Researchers solve mystery of makeup appearing grey on darker skin

Researchers believe they have found a solution to makeup for darker skin tones often appearing ashy or grey once applied.

- Nicola Davis

In recent years the market for beauty products designed for people with darker skin tones has boomed, with some brands offering consumers a huge variety of shades.

Now researchers say they have found a way to create redder tones in makeup for darker skin, finding the addition of ultramarine blue reduces the ashy or grey appearance such products can create.

Gabriella Baki, an associate professor of pharmaceutics at the University of Toledo, said that, while some companies already use the additive in their products, its use is not widespread.

"We hope that our research provides new insights into why it should be added," she said.