When you are a woman of color, special attention needs to be paid to unify your skin tone. It is important to downplay overly prominent features and focus your makeup attention to the upper tier of your face.
To make your makeup last longer, stay away from oil based products since darker skin has a tendency to reject makeup. For a foundation, find an oil-free tone that is a shade lighter than your normal tone, as well as a slightly darker shade for shading and contouring. Top off your base with a transparent or slightly tinted powder that will absorb oil to avoid a shiny look.
If you have a dark skin stick to warm, earthy colors for your eye shadow--like gold, bronze and maroon. Cooler colors like mauve, pink and silver look better on fairer shades. If you want a subtle look for evening glam, a light brushing of loose, translucent powder over the lid will add a nice glow. For your cheeks, shades of cocoa, dark peach, dusty pink will look fabulous on your complexion. If you have a wide nose, you can slim it down by using a camo cream corrector in a darker tone to the sides, and a lighter tone to the top of your nose. Be sure to blend well.
When it comes to your lips, berry shades and burgundies are great for a night out. Beiges and soft pinks work well for dark skin for during the day. Avoid orangey shades, they will wash you out. Also lean towards lipsticks with a matte finish rather than a frosted one, and bright pinks and reds are an absolute NO. If you have dark lips, before applying lipstick, put some foundation and powder on your lips.
09
definitely breaks the number 1 cardinal rule for makeup. ALWAYS
use a foundation that matches your skin color as closely as
possible. Your skin tone, however light or dark, is beautiful:
show it off, not your makeup! It you feel compelled to lighten
your shade, follow it with loose or pressed powder that is on
shade lighter. Or you can use translucent powder. It will do the
same for darker shades.
And anyone can wear bright red lipstick. Artfully applied, it can
work wonders. If you're brave, go for a neutral red like "fire
engine red". Shades like those work for most people. You'll get
all the attention in the room. The best way to apply it is to
'dilute' it with lip balm.
GOOD LUCK!