ESSENCE's Best in Black Beauty 2018: Makeup

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Every lash will manifest with just one sweep of its feather-fan brush. We’ve finally met the perfect mascara. CoverGirl Peacock Flare Mascara ($8, target.com).

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If 2017 taught us anything about beauty, it’s that companies can no longer offer one or two or even three brown foundation shades. We need, and are entitled to, a range of hues that match the diverse colors of our melanin. While many brands still have a lot to learn, these three give us tons of options. Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 ($46, bobbibrowncosmetics.com); Maybelline New York FIT me! Matte + Poreless Foundation ($8, maybelline.com); Marc Jacobs Beauty Shameless Youthful-Look 24-H Foundation SPF 25 ($46, marcjacobsbeauty.com).

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Whether you’re a makeup pro or a novice, getting your winged liner to be symmetrical is tough. These three options make it supereasy to achieve the perfect cat eye with one simple flick of the wrist. Clé De Peau Beauté Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner ($55, cledepeaubeaute.com); Revlon ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner ($8, revlon.com for stores); IT Cosmetics Superhero Liner ($24, ulta.com).

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Rocking matte lipstick is usually a major commitment, since it tends to mean constant application. These three, however, are nothing like that. One application and you’re good through coffee, lunch and even drinks. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment ($26, narscosmetics.com); NYX Professional Makeup Powder Puff Lippie Lip Cream ($9, nyxcosmetics.com); Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick ($20, sephora.com). 

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These awardees took our lit-ness to a whole new level. The shimmery hues work perfectly with our melanin and don’t make us look shiny. They’re both subtle and sensational. Win-win! fresh FreshFace Instant Glow Luminizer in Sunset ($38, fresh.com); Charlotte TilbuRy Beach Stick in Moon Beach ($45, charlottetilbury.com); Farsáli Jelly Beam Illuminator in Glazed ($40, farsali.com).

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Impressive brows are easy to obtain with this dual-ended pencil. Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil ($23, sephora.com).