The 8 best foundations for dark skin, reviewed by a beauty editor
From budget buys to luxury picks, these are the game-changing formulas that will take your base to the next level
Shopping for the best foundations for darker skin tones is a completely different experience now than it was a decade ago. Long gone are the days of settling for the lone ‘deep’ shade on a beauty counter’s shelf or hues that completely ignored the nuances of brown and black complexions. Now, thanks to a wide variety of tones, undertones, and finishes on offer, everybody can find themselves reflected in their favourite brands’ foundation ranges.
The choice has never been better, but where should you spend your money if you're looking for the best foundation? That’s where we come in. We’ve tested a bevvy of today’s most buzzed-about bases to create our ultimate edit of the best foundations for deep skin tones.
Whether you’re looking for the budget buys that won’t blow the bank or the investment pieces worth spending more on, the best full coverage foundation or a matte or glowy finish, these are the foundations truly worthy of the hype. Plus, we’ve asked top make-up artist Ruby Hammer to share her insider tips and tricks to help you find your perfect match.
The 8 best foundations for dark skin, tried and tested
RRP: £44 | Shades: 43 | Finish: Natural, satin | Coverage: Buildable, medium | Shade tested: 25
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
This foundation is a stellar example of how far formulas have come, thanks to its adaptability, impressive tech, and wide-ranging appeal. A true chameleon of a cover-up, it contains an ingenious mesh-like biopolymer complex that creates a smoothing and skin-enhancing effect, while ingredients like bamboo stem extract absorb excess shine for a soft-focus and velvety finish. It’s also self-setting, meaning you don’t really need to finish with powder afterwards unless you have a particularly shine-prone T-zone. Great for mornings when those extra minutes could come in handy.
As well as being one of the best long-wear foundations we’ve tested, its lightweight, skin-like feel and buildable, adjustable coverage gave it a versatility that makes it a worthwhile investment. The results were truly seamless – it’s one of those rare finds we’d recommend any friend try, regardless of their skin type. If bottles could talk, this one could give its own TED Talk.
Pros
- Adaptable formula
- Great for combination and oily skin types
- Long-wear
- Self-setting
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Won't suit those who prefer a dewy finish
RRP: £42 | Shades: 51 | Finish: Natural, luminous | Coverage: Buildable, medium | Shade tested: 350 Medium Cool
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
Serum foundations are becoming a hugely popular choice in the makeup/skincare hybrid market – and this skin-loving base from Lady Gaga’s acclaimed beauty line has set the bar for others to reach. It’s really something special.
A pep talk in a bottle, we found its buildable, luminous formula was just the glow-up we were looking for to help brighten and disguise signs of dullness and fatigue. Thanks to its cocktail of nourishing ingredients and silky texture, it felt like an extension of our skincare routine.
Adding to the reasons we adore this foundation is its shade range. It’s easy to see why it’s gone viral – we’ve never found a shade that matched our warm undertone so well. The secret lies in its flexible formula, buildable coverage and grouping of undertones, which are arranged a little differently compared to other brands. If your skin tans easily after being in the sun and the veins in your wrists are green, you’re classified as cool. If you burn easily in the sun and your veins are blue or purple, you’re classed as warm. It’s unique, yes. But so is this foundation. Whether you have dry skin or you’re looking for a more cocooning cover-up for the colder months, the Haus of Gaga has you covered.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Luminous finish
- Great for dry and combination skin types
- Fantastic shade range
- Certified cruelty-free
Cons
- Won't suit those who prefer a matte finish
RRP: £35 | Shades: 50 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Medium to full | Shade tested: 370
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
When Fenty Beauty launched in 2017, it marked a turning point for inclusive shade ranges. And, while many more mattifiers have arrived since, the original Pro Filt’r Soft Matte is still one of our favourites for a softly powdered, long-lasting finish. Skin-like rather than mask-like, thanks to its clever ‘Climate Adaptive’ tech, it’s our go-to base for keeping shine at bay, come humidity or crowded dancefloor.
Its formula offers some surprising flex, though, for a matte foundation - for fuller coverage, blend one to two pumps in with a brush. Or for medium coverage, apply with a damp makeup sponge (which is the method we used).
Originally launching in 40 shades, it’s now available in a refreshed range of 50, including nine new shades, which accommodate a variety of undertones, including cool, neutral, warm, olive, peach and pink. Inclusive then, even more so now, Fenty Beauty keeps raising the bar when it comes to helping all skin tones feel seen.
