Medium to Darker Skin Tone Tips

Last weekend at our free monthly workshops in LA and NY, we gained an understanding of how to match different shades and undertones of the skin, and how to choose color for darker skin tones.

Face: First, prep the face with a toner and moisturizer. To create an extra smooth surface apply the Face Primer on the entire face with a MUD Professional Make-up Sponge or fingertips. The face is now ready for the base application. Look at your face and neck. The face and neck have subtle to strong differences of shade and undertone. On most people, the most effective area to base match is just below and in front of the ear. This area is where the neck joins the face. A proper base match will leave the neck and face looking even while preventing a "floating head". Once you find the appropriate base match, apply the Cream Foundation with a Professional Make-up Sponge, #940 Foundation Brush, or fingertips. MUD’s Cream Foundations work beautifully on all skin types, shades and undertones. Begin on the forehead and work your way down to the neck. Make sure to feather out the product on the neck area to prevent any demarcations. Next, analyze the face for any unwanted deep brown or grey discoloration. Problem areas are usually found under or around the eye area, forehead, lips, chin, and jaw line. Blemishes may also cause discoloration. To camouflage the deep brown or grey discoloration, try mixing a small amount of the Deep Brown Corrector in with the Cream Foundation to create a base-tone relationship and apply to the unwanted discoloration with #330 Shadow Fluff Brush. The warm undertone of the Deep Brown Corrector will bring a beautiful glow and life back into the skin. If necessary, set the base with a small amount of the Buttercream Loose Powder or the Desert Loose Powder with #710 Powder Blush Brush. Tip: For medium to darker skin tones, the less powder the better. Use blotting papers throughout the day.

Eyes: Most of our Eye Colors work well with all skin shades with an exception of our lighter matte colors. Apply your choice of Eye Color on the entire lid for a pop of color with #300 Shadow Blender Brush. To create dimension, add a shadow in the crease for dimension. Tip: For darker skin tones, use a Cream Foundation two to three shades lighter for a matte highlight on the brow bone. Blend the highlight into the shadow on the crease to create a soft edge. Fill in eye brows if necessary with an Eye Color or an Eye Pencil and #210 Angle Liner Brush. To complete the eye treatment, use a generous coat of Cream Mascara or Volumizing Mascara.

Cheeks: Medium to darker skin tones need more intense and deeper colors. For a rich warm glow, try the Sun Rose Color Creme on the apples of the cheeks. Apply with a Professional Make-up Sponge or fingertips.

Lips: For a burst of color, use the Java Lip Glaze directly from the tube. For a more precise application, use the #310 Lip Brush.