I tried this Black-owned K-beauty brand made for people of color
A lot of beauty lovers are still exploring the wonders of K-beauty makeup. However, the K-beauty space is becoming more inclusive of darker skin thanks to the Black-owned K-beauty brand Dr. Gio Cosmetics.
Founded by Grace Okafor, Dr. Gio is one of the only K-beauty skin care and makeup brands for deeper skin tones. Launched in early March, the brand introduced K-beauty lovers to the ULTRA 7 Brightening Foundation Cushion. With a lightweight formula available in six shades, the Dr. Gio Cosmetics Foundation Cushion leaves you with a dewy finish. Plus, you can also build it up to achieve more coverage. Not to mention, this foundation cushion is packed with popular skin care ingredients — and even SPF 50+ PA+++.
Despite the fact that that K-beauty is becoming more shade-inclusive, this product uses ingredients that deeper skin-toned beauty lovers seek out. You can expect hydrating ingredients like shea butter and hyaluronic acid. Plus, it soothes the skin with tea tree oil, plumps the skin with collagen, treats blemishes with niacinamide and tightens your pores with vitamin C.
DG-06 Chioma, $34.99
DG-05 Bisi, $34.99
DG-04 Funmi, $34.99
DG-03 Ella, $34.99
DG-02 Ijeoma, $34.99
DG-01 Aisha, 34.99
I tried the Dr. Gio ULTRA 7 Brightening Foundation Cushion
As someone who’s never used K-beauty makeup, this was a first for me. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Though I was worried that adding more would make my face look cakey, it just evened out my complexion. I was even able to slightly cover my hyperpigmentation with a finger dollop of product.
The comfortability of the foundation is really what I’ll be coming back for. It feels like nothing on the skin, to be honest. I even scratched my face a few times, unaware of how the hydrating formula sunk into my skin. Plus, even if you incorporate an SPF into your skin care routine, the foundation doesn’t add any extra shine.
What shoppers think about Dr. Gio Cosmetics
The startup brand may only have a few shades, but so far, each of the six shades in the collection has at least a four-star rating from customers. One shopper said it helps to refine “the appearance of imperfections.”
“The cushion provides a smooth application — refining the appearance of imperfections,” they wrote in their review. “I didn’t experience breakouts, dryness or irritation. And not too much transfer on my mask. The finish is natural, not shiny. Helps tone down my really shiny SPF. Definitely worth a try.”
Another shopper who left five stars on the foundation cushion said it’s great for touch-ups, but the smell might be offputting for some.
“Ella is a good match (I am a Pat McGrath M17), and I really enjoy the wear time and soft natural finish that this cushion creates,” the shopper wrote. “It makes application so easy and effortless and is great for touch-ups throughout the day. I do wish it was less scented, but the perfume isn’t overpowering. I would definitely recommend.”
The trend of “less is more” or “makeup-no-makeup” is thriving at the moment, and this cushion foundation might be your pick for an almost makeup-less look.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy Olay’s limited-edition face cream for Pride — get it before it’s gone.
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