Pros
- Long-wear
- Soft matte finish
- Great for combination and oily skin types
- Buildable coverage
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
- Sweat, shine and humidity-resistant
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin or those who prefer a dewy look
RRP: £9 | Shades: 36 | Finish: Satin | Coverage: Buildable, medium | Shade tested: 45 Tan Warm
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
Proving you don’t need to blow the bank for a great base, e.l.f.’s Soft Glam Satin Foundation served up results befitting products we’ve tried that are three times its price. Hydrating yet long-lasting, think of it as a souped-up tinted moisturiser – we loved how its creamy texture glided onto skin, and its pigment saturation made it an ideal choice for days when we needed a little more oomph.
While we felt the need to apply some peach-toned colour corrector to even out the grey areas around our mouth and chin, the shade range impressed overall. A vast variety of skin tones and undertones are catered for, plus, its squeezy bottle provides faff- and pump-free ease. Non-cakey and non-comedogenic (meaning it’s been formulated to avoid clogging pores), its satin finish provided a subtle glow, giving our complexions a welcome dose of luminosity. All that for under a tenner? We’re sold.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
- Certified cruelty-free
Cons
- Not the fullest coverage
- Not great for very oily skin
RRP: £20 | Shades: 40 | Finish: Semi-matte | Coverage: Buildable, full | Shade tested: 34W Toffee
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
There was a time not so long ago when K-Beauty wasn’t particularly brown and black skin-friendly. Shade ranges were previously limited; however, South Korean beauty brand TIRTIR has made strides in changing that narrative, courtesy of their viral Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation.
Available in a handful of shades a few years ago, it now spans a welcome 40. And while we feel there could be more warm and cool undertones on offer for deep complexions (as full coverage foundations require a more exact shade match), the brand is winning over fans online for how it listens to customer feedback and the speed at which it implements it.
The formula ticked many of our boxes – we loved how it left our skin looking more radiant and even. In our experience, the best way to achieve a seamless and natural finish is to use its pad to tap it on in thin, buildable layers. Lightweight, hydrating, and innovative, it’s easy to see why this foundation is so popular.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Lightweight and comfortable on skin
- Great coverage
- Travel-friendly
- Long-wear
Cons
- Limited warm and cool undertones in the deeper shades
RRP: £35 | Shades: 50 | Finish: Natural, radiant | Coverage: Medium | Shade tested: 370
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
In a hotly contested category, Fenty Beauty gets the win again with this radiance-enhancing and hydrating foundation that delivers on its claim to provide a ‘golden hour glow.’ Best applied with a dense makeup brush or damp sponge, it blended beautifully, giving a glowy finish that brightened without being shiny – tricky to achieve, in our experience. Plus, its buttery texture struck the perfect balance between luxe and lightweight for smooth and comfortable all-day coverage.
As a bonus, we particularly appreciated its pump and the control it provided over the amount of product dispensed. Considering how much we liked this foundation, we’re relieved to be able to savour every last drop.
Pros
- Lit-from-within finish
- Hydrating and buildable
- Ideal for dry and combination skin types
- Long-wear
- Sweat and humidity-resistant
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Won't suit very oily skin and/or those who prefer a matte finish
RRP: £41 | Shades: 45 | Finish: Natural matte | Coverage: Buildable, full | Shade tested: 420W
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
Who knew that a long-lasting foundation could feel so comfortable? Lancôme’s most recent reformulation of this classic base features the addition of hydrating skincare ingredients, an upgrade that’s likely to impress both existing and new fans. We especially loved its light-as-air, buildable coverage (making it ideal for applying with a makeup sponge) and its breathable, non-creasing finish that looked just as good in the morning as it did in the evening. We can definitely vouch for its ability to fend off the shine-inducing effects of humidity and sweat.
Available in 45 new and improved shades, it offers far-reaching appeal. We found that it took a little longer than expected for our shade to settle, though. When swatching, we’d recommend trying a couple of shades and letting them dry down for around 30-45 minutes to see how they adjust – you may find that a slightly lighter option proves to be a more accurate match, which is good to bear in mind if you’re shopping online. Overall, we thought this foundation’s slick formula made it a real standout among other long-lasting bases we’ve tried, though. It made ‘long-wear’ a much more wearable option.
Pros
- Lightweight yet long-wearing
- Great for combination and oily skin types
- Sweat and humidity-proof
- Softly blurs unevenness
- Added bonus of SPF35
Cons
- Won't suit drier skin or those who prefer a dewy look
RRP: £41 | Shades: 37 | Finish: Natural, glowy | Coverage: Sheer, buildable | Shade tested: Tahoe
Reviewed by: Ayesha Muttucumaru
Don’t like foundation? This pick will make you a convert thanks to its sheer coverage, natural-looking finish, and easy-to-blend formula. It doesn’t mask, it effortlessly enhances, gently evening out skin tone and adding a dose of radiance to counteract dullness.
