More Inclusive Makeup Shades Are Coming In 2017

Finding a foundation color that matches your skin tone can be quite the struggle, especially since historically most makeup brands only offered 6-8 foundation shades, making it nearly impossible for women of color to find the right match. Luckily, many makeup brands are adding more foundation shades to their lineups for 2017.

Most foundations come in only a few colors, usually one or two fair options, a few light to medium shades, and often only one or two darker shades for African American women, and usually those shades aren't dark enough or have the wrong undertones.

As the beauty industry slowly tries to become more inclusive, foundation shades and "nude" lip colors have become a hot topic of discussion, because these two categories are often where women of color are left out, forced to either mix two different shades, or settle for a color that isn't right.

When I was in high school, a friend of mine had to use eye shadow as a bronzer because she couldn't find a real bronzer that would show up on her darker complexion, so thankfully brands are starting to combat the problem by adding more shades to their lineups.

There are a couple in particular who led the charge this year, including Sephora, whose Matte Perfection Powder Foundation collection has 35 shades ranging from porcelain neutral to mocha java, with a large selection of darker shades in the middle.

Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation, $20, Sephora

In 2017, a few brands are expanding their foundation offerings or launching new lines so they can match a much broader range in skin tones, making makeup for women everywhere, not just a small minority of fair skinned ladies.

Dior's Diorskin Forever Foundation

Diorskin Forever Perfect Makeup Foundation, $50, Sephora

Dior's Diorskin Forever Foundation currently has 15 shades that suit a variety of complexions and they have plans to add four additional darker shades in January 2017.

NYX Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation

NYX Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation, $14, Ulta

This drugstore foundation just launched on Dec. 28 and not only has buildable coverage and a convenient dropper, but it also comes in 24 different shades so you can find your match and also afford it.

Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24/7 Long Wear Foundation

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24/7 Long Wear Foundation, $42, Nordstrom

Lancome's Teint Idole foundation currently has 35 shades of varying colors and will be adding five additional dark shades to the collection in January 2017.

Surratt Beauty's Surreal Real Skin Foundation

Surratt Beauty Surreal Real Skin Foundation Wand, $65, Sephora

In 2016, Surratt Beauty launched their wand foundation in 15 shades, most of them falling towards the darker end of the spectrum. In the spring of 2017, they will be adding five new shades, three of which are supposed to be dark options.

Maybelline's Inti-Matte Nudes

Maybelline Inti-Matte Nudes, $5, Amazon

Launching in January 2017, Maybelline's Inti-Matte Nudes lipsticks come in 10 different neutral shades so women of all colors can rock a nude lip, without paying a hefty price.

Images: Sephora.com (3), Nyxcosmetics.com (2), Lancome-usa.com, Maybelline.com