Mixed race uneven skin tones and make up

[miche8]

Talk to me about your skin care and makeup. I have fairly light skin but if I was to sit in the sun it would eventually go quite dark, but uneven, have to use a very high SPF. My skin is uneven when pale, can anyone recommend any products to help make it more even?

My next problem is foundation, nothing matches very well, have used most brands even the more expensive ones, Chanel, bobbi brown, dior, Lancôme, Clinique, bare minerals etc. I like to wear minimal makeup and look natural, tinted moisturisers and bb creams look better and I can get a better match but they don't give the coverage I need, if I add a concealer, that never matches. When I go to the counters the ladies seem to have trouble matching me too. So if I can get my skin more even coloured in the first place less makeup will be needed, fake tan doesn't work either because it darkens the dark patches too. Oh and to top it off I have very very dark circles, at least a couple of times a week people will comment. For info my grandad is Indian, and my nan is white, my mum and brother have much much darker skin than me, they don't have uneven skin tone and nor do my aunties, they are a lovely colour. Thank you in advance for any replies.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I think you'd be better off going to a brand designed for Asian or Afro-Caribbean skin.

I think David Bowles wife Iman does a range, I knew a woman who was a consultant for them and she said the main problem with Asian skin is people getting too light a shade and it going ashy on the skin.

I think uneven skin tones quite common with darker skin types, I remember watching a tv makeover show when they said that sometimes you need two different shades of foundation to get the look right.

[MooMinCow]

I found Lisa Eldridge video really useful in explaining how to choose foundation shades. I'm Asian and overall my skin is fairly even but my chin and forehead are a little bit darker than my cheeks. I find it best to match up to my neck (even if that means my cheeks are slightly darker) as overall it gives a more even look if your face matches your neck. I would go to MAC or Bobbi Brown as their shades are more yellow based and match better. MAC Face and Body foundation might work for you. It goes on liquid and sheer but can be built up where needed and stays put!

I use BB corrector (dark peach) to cover my pigmented dark circles then a lighter textured MAC concealer on top.

Do you exfoliate regularly? Microdermabrasion or glycolic acid treatments can help even skin tone out (but you must wear SPF after)

[Deathwatchbeetle]

Maybe go to a Mac stand - I always see a lot of darker skinned ladies around their stand. Also you have already had the Bobbi Brown recommendations. Ask them for advice - you don't have to buy straight away - I come back another day if you want to buy becasue then you will see how the make upholds up - if it stays 'fresh' or shows pores/shine/goes orangey/grey etc.

[miche8]

Thanks for replying, have watched the video and it was very helpful, I'm always matched with a foundation too dark or too pink, and it never matches my neck. I do have the bobbi brown corrector but I think the colour is too dark, the girl that matched me was wearing a lot of fake tan, perhaps I need to choose someone that's got their own makeup colour right. I have to travel quite a way to a bobbi brown counter, there's no mac counter near me. I'm going to buy some rosehip oil too, have been reading up on that today and it looked like it might help with the pigmentation.

[MooMinCow]

Miche - when I go to a
MAC or BB counter i always make a beeline for the asian/black staff. My theory is that they have similar skin tones/issues as me so are more likely to match me correctly (so far my theory has been proved correct )

I know you can order MAC and BB online which means you must be able to return for refund if unsuitable? QVC also has a 30 day no quibble returns policy and stock BB and Bare Minerals.

[Flowermini15]

I used to use iman but when there was no one at the debenhams counter tried black up make , it's lovely it matches perfectly it's made for mix race skins. Morleys Brixton do it as we'll make up artist there brilliant years of looking ashen. Comments fab look perfect now colours fantastic blush eye shadow etc. debenhams you can order on line as well. By the way I hate the name that's why I used to walk past it for so many years. Got over that because the product so good.