Foundation

• Women with dark skin should be very picky about their foundation. Choose a color that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. When you're in a department store, test the color on your face or the back of your hand. If your complexion is uneven, pick two different foundation colors and blend them together.
  
  When you apply your foundation, put a little on a slightly damp makeup sponge and smooth it on your face in a circular motion to help it blend in with your skin. Then, set it with a translucent powder.
  
  

Eyeshadow

• When choosing eyeshadow colors, go for colors that complement your skin's undertones. People with dark ebony overtones often have cool undertones, while people with lighter brown to caramel skin often have warm undertones. If you have cool undertones, choose eyeshadows in the blue family; if you have warm undertones, use shadows in the pink family.
  
  Bold, deep eyeshadow colors make dark skin glow and eyes pop. However, if you're not ready for such a bold look, try eyeshadow in a neutral color that is similar to your natural skin color.
  
  Sweep bold colors from your lash line to your eye crease, and lighter colors from your eye crease to your brow bone.
  
  

Lips

• If you choose to use bold eyeshadow colors, opt for a neutral lip color, but if you use a neutral color for your eyes, you can choose a bolder lip color. The key is not to use bold colors on both your eyes and your lips, or you may look overdone.
  
  A neutral lipstick can show off your natural lip color and make it look as if you aren't wearing makeup at all, while a shimmery lip gloss in a deep rose color will bring attention to your lips and show off natural lip fullness.
  
  

Blush

• Finish your makeup look with some subtle blush. Tawny brown shades often complement very dark skin, while deep rose colors complement lighter brown skin.
  
  To properly apply blush, use a big makeup brush to lightly dust your cheeks with the blush, then work the color toward your hairline to blend.