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October 19, 2005

Beauty in Colors

African-American women, like most others, turn to the pages of our favorite glossies in search of what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s next in fashion, beauty, and all things glam. Unfortunately, many often close the covers of mainstream mags feeling slightly let-down because while the make-up suggestions look good on Paris, Jessica, and maybe even Beyonce and Halle, we know those colors don’t compliment every complexion. Some even try and follow editors’ tips only to find that recommended foundations leave them looking uber-BLAH. So what’s a gal to do when she doesn’t look good in the newest hue?

If supermodel Iman has her way, women of color will find the solutions to their beauty dilemmas on the pages of her new book, The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Guide for Skin of Color (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2005). It not only features tips on foundations and color combinations, but also shares insight on caring for a variety of skin types. Make-up suggestions range from faux-naturale to avant-garde, but they focused more on timeless than trendy. Still, some are more for reel life than real life.

Speaking of reel life, Film Life’s 2005 Black Movie Awards recently took place and will air on TNT October 19th. The Red Carpet photos on AOL’s Black Voices are clear evidence that African-American screen gems are veering away from flashy and toward fresh in their make-up decisions. Showstoppers like Nia Long, Vivica A. Fox and Taraji P.Henson (of Hustle and Flow fame) wore elegant, jewel-toned satin gowns but kept the colors on their faces to a minimum. The most outstanding feature was the blush that highlighted almost every cheek in attendance. It seems rosy cheeks are the next big thing in Black beauty.

Divas who want to jump on the bandwagon without breaking the bank will now find it easier than ever. More mass market cosmetic manufacturers, including Iman, are offering products specifically for women of color at affordable prices. Brands like Black Opal have even solved the common “I have 3 different skin tones on my face, and I can’t find a foundation to even them out” problem faced by many African American women. They now offer color-combined powders that blend multiple shades.

Now, women of color have no excuse for not glamming up. With Iman’s advice, Hollywood’s example, and the more-affordable lines of beauty products tailored to our needs, we can enhance our own natural colors, no matter what beautiful color we may be.

Posted by Nafi Saboor at October 19, 2005 10:38 AM

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