, Nykaa is the brand that made makeup more accessible in India. Their 'All Day Matte Liquid Foundation' has 15 shades, and provides a velvety matte finish. It gives medium coverage and is very buildable. Its formulation makes it lightweight and you can choose from a good variety of shades, covering light to deep shades.
PAC
PAC brushes have always had a moment, and the brand was created to only cater to Indian skin and has more than 25 shades that are perfect for brown skin tones. If you want an illuminating feel, with the matte finish, this one will be a staple in your vanity. Their 'HD Liquid Foundation Range', gives full coverage, with high definition, and is water-proof as well. The applicator also is very handy, where you can easily control the amount you push, and won't clog your pores.
