For African American women, Black Opal Foundations and Foundation Sticks are fantastic. Not only do they give good coverage, but the shades will match the lightest to the darkest woman of color. It can be applied with a brush, or sponge from sheer to full coverage.

To set any foundation, you must use a powder. A powder like MAC Blot Loose Powder is great for people with oily skin, but it is also good for women with normal skin. This powder has great holding power, and keep your foundation in place all day.

Neutral shadows work on anyone, and it should be a staple in any one’s makeup bag. MAC has great shadows from shimmers, to satin, to matte. Browns are always pretty and can take you from day to night. Some favorite neutrals include Brown Down, Amber Lights, All that Glitters, Woodwinked, Soft Brown, Cork, Wedge and Rice Paper. You can’t go wrong with any of these, and you can mix and max for the perfect look.

To define eyes, you can use just plain mascara to enhance or you can add added definition with an eyeliner or eye pencil . FACE Stockholms Liner Pen is magnificent. If you are looking for something easy to use and precise this pen does it. You can’t go wrong. If you opt for just a mascara, Loreal Voluminous in Black or Carbon Black is amongst the favorites. It rivals some of the more expensive brands at more than half the cost. It’s a must have.

Whether you choose blush or bronzer to give your face some added color, whatever you do don’t skip this step. Bronzers and blush highlight and give your face dimension and should be worn to give your face the finished touch. A great neutral color like NARS Love Joy Blush has just the hint of shimmer that brightens and gives your face an added glow that makes you come alive. Not fond of blush, then add a Bronzer like Givenchy Bronzer Powder to your temples, cheeks, and forehead.

To finish off any look a great gloss or lipstick is essential. I love a gloss because it is understated can applied over and over. Dior’s Linen Beige Gloss is great for day or night, and looks great on all skin tones. Wear by itself or over a lipstick.

Black Opal Stick Foundation can be found at CVS, Walmart and drugstores nationwide
MAC Blot Loose Powder, and Eye Shadows www.maccosmetics.com
NARS Love Joy Blush www.sephora.com
Givenchy Bronzer Powder www.sephora.com
DIOR’s Linen Beige Gloss www.sephora.com