Prunela Castelino is an Indian-Australian professional makeup artist, content creator, and trusted voice in makeup and skincare- especially when it comes to brown and deeper skin tones.
Known for her honest product reviews and practical beauty advice, Prunela shares expert tips and tricks tailored to the unique needs of people with brown skin when using makeup.
Skin undertones and choosing the right formulas for brown skin can require years of experience- especially when we’re in a country with limited options.
We asked Prunela to share her thoughts on how to best approach makeup for brown skin- and the most common concerns she hears from clients when working with deeper complexions.
What are some of the most common beauty concerns people with brown skin come to you with- whether in your makeup chair or on social media?
So many people with brown skin come to me feeling overwhelmed by foundation– especially around undertones & shade matching.
A lot of them (especially when I worked in retail) had bad experiences being matched too light or too grey. This knocks their confidence.
Another big concern is dealing with hyperpigmentation, especially how to cover it without looking cakey or ashy.
And of course, there is a constant struggle of finding the right nude lipstick or blush that does not look chalky on deeper skin tones.
Watch: How To Find Your PERFECT Foundation Shade! ✨ (Beginner’s Guide!)
How do you respond when someone with brown skin says they want to lighten their complexion using makeup?
Honestly, I get where this comes from. It is rooted in years of being told “fair is better.”
But I always try to remind them that makeup is meant to enhance, not erase.
Lightening your complexion with the wrong foundation shade won’t make you look “brighter,” it will just look mismatched and unnatural.
This is what I ALWAYS told my customers when I worked at MECCA, Werribee. I try to gently guide them towards radiance over fairness.
Brown skin is stunning as it is and we do not need to change that.
Learn more: Foundation Matching Cheat Sheet by Prunela
What’s your approach to enhancing and celebrating the features of brown skin?
According to me, it all starts with undertones & using products that work with your complexion.
I love warm toned bronzer & blushes on brown skin as they bring life back to the face.
I also lean towards golds, berries (for deeper skin tones), terracottas and rich browns for eyes and lips.
And I always remind people through my content – your features don’t need fixing, just framing.
I always believe in enhancing your brows, popping on a highlight just where the light hits naturally & don’t be afraid to play with makeup.
For someone just starting out or building confidence with makeup at home, what are a few essentials you recommend they get right?
Please start simple! Honestly, you do not need a 20-step routine. Getting the base right is essential.
A good concealer, a bronzer, a foundation/skin tint that matches you and a lip combo you love can take you far.
And for brushes & tools – learning which brush to use where can change everything.
Do not diminish the power of lighting. Natural light will teach you a lot.
Which makeup brands do you think really cater to brown skin- whether it’s shade range, undertone accuracy, or just the formulas themselves?
I would love to share some of my go to makeup brands.
Since Fenty Beauty launched, they have been truly changing the game.
They didn’t just launch with a wide shade range, they got the undertones right too.
MAC has been a staple in my makeup kit that I use for clients.
I believe that MAC understands deeper complexions and their formulas are consistent. They focus on quality rather than trending products.
NARS also do a great job with their foundations, especially in terms of blendability and depth for brown skin.
I am also impressed by Maybelline’s Dewy + Smooth Foundation. It still surprises me with how it performs, especially for the price.
Image: Prunela wearing Maybelline Dewy + Smooth Foundation. Credit: Instagram
It would be wrong for me not to include Haus Labs Triclome Skin Tech Foundation. Their undertone accuracy and luminous finish across deeper shades was really impressive.
For reference I would like to highlight my foundation shades:
- Maybelline Dewy + Smooth Foundation – Soft Tan in summer, Natural Buff in winter
- MAC Studio Fix Foundation – NC43.5 in summer when I really tan
- Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation – 400G Macchiato
What are some common makeup mistakes you see people making on brown skin, and how can they be avoided?
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve encountered as a Professional Makeup Artist is using a foundation that’s too light or has the wrong undertone- it throws the whole look off.
Another is skipping colour altogether. Brown skin looks incredible with bold blushes, rich lipsticks & vibrant eyeshadows.
Using white and translucent powders can leave a white cast.
Instead of those, opting for a tinted or banana powder works wonders! Also, please blend your neck!
And finally, what are three makeup products you’re loving right now?
I am loving the:
Givenchy Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation (I use shade 4.5N)
I love how this foundation melts into the skin and gives a radiant, healthy glow without looking greasy.
The coverage is buildable and it wears beautifully on my skin tone without oxidising.
Shop: Givenchy Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation from Sephora Australia
Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm (Universal)
I switch between soft matte & soft luminous finish depending on the skin type I am working with.The matte version is perfect for oilier skin or humid days, while the luminous one adds the most beautiful glow on dry or mature skin.
I love how this product blurs texture, evens out tone and feels so lightweight. It is like skincare and makeup in one.
Shop: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm (Universal) from beautybliss.com.au
Huda Beauty Lip Contour Stains
I currently rotate between Rosewood and Soft Brown. They are everyday shades for me!
View this post on Instagram
They are super long wearing, and I love that I can use them to line, fill in or layer with gloss for a fuller look. On brown skin, both shades are flattering and versatile.
Lately, I have been pairing Rosewood with Huda Beauty Faux Filler Jelly Oil in Juicy Goji, and Soft Brown with Juicy Peach. These combos are effortless and look stunning throughout the day.
Image: Prunela is using the Huda Beauty Lip Contour Stains in “Soft Nude” & “Rich Brown”, topped with the Faux Filler Jelly Oil in “Peach”. Credit: Instagram
If there’s anything else you’d like to share or add, we’re excited to know;
I am a firm believer that makeup should not feel like a mystery or something you have to “qualify” to wear.
Whether you are a beginner or not, brown skin always deserves beauty that feels easy, empowering and inclusive.
And if you have ever felt left out in the beauty space – I’ve got your back. I am changing the beauty space, one video at a time.
You can find Prunela on socials:
- Her website has many free and affordable professional makeup lessons and guides, explore here: https://www.prunelacastelino.com/
- Follow Prunela on TikTok
- Follow Prunela on Instagram
- Follow Prunela on YouTube
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