This $5 Black Radiance Foundation?!?! {Quick Review + Swatches of All 6 Shades} #SwatchesInSeptember

If you can find a good match in Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Make-Up, you’ll score a pretty good foundation for just $5. A while back when I was going on a swatch-binge and looking for products to include on the blog, I bought a bunch of Black Radiance and of course had to include the foundation. And these plus a bunch of other products that are patiently waiting to be swatched is why I started #SwatchesInSeptember.

Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Make-Up Official Description:

Color Perfect™ Liquid Make-Up is specially formulated for the woman of color. This oil free, full coverage formula enhances natural skin tone, never red, ashy or shiny. The foundation glides on smoothly and evenly, leaving skin looking fresh for a natural finish.

My thoughts:

This is a solid foundation! Although a foundation could look ashy or red if you’re wearing the wrong shade, I get what they’re saying in their description. You’ll get amazing medium to full coverage—I didn’t even have to use concealer to cover the dark spots I have on my forehead and chin, the finish is natural, and the formula performs well (I have oily skin and it held very well—I can see myself needing a primer when it’s warmer out though and of course would need to blot throughout the day). It’s also gluten free and cruelty-free. Only tricky side to this is there are only six shades and finding a match just won’t happen for everyone.

Despite only having six shades, I still think it’s a somewhat solid offering for women of color—these are shades that I’ve seen often enough to know a lot of folks will find a shade. Oxidation might alter things for some as well. I thought I was closer in shade to 8415 Cocoa Bean because 8414 Brownie seemed a bit light although the undertones looked like a pretty good match. Cocoa Bean was also a bit too red/pink in undertone and then once it oxidized it was darker than I thought and 8414 Brownie wound up being a better match for me. For reference I’m N110 in Cover FX. After I highlight and contour though, it’ll look more natural (read Why One Foundation Shade May Not Cut it for Women of Color). I took pics in both shades so you can see further down.

Swatches:

(these shades are in the same numerical order as Black Radiance lists them. I realize Mocha Honey isn’t the darkest shade, but it was labeled as 8416)

After oxidization (and in different light—my bad, I swatched the last three numerical shades on the top and then the first three on the bottom—then when I tried to flip the pic around, it looked crazy…lol)

I did a few swatches comparing it to some other foundation shades I have in my stash—you can also compare the swatches to those you have as well. Also see previous foundation swatches and reviews here and also make sure you check out Why MAC Isn’t a Foundation Guide here.

See more foundation reviews and swatches here

Bottom line: Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Foundation is an amazing foundation if you’re looking for something with fuller coverage with a natural finish, and if you happen to fit within the shade range.

Price and where to buy: $4.99 each at blackradiancebeauty.com. Go here for in-store locations (although if your local drugstores and mass retailers are like mine with how they stock brands like this, you might be better off finding it on their site).