Behind The Look | Go Behind the Look™ for an insider's look at Sam's world. Discover the inspiration behind the video looks, get exclusive news about new products and makeup trends, and follow Sam behind the scenes.

This week we turn our attention to the joys (and frustrations) of makeup for richly dark skin tones. From foundation tricks to hot hues made for you, here are our 5 tips for dark skin:

1. Foundation Frustration? No matter your skintone, you may be searching for the perfect match – but this can be especially tricky for darker skin tones. Good news: pro brands like MAC are stocking wider ranges. Try their Matchmaster Foundation range.

2. Custom Color. If you’re still not finding a flawless match, do as the pros do – mix your own custom blend. Create a small jar of the new custom color and you’ll be free to lighten or darken as needed from season to season. Muji has a great selection of empty jars and bottles.

3. Blend to Perfection. The Expert Face Brush expertly applies foundation (and cream blush and highlighter) to ensure product sinks into skin for a true-to-you finish.

4. Pigment Pop. This season’s hottest hues were made for you – bright colors and rich pigments look stunningly sophisticated on darker tones. Try this Nars Cream Shadow Duo in Burn it Blue.

5. Double Up. Add a tinted gloss on lips and dab the same gloss along your cheekbones to enhance your natural radiance. Try The Body Shop’s Honey Bronze Lip Nectar.

Are you an expert on your skintone? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!

Image credit: Modelina

Whether or not you’re racing to save the world or just your look this summer, Sam’s new Hunger Games-inspired makeup will hold up in humidity for a flawless face on any occasion.

Sam shows you the step-by-step in this easy long lasting summer makeup tutorial – and you’ll find all her tips, tricks and makeup picks below!

Flawless Base:

To create coverage that holds up in humidity, apply a long lasting foundation with your Essential Foundation Brush. Sam’s current choice is MAC Pro Longwear Foundation ~$30 (1).

Enhanced Eyes:

Choose an eye primer to keep shadow in place all day. Apply a light layer with your Base Shadow Brush, blending up to the brow. Sam chose Urban Decay Primer Potion ~$20 (2).
While the primer sets, fill in brows lightly with a brow pencil to match the natural look of the face. Sam’s pencil is Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ~$20 (3).
Apply a medium brown cream shadow with your Domed Shadow Brush, blending up toward the crease. Use a second Domed Shadow Brush to ensure soft edges around your eye crease and under brow. MAC Quite Natural Paint Pot for ~$17.50 (4) is Sam’s choice.
Apply cream shadow lightly under the eyes with your Shading Brush and blend with your Base Shadow Brush.
Choose any mascara and apply on upper lashes, then brush through with your Lash-Brow Groomer. Top your lashes with a waterproofing topcoat to make any mascara waterproof. Sam uses Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ~$8 (5) and Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproofer ~$21 (6).
Apply a long lasting concealer with your Deluxe Crease Brush. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer ~$17 (7) is Sam’s choice.
Sweep loose powder over concealer with your Deluxe Crease Brush to set and prevent smudging. Sam’s pick is Laura Mercier Loose Powder $52 (8).
Apply mascara on lower lashes.

Perfect Finish:

Choose a cream blush that sets to stay put in humidity. Apply with the Expert Face Brush. Sam uses Make Up For Ever Waterproof Aqua Cream ~$23 (9).
Use your Powder Brush to set entire face with loose powder to create a long lasting matte look.
Finish with a tinted lip balm. Sam’s choice is Carmex Peach Lip Balm ~$2 (10).

Image: Screenrant.com

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Real Skin Series: Darker Tones

Behind the Look: Summer Solutions Katniss Tutorial