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Foundation Favorites for Women of Color

by Karim Orange

The right foundation allows you to step out into the world (or a Zoom call), feeling beautiful and confident in your own skin. This month, as we celebrate Black History, it's a great time to have conversations about the unique hues, tones and shades of WOC. 

In the past, women with certain undertones had to mix foundations together to achieve the right shade. It's nice that there are finally clean beauty brands that are focused on being more inclusive. Since it’s one of the more challenging products to find under the clean umbrella, here are some favorites.  

Exa Beauty High Fidelity Foundation: Light to full coverage.  It can be worn sheer for the day, buildable to full coverage for the evening, and the base is aloe vera. The color range is fantastic and comes in 43 shades with almost half of them geared towards women of color. credobeauty.com

Vapour Organic Beauty Soft Focus Foundation: Light to medium coverage. You will have to resist the urge to touch your face all day (it’s your skin only better). Infused with ingredients organically farmed and naturally derived. vapourbeauty.com

Gabriel Cosmetics Moisturizing Liquid Foundation: Medium to full coverage. This is a cult classic from clean beauty pioneer Gabriel Cosmetics. It’s certified gluten-free and infused with vitamins such as A and E. Very blendable and smooth. gabrielcosmetics.com

Honest Beauty Everything Cream Foundation Compact: Medium to full semi-matte coverage. This is a great way to go if you like more of a matte finish (without it looking cakey). Infused with jojoba oil, and very buildable, ranging from medium to full. If you prefer lighter coverage, try using a wet sponge. honest.com

Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation: Medium to full coverage. Formulated with coconut water, it makes skin look radiant.  Allow one application to sit on the skin for about three minutes before applying an additional coat, if you’re looking to build. pacificabeauty.com

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: Light to Medium Coverage. Infused with Vitamin C. Created with a blend of nourishing hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide. The brand just announced 12 new shades, via a  campaign called Shades of Us, to promote conversation on how women see their skin. iliabeauty.com

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation: Medium to full semi-matte coverage. This is a great choice for those who want a classic mineral powder that they can throw in a purse.  janeiredale.com

ZuZu Luxe: Medium to full coverage. This is a truly unique formulation because of its sheer oil-free, no-makeup-makeup finish. gabrielcosmeticsinc.com

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