Luminé Cosmetics Launches 50-Shade Foundation Range for Underserved Skin Tones
NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2025 – Luminé Cosmetics today unveiled its most ambitious expansion to date: the True Spectrum foundation line featuring 50 precisely calibrated shades designed specifically for medium to deep skin tones historically underserved by mainstream beauty brands. The launch, available immediately in 1,200 retail locations and online, represents a $12 million investment in inclusive product development and positions Luminé as a leader in the shade-inclusive beauty segment.
The beauty industry’s long-standing shade gap remains a significant market inefficiency. Despite progress following Fenty Beauty’s 40-shade debut in 2017, research shows that 67% of consumers with medium to deep skin tones still struggle to find accurate foundation matches at mass retail. According to a 2025 inclusivity report, brands that expanded shade ranges saw 34% higher customer retention and 28% increase in market share within underrepresented demographics . This data underscores both the commercial imperative and the persistent unmet demand driving Luminé’s expansion.
Market analysis from Fact.MR projects the shade-inclusive cosmetics sector will reach $8.4 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual rate of 12.3%. Luminé’s strategic move aligns with industry-wide investments in specialized pigment research and AI-driven formulation. The company partnered with chromatics laboratory ColorTech Solutions to develop proprietary color matrices that account for both surface tone and undertone variations unique to deeper complexions. This scientific approach addresses the ashy or oxidized finish common in conventional products applied to melanin-rich skin.
The True Spectrum collection employs the Monk Skin Tone Scale, a 10-point classification system increasingly adopted as an alternative to the limited Fitzpatrick scale. Each shade underwent testing across 500 diverse participants using spectrophotometer analysis and artificial intelligence shade-matching algorithms. The line includes 30 new shades for deep and rich skin tones with olive, red, and golden undertones—segments where industry options remain sparse. Products feature adaptive oil-control technology and anti-pollution actives formulated specifically for melanated skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation protection.
“For too long, the beauty industry has treated deep skin tones as an afterthought, creating products by simply adding black pigment to existing formulas,” said Amara Okafor, Chief Executive Officer of Luminé Cosmetics. “True Spectrum was born from two years of listening to 10,000 consumers, analyzing skin biology, and rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach. We’re not just launching more shades; we’re validating that beauty has no default skin tone.”
The collection retails for $34 per bottle and includes a complimentary virtual consultation tool powered by computer vision technology that analyzes user-submitted photos to recommend precise matches. Luminé is also launching the “Seen & Celebrated” campaign featuring 12 influencers and makeup artists from underrepresented communities, each documenting their shade-matching journey. The brand has committed to training 2,000 retail associates across partner stores on color theory for deeper skin tones.
Initial distribution includes ULTA Beauty, Target, and Macy’s locations in diverse metropolitan areas, with international expansion planned for Q2 2026. True Spectrum aligns with Luminé’s broader equity initiative, Beauty Retailer Launches Inclusive Shade Range for Underrepresented Skin Tones which includes dedicating 5% of annual profits to beauty education scholarships for students of color.
About Luminé Cosmetics
Founded in 2018, Luminé Cosmetics is a New York-based beauty company specializing in science-driven makeup formulations for all skin tones. The brand operates in 3,500 retail locations across North America and maintains a direct-to-consumer platform serving 2.1 million active customers. Luminé has received recognition from the Beauty Innovation Awards for its commitment to inclusive product development and sustainable packaging practices.
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G42
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