Following makeup artists and creators who share your complexion changes everything: their tutorials show colours, shades and techniques as they really look on Black or Brown skin, not "in theory". Here are the profiles that set the standard, in France and internationally, then our advice for choosing a professional makeup artist for a wedding or a ceremony.
This article is part of our complete guide to makeup for Black and Brown skin. The accounts are cited for their work; none is paid to appear here, and we say so when a creator collaborates with NEW BLACK.
Why follow creators who share your complexion?
Because a tutorial filmed on light skin tells you nothing about what a blush, a shadow or a shade will do on yours. A Black or Brown creator tests for you: which colour shows, which highlighter doesn't go grey, which brand really has shades from light to deep. She also saves you years of mistakes: the foundation too light, the translucent powder, the beige nude.
Three concrete uses: finding look ideas (natural, evening, ceremony), learning a precise technique (blending a contour, applying shadow with a finger), and forming an opinion about a product before buying.
The international creators who set the standard
They moved the industry: Jackie Aina and Nyma Tang, in particular, forced the big brands to widen their shade ranges.
- Jackie Aina (YouTube, Instagram). One of the most listened-to voices in Black beauty in the United States. Glam tutorials, straight-talking product reviews, collaborations with major brands. Follow for technique and high standards on shades.
- Nyma Tang (YouTube). Known for her series "The Darkest Shade", where she tests the deepest shade of every brand. Essential if you have very dark skin and are tired of ranges that stop too early.
- Vanessa Gyimah (Instagram). Professional makeup artist and artist, recognised for her eye creations ("eye art") and the way she enhances Black skin.
The French makeup artists and creators
In France, the scene is rich: trainers, set makeup artists, beauty bloggers who test in French, on skin like yours.
- Adjinaya (Adji Coulibaly). Professional makeup artist and trainer in Paris, nicknamed "El Profesor" by her community. She makes up public figures, trains makeup artists in France and Belgium, and offers fresh, colourful looks. She has also launched her own brand.
- Adams Make Up. Professional makeup artist followed in France and West Africa, known for the precision of her work and her masterclasses for future makeup artists.
- Bahissé Paris. French-language blog and YouTube channel dedicated to makeup on Black skin for beginners: step-by-step tutorials, tests of affordable products, quick makeup. A direct, educational tone.
- HelloTitoune. One of the oldest French-speaking beauty blogs dedicated to Black skin: selections of foundations, powders, highlighters, advice for oily skin.
- NEW BLACK creators and ambassadors. We work with creators of every complexion and every age, who receive our products and test them in daylight. Their videos are shared on our social media; the programme is open: become an ambassador.
Note: communities move fast; check which accounts are active when you read this. This list is updated every year.
How to choose your makeup artist for a wedding or a ceremony
Five criteria: her portfolio shows skin like yours, she does a trial in daylight, she owns shades from light to deep, she talks about undertone, and she uses products that last and don't transfer.
- The portfolio. Check whether she regularly makes up Black and Brown skin, in natural photos (not only retouched ones). A makeup artist with "a few" darker clients isn't a specialist.
- The trial. Six weeks before the event, a full trial, checked by a window and with the phone's flash. The complexion should disappear on the jawline.
- Her kit. Ask which foundation brands she uses for deeper skin and how many shades she owns. A good answer names ranges built from light to deep.
- The vocabulary. If she talks about undertone (warm, cool, neutral, olive) and asks you questions about your skin (oily, dry, dark spots), that's a good sign.
- Wear. For a wedding: no-transfer foundation, setting powder, a touch-up kit left with the bride (compact powder, gloss).
Questions to ask her: "Which shade will you use on me and why?", "How do you avoid the grey cast in photos?", "What happens if I cry?".
How much does a professional makeup artist cost?
Prices vary with experience, the city and the duration: count on the price of a good evening out for evening makeup at home, and several times that for a bride with a trial, more in a capital city or with travel. A trial is generally charged separately; it's an investment that avoids bad surprises on the day.
What NEW BLACK does
NEW BLACK is a French makeup house designed in Paris for Black and Brown skin tones. Our products are the ones a makeup artist looks for when working on deeper skin: a no-transfer fluid foundation in six shades from light to deep, a tinted compact powder, saturated blushes and golden highlighters. Our makeup artist, Charlotte Mambo, reviews every one of our guides. Are you a professional makeup artist? Our trade area is open to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which beauty influencer should I follow if I have Black skin?
For technique and shades: Jackie Aina and Nyma Tang (in English); in French: Adjinaya, Adams Make Up, Bahissé Paris, HelloTitoune. Choose the ones whose complexion and style are closest to yours.
How do I find a makeup artist who specialises in dark skin near me?
Search "makeup artist Black skin + your city" on Instagram and Google, look at the portfolio (skin like yours, natural photos), read the reviews, then ask for a trial. Makeup schools and Afro hair salons in your city are also good sources.
What budget for a wedding makeup artist?
It depends on the city and experience; count on several times the price of an evening makeup, with the trial usually charged separately, and more if she travels or makes up the guests.
Does a makeup artist need special products for Black skin?
She needs foundations and powders with real deep shades and undertones, pigmented blushes and golden highlighters. That isn't "special", it's simply a complete kit.
How do I become a NEW BLACK creator or ambassador?
Through our ambassador programme: free products, a personal code, commission. We're looking for creators of every complexion and every age, including 40 and over.
Written by the NEW BLACK editorial team · Reviewed by Charlotte Mambo, NEW BLACK makeup artist · Updated 9 September 2026
