2018 Beauty for Every Skin Tone at Every Budget
Tarte Cosmetics is not having a good week. Social media is lit taking them to task over the forthcoming Shape Tape Foundation, the follow-up to the best-selling Shape Tape concealer. Weeks of baiting and teasing came down to a 15-shade collection with (nearly) no suitable options for people of color. Instead, three orange-leaning deep/dark shades are paired with 12 variations of fair, light, medium, and tan. Not surprisingly, the promise of 10 shades to come wasn't enough to pacify consumers who have taken to Twitter and Instagram sharing their outrage, calling the brand out for being tone-deaf. Beauty influencers echoed the same bewildered disappointment, sharing first looks of Tarte’s PR kit - matte and hydrate formulas, new brushes, couple concealers, and a new sponge - across social media on Tuesday.
This release counters 2017’s trend towards greater representation in the beauty community. Brands like Fenty, Nars, and Mented have emerged with new collections to fill the gap, still, there’s a long way to go. Coupled with inclusivity shade selection is the issue of accessibility. Major retailers stock every available light-tan option on the market, while deep/dark shades are often web-only.
If you're feeling left out or dismayed, here are some new products for every budget, skin tone and type to try in 2018.
FOUNDATION
Black Opal True Color Creme Stick Foundation $9.95
Though not new, it's a bestseller from one this leading drugstore brand. the True Color Creme Stick blurs pores and conceals imperfections leaving a moisturized and flawless matte finish.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 $46
Provides a natural, skin-like finish. Packed with skin-loving ingredients, it controls oil and stays put for up to 16 hours. Available in 30 shades with cool, neutral and warm undertones.
CONCEALER
Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define $7
At $7 with 18 shades, Conceal and Define is a steal. It's full coverage, matte finish formula is lightweight and pigmented for a smooth appearance. A familiar doe foot applicator makes spot correcting, highlighting and contouring a breeze.
MAC Studio Waterweight Concealer $23
MAC always come through with a healthy shade range with every release. Equipped with a dropper applicator, this concealer gives medium-full coverage and a natural finish. Its water-like, formula leaves skin feeling hydrated for maximum comfort.
SETTING POWDER
Milani Make It Last Setting Powder $11
Available in three shades and a radiant shade for the extra glow, Make It Last is a high-performance loose powder that ultra-fine for a smooth, oil-free finish without feeling drying.
Laura Mercier Setting Powder $38
Last year Laura Mercier added a deep shade to their already wildly popular translucent powder collection. Ultra-fine, this loose powder leaves a seamless, airbrushed appearance with excellent oil control.
BRONZER
Covergirl Queen $11.49
Created in collaboration with Queen Latifah, the 3-shade collection was created especially for medium, deep and dark skin tones. Creates a warm, radiant glow without any ashy kickback.
Too Faced Chocolate Gold Soleil Bronzer $30
Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is infused with gold powder for a radiant warmth that compliments any skin tone or style. Responding to years of feedback, Too Faced has tapped celeb Youtuber and social media activist, Jackie Aina, to help expand their face products.
MULTI-TASKERS
BH Cosmetics x ItsMyRayeRaye $22.50
BH delivered big in their collab with YouTuber star, ItsMyRayeRaye. The 21-shade eye and cheek collection is pigmented, silky, blendable. Finished with a large mirror, it's a quality all-in-one for your makeup bag.
Beauty Bakerie Coffee and Cocoa Palette $38
Known for outstanding quality and adorable packaging, Beauty Bakerie delivers Coffee and Cocoa. The creamy, satin formula is versatile and easy to work with. The contour, bronzer, blush, and highlight double as stunning eyeshadows.
Check out social media maven Alissa Ashley's amazing, poignant tutorial featuring a wide variety of inclusive brands and products, start to finish.
PR maven, beauty editor and naturalista Kimberly Smith is a busy mom with an ULTA addiction, who cherishes family time, music on vinyl and mascara.