It doesn’t come with a pump, which may understandably deter some shoppers; however, it was easier than we thought to dispense a small amount onto the back of our hands (it’s thankfully not too fluid in texture) and then use our fingertips to apply it. However, we can imagine that as our supply dwindles, a pump could be a worthwhile addition to our shopping carts.
Enriched with glycerin, a vitamin C derivative, and turmeric extract, it felt like a pick-me-up in more ways than one, which, together with its buildable coverage, gave that natural second-skin finish NARS products are known for. Just finish with some setting powder on any shine-prone areas, and you’re good to go. Perfect for days when glow is your priority over high coverage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Great for dry and combination skin types
- Natural finish
- Non-acnegenic
Cons
- No pump included
- Not the fullest coverage
How we tested the best foundations for dark skin
To bring you our edit of the best foundations for dark skin, we put a range of different formulas spanning every price point through their paces, from the best drugstore foundations to top-rated luxury picks.
To score highly, the foundation had to be a good match for our skin tone, have inclusive shade ranges, feel comfortable on the skin, and offer exceptional bang for our buck. We also tested the longevity of each formula by wearing it for a whole day (without touch-ups) to judge how well it performed.
How to choose the best foundation for dark skin
How to find the best shade match for dark skin
After finding your shade family (medium, medium-deep or deep), fine-tune your match by identifying your undertone. “The wrong shade can skew the base too red, ashy or grey,” top make-up artist Ruby Hammer tells us.
Undertones are generally organised into three groups: warm, cool, and neutral. Those with a warm undertone tend to find that their skin tans easily in the sun and have green coloured veins. Those with a cool undertone tend to have blue-purple veins, while those with a neutral undertone may have both green and blue-tinted veins. However, it’s definitely worth using a brand’s online shade finder, as we found groupings can sometimes differ.
Brands like Haus Labs and Fenty Beauty have also introduced additional sub-categories to their line-ups to help get you closer to your perfect match. These include olive (where skin has a subtle green-grey tint to it), peach, pink and yellow.
Another top tip is to scroll through social media before you go shopping. The recent #shadetwins hashtag on TikTok and Instagram can be a helpful way to find someone with a similar complexion to yours, trying out a few of your shortlisted shades before you do.
If you’re shade-matching in person, Ruby recommends trialling it in natural light, as artificial light can distort its colour. “Always swatch on your face to ensure it melts seamlessly into your skin,” she adds. You might also want to swatch shades on your neck and the top of your décolleté to see how they contrast or if you’re looking to extend your coverage further.
How to choose the best foundation for your skin type
For a seamless and long-lasting finish, finding the correct formula for your skin type can be just as important as finding the perfect shade match. “Oiler skins might want to opt for oil-free, matte formulations to control shine without looking flat,” advises Ruby, “while drier skins might want to choose hydrating or luminous foundations to avoid a patchy and or dull finish.”
The right prep plays a major role in how your base applies and settles, too. “Foundation performs best on well-prepped skin,” Ruby says. “Always cleanse, hydrate and prime according to your skin’s needs.”
You may also want to adjust the level of coverage to suit factors like skin texture. “If you have fine lines and wrinkles, opting for a lighter coverage will mean that it is less likely to settle into them,” Ruby tells us.
Common foundation mistakes for dark skin tones
Base-ic mistakes? We’ve definitely made a few over the years. Don’t worry, though, we’ve asked Ruby to identify the pitfalls she sees most often to ensure you spend your money wisely.
- Allow time for your shade to settle: “Be aware that all formulas darken as they set, usually within the first thirty minutes post application. So, give it a beat before deciding if it’s a true match.”
- Consider two shades: “Sometimes two shades are required - one that’s slightly lighter for the centre of the face and one that’s deeper for the perimeter. Your shade can change seasonally, too, so when finding your match, be sure to keep checking in.”
- Be stealthy with layering: “For hyperpigmentation, whether blemishes or dark circles, you may require colour correction (like an orange or peach) before foundation to balance your tone, rather than layering up more and more product.”
Our expert panel
Ayesha is a beauty, wellness and lifestyle editor and writer with over 13 years of experience in the media industry. In addition to woman&home, her work has been featured in titles such as Women’s Health, Red, Boots Health & Beauty, My Imperfect Life, and Get The Gloss. She’s passionate about beauty for darker skin tones and, having tested hundreds of products during her career, has developed a great instinct for spotting which products are worth the hype (and your money).
An industry legend, makeup artist Ruby Hammer MBE has decades of experience as well as an eponymous beauty brand and has worked on everything from commercial and editorial shoots to fashion catwalks and TV shows.