best bets

Best Bet: Black Up Two-Way Makeup

Women of color know how frustrating it is finding the right shade when it comes to foundation, not to mention powder. Enter Black Up, a high-end Parisian brand that specializes in matching black and ethnic skin tones. After launching in 1999 and garnering raves overseas, the company debuted its U.S. website this week, offering products ranging from complexion enhancers to eye shadow and makeup tools. The Two Way Cake is a multifunctional compact available in twelve shades that pulls double duty as a foundation — providing adjustable levels of coverage by dampening the accompanying sponge — and a pressed powder, with a smooth, velvety finish. The compact contains vitamins A and E, leaving an even coverage and healthy skin beneath.

Black Up Two Way Cake, $39 online.

Best Bet: Black Up Two-Way Makeup