A stunning fashion model, Iman, started out
thinking she was unattractive as a young girl. In her native
country of Somalia, she was consistently teased about her long
neck. It wasn’t until she came to the United State to model,
that she discovered her unique neck was actually what made her
beautiful. In her opinion, exotic sells and every woman should
enhance her own distinctive individuality.
From her book, “The Beauty of Color,” Iman
shares her favorite makeup products:
Blotting papers – for those shiny touchups.
Opaque Bronze Lip Gloss
Travel Fragrance
Mirrored Compact
Blush Stick – multipurpose necessity acts
as an eye, lip or cheek color.
History of the Company
In 1975, when Iman arrived in the United
States from Africa to model, she was discouraged by the makeup
application on her exotic skin. Determined to find a better way,
she learned from the artists on the photo shoots and began to
apply her own makeup. By mixing and creating her own products,
she was able to individualize her makeup routine to match her
unique colors and skin tones.
Through this discovery, she started to see the
need for cosmetics geared toward more global women. In 1994, she
launched Iman Cosmetics, skin care and makeup for skin of color.
Her goal was to celebrate the diversity of skin color and
ethnicity. The international cosmetic line has been successful
with both professional and everyday women: empowering women of
all colors to look and feel great.
Iman Cosmetics Product Advice
Power Tools
The most important first step in accurate
makeup application is the correct makeup tools. Based on Iman’s
advice, the following are your basic necessities:
Large Brushes – powder and blush.
Sponges
Detailed Brushes – foundation, smudge,
shadow, brow, liner and lip.
Eyelash Separator Comb
Foundation
In the Iman Cosmetic philosophy, foundation is
the key component of all makeup. For women of color, it is
essential to uncover the perfect match to accurately reflect her
ethnicity. At Iman Cosmetics, they offer a wide range of
foundation styles and colors.
Stick or creams to hide imperfections.
Full coverage liquid to hide overall
discolorations.
Sheer foundation and tinted moisturizer for
a polished look on already good skin.
Special Tip: Some
darker skin types need more than one color of foundation as
their natural skin tone tends to lighten closer to the center of
her face.
Powder
The powders found at Iman focus on the need
for women of color to use makeup with yellow undertones. Always
apply powder lightly and sparingly.
While this may surprise some, bronzers are
also available. For darker skins they can bring out a rosy glow,
simply apply after powder to enable the color to be more
prominent on the face.
Eye Shadow
Iman Cosmetics line of luxury eye shadows is
silky and long lasting. Depending on your mood or image there
are a variety of options:
Sheer for subtle color.
Shimmer for a playful look.
Cream for easy finger application.
Opaque mattes for stronger evening looks.
Lipstick
In the words of Iman, lipstick application
should be a sensual experience. Her lipstick line offers a
variety of colors and textures for the ethnic beauty. When
selecting lip color, her advice is:
Matte Lipstick is the longest lasting type
for a basic look, but avoid on over-dry lips.
Sheer Lipsticks are a more casual look and
offer some basic moisturizing benefit.
Lip Color Stain goes on lighter than it
appears in the package, but offers a major commitment as the
shade lasts a long time.
