Diversity and Inclusivity in the Beauty Industry
07/04/2025 Written by Samirah Naznin
⏱ 5 minute read
Have you ever struggled finding the perfect foundation shade? As a brown girl, I have.
Before I stumbled on the makeup brand that works for me, I had a hard time finding a shade that truly matched both my skin tone and undertone.
Growing up as a Bangladeshi girl with caramel brown skin and areas of redness and hyperpigmentation, I spent my teenage years trying out various drugstore makeup brands in search of something that would complement me. However, most of the products I tried were either too light, too dark, or too yellow/orange. Most brands offered limited options that either didn’t suit my complexion or left me with an unnatural finish. It was frustrating to feel like there was no product that could cater to my unique needs.
If you can relate, keep reading to learn about some of the brands I’ve tried, from drugstore to high-end, the one that’s become my go-to, and the products I swear by and would highly recommend to my fellow brown girls!
Maybelline Super Stay Up To 30H Lumi-Matte Foundation
-
22 shades, I picked 327 and 337. From the first look, neither were an accurate match, but my choices were limited.
-
327 was too light and 337 was too dark, but there was no in between.
-
The formula is very thin, and I had to use twice the amount of product for low coverage, short-lived results.
Price: £12.99
Rating: 5/10
Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation
-
42 shades, I picked ‘Caramel’, which was too light
-
Other shades were too dark and became orange after oxidising.
-
The formula was thin and creamy, but buildable, and I was able to use a small amount of product for high coverage, long-lasting results.
Price: £15
Rating: 7/10
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
-
32 shades, I picked ‘Moorea’, which was too orange.
-
The next closest shade to my skin tone was shade ‘Huahine’, which was too yellow.
-
Thin, creamy formula, buildable, medium coverage, long-lasting.
Price: £39
Rating: 8/10
Even though these brands offer foundations and concealers in more than 20 shades, they’re not necessarily truly inclusive. From my experience, the formula, buildability, coverage, and durability are typically not the problem when testing different foundations. The real challenge lies in finding the perfect shade match for my skin.
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation
-
23 shades, I picked ‘Mocha”, which was too orange.
-
Thin, creamy formula, buildable, medium coverage, long-lasting.
-
Although I couldn't find the perfect shade match, this foundation is still my favourite drugstore option due to its affordable price, lightweight feel, and easy blendability. I often mix it with the Nyx foundation to create a more accurate shade.
Price: £9.99
Rating: 9/10
Recently, I discovered a brand that completely changed my relationship with makeup. With a selection of over 50 shades, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty made it possible for me to find the perfect match. The brand is widely celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity and since launching in 2017, it has expanded its shade range, designed to cater to all skin tones.
Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation
-
50 shades, I use shade 360, a medium deep shade with a neutral undertone.
-
Thin, creamy formula, buildable, full coverage, long-lasting.
Price: £35
Rating: 10/10
The diversity in Fenty Beauty’s foundation line not only made me feel seen but also gave me confidence in knowing that there is a brand that understands and celebrates all skin tones.
Looking for a cheaper foundation alternative? Try the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation for £23.20, or the Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation for only £12.30.
From one brown girl to another, finding the perfect foundation for brown skin shouldn't require compromise. With more brands offering a wider range of shades, we no longer must settle for mismatched formulas or unnatural finishes. The beauty industry is slowly evolving to embrace diversity, allowing us to feel confident and understood. Being seen in beauty means having products that match our unique undertones and make us feel celebrated. It’s time we all find our perfect shade and embrace our natural beauty, without compromise.
FYI: Product ratings are based on the following factors: shade match accuracy, formula, buildability, coverage, durability & price.
Other must-try Fenty Beauty products!
Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
