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Home • Makeup

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us

From the best shades for us to the mascaras that curl to perfection, these are the Black-girl approved products that need to be on your shopping list!
By ESSENCE Editors · Updated October 26, 2020
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It’s that time again–the 2017 edition of our annual Best in Black Beauty Awards has officially arrived! We’ve spent weeks swiping, swatching and smelling the newest products so you don’t have to. From the splurge-worthy to the drugstore faves and Black-owned must-haves, these are the picks that every Black woman must know. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil this year’s winners!

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This feature originally appeared in the May 2017 Issue of ESSENCE Magazine.

01
Best Shades For Us: Make Up For Ever

With formulas that would satisfy even picky pros and colors that work on the milkiest to the darkest of chocolates, Make Up For Ever is a clear winner. The Water Blend Face and Body Foundation is a must for spring, with sheer coverage that creates a dewy, natural finish. 

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
Gurzzza
available at Sephora $43 Buy Here
02
Best Shades For Us: Black Opal

And we couldn’t leave out Black Opal, the brand that’s celebrated the nuances of Black skin since 1994. They continue to provide a satisfying range of product options for women of color, including the True Color Ultra Matte Foundation Powder. 

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
Gurzzza
available at Black Opal Beauty $11 Buy Here
03
Mascaras That Truly Perform: Lancôme Grandiôse Extrême

The swan-like, wide angle wand of this mascara ensures that product is evenly distributed to every single lash, leaving them with ample volume and length. 

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
Gurzzza
available at Sephora $32 Buy Here
04
Mascaras That Truly Perform: CoverGirl So Lashy! BlastPro Mascara

And this more affordable find includes a 3-in-1 brush with a special ball tip that gets to those hard-to-reach corner lashes. The best part? It’s available in a waterproof formula, too!

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
Gurzzza
available at Target $9 Buy Here
05
Best Highlighter: Jay Manuel Beauty Filter Finish 3D Illuminator

On a quest for an illuminator that won’t leave your brown skin looking ashy? This gold-tinted powder is pure perfection for even the deepest of skin tones. 

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
Gurzzza
available at HSN $30 Buy Here
06
Best Metallic Lips: Kevyn Aucoin The Molten Metals Lipstick

We’re totally willing to give up our matte lip obsession for this lineup of wearable iridescent hues. Whether you’re looking for a bronze to keep things neutral or a deep purple to make a statement, this brand’s got you covered. 

Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
Gurzzza
available at Sephora $30 Buy Here
07
Social Media Favorite: Pat McGarth Labs
The clever strategy of dropping a limited number of awe-inducing shadows had us in a frenzy to get these sparkling pigments, created by glam goddess McGrath, before they were sold out.
Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Makeup Products That Truly Work For Us
mfto
TOPICS:  Magazine Shopping