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Style > Beauty

The Best Makeup Brands for Shade-Inclusive Liquid Foundation

Let’s face it, if a foundation has eight shades, and they all range from “Snow White” to “Barely Sun Kissed,” we want no part of it. Shade inclusivity is necessary, baby, and I’m rating the best of the best liquid foundations in terms of quality and shade range.

Take a look below to see who made my list!

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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If you’re even a little bit into makeup, you’ve likely heard about the Too Faced Born This Way foundation ($39). While it’s the most limited range on my list, clocking in at 39 shades, it is the most affordable and has more options for darker skin tones than other high-end brands. Too, this product is famous for its incredibly full coverage!

DIOR Backstage Face and Body Foundation

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Dior Backstage Face and Body foundation ($40) is the perfect light-coverage product for days when you want to feel beautiful in your own skin. Plus, it’s got an incredible range of 40 shades that span from the fairest of fair to deep. This foundation is great for everyday, natural makeup looks, and if layered correctly, this foundation might just be what us light-coverage shoppers are looking for. 

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This foundation can be found in the makeup kits of almost every established MUA, worldwide! Its range spans 40 shades, much like the Dior Backstage Face & Body foundation, however, it has a fuller coverage. This foundation is loved by makeup professionals and makeup rookies alike, due to its user-friendly qualities and impressive range of shades and undertones. Make Up For Ever’s classic Ultra HD Invisible Cover foundation ($43) is also a great choice.

 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Finally, the foundation that shook the beauty community to its absolute core! Fenty beauty is owned by the one and only Robyn Rihanna Fenty, which automatically makes it a winner in anyone’s book. Too, the quality of these foundations are beyond compare! They have the perfect texture, coverage, and tones for all skin types. You can sheer it out for light-coverage days, or build it up for a night out away from campus. It’s incredibly easy to apply, and looks amazing on anyone and everyone. 

 

Fenty was the first brand to really bring shade inclusivity to the forefront of the public eye. Fenty called out other brands for being too limited in their shade range, and initiated a call to action from consumers, encouraging them to increase the demand for wider shade ranges from all beauty companies, not just the ones that cater to deeper skin. 

 

So, there you have it, my top favorite shade inclusive foundations. I’m seriously looking forward to more brands taking a step in the right direction and following the footsteps of these game changers. We won’t stop until every shade is represented, because diversity and accessibility truly matters in the beauty industry. 








Makenzie is a current Senior at Emmanuel College studying Communications + Media Cultural Studies and Performing Arts. (Try saying that three times fast...) She's been a part of her school's Her Campus chapter since it's very first semester, and has been chapter advising for 2 years. Makenzie is also a National Writer for HC's beauty section, Campus Trendsetter, and former HC Community Development Intern. Makenzie is incredibly excited to be finishing up her last semester as Co-Campus Correspondent of HC Emmanuel. Interested in joining yourself? Hit her up anytime!