Beauty and the book: Iman's makeup guide

Even though I was one of the top models in my day, I never had an artist do my makeup at fashion shows — I always did my own. In fact, the celebrated models of my generation were a diverse group of global beauties — Pat Cleveland from New York City, Dalma from Brazil, Marie Helvin from Hawaii, Mounia from Martinique, Kirat from India, and Sayoko from Japan — and I assure you, makeup artists almost never had the right makeup for any of us. I needed to do something, as much for myself as for all the global girls I knew, so I decided to launch IMAN Cosmetics, a skincare and cosmetics line for women with skin of color.

It became an instant success with beauty editors, makeup artists and celebrities.

But most importantly, it was a success with everyday women.

Before I began creating the line, I embarked on a quest to redefine what “women with skin of color” means — black, Latina, Asian, Native American, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern women, and all the other women of the world. I wanted to create a unique line that caters specifically to the needs of skin of color. I conducted a series of interviews with diverse women — from all ages, occupations, and walks of life — and I found that their cosmetics needs were identical to mine. Flawless foundations that flattered — not altered — our skin tones, products for two-tone lips, SPF-infused skin-care (the sun does not discriminate, ladies), and the ultimate bronzer — yes, bronzer: Skin of color also looks gorgeous with a sun-kissed sheen! 

Today we’re embarking on a new era, when the most celebrated beauties in the world are women with skin of color: Halle Berry is, indisputably, the most beautiful woman in Hollywood; Jennifer Lopez has the most coveted bronzed glow ever; Lucy Liu has that magnificent elegance with a touch of tomboy freckles; and Cameron Diaz is the ultimate, high-voltage, bubbly California girl!

Although my makeup collection was an inspiration for starting this book, that’s not what the following pages are about. Instead, my hope is to offer a singular and original look at the beauty of skin of color — in its various shades and origins. Here, you’ll find how to choose the right foundation for you. How to go from classic to vampy in minutes. How to come to terms with the high-maintenance diva that you are. How to turn age-old makeup rules inside out by wearing traffic-stopping glitter for day, and a fresh, bronzy face at night. Anything and everything goes.

Make up your own rules. In this book, I hope you’ll find ideas for using makeup as self-expression, and easy instructions on improving the way you look and empowering the way you feel.
—Iman

Excerpted from “The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color,” by Iman. Copyright © 2005, Iman. All rights reserved. Published by Putnam Adult, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. No part of this excerpt can be used without permission of the publisher.

For more information about Iman's beauty products, check out www.imancosmetics.com.

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