The beauty industry is huge. But, it has not been vast enough. For many black women and people of color, walking down the beauty aisle can be quite a closed–off experience. It can feel alienating and isolating. I have been there as well. There have always been many shades to be found for women with fair and medium skin tones. But for women of color, the shade of deep made available has always been a one–size–fits–all solution. Sadly, what is offered has always lacked the representation of all of the skin colors of black women and people of color. Their unique needs in the beauty world are not being met. Diversity is not embraced.
The wrongful death of George Floyd has sparked global unrest over the systemic racism that has been rooted in our society for far too long. This world-changing event is a huge wake up call for all of us. This should spark a call to action to dismantle systemic racism, and to support the black community and their businesses.
A simple but impactful way to show support is to invest in black-owned businesses. I am so happy big strides have been made in the beauty industry. More and more products for people of color are being created by people of color. Let’s continue to support and encourage the black community by supporting black–owned companies. It is important to support these brands who have been serving the underserved.
Their focus from the very beginning has been to represent the diverse beauty of black people and women of color. This is the time to recognize black–owned businesses and give them the respect they deserve. Here are 10 black-owned beauty brands in the hair, skincare and makeup industry. There are more black-owned beauty brands that are not included on this list that also deserve our attention and support.
Skin
Beneath Your Mask: Highest quality, most potent, non–toxic beauty, skincare and haircare. These are natural, organic, vegan products that actually work and are safe for people with autoimmune diseases. Founder Dana Jackson. Try Heal Whipped Skin Souffle ($28) to feed, heal and nourish your skin.
Lauren Napier Beauty: New York-based makeup artist Lauren Napier makes facial cleansing wipes with a difference. Each wipe comes in an individual sachet that’s perfect on-the-go. Try LA ROSE by LAUREN NAPIER facial cleansing wipes ($12), which are infused with rosewater, starfruit and cucumber extracts.
Base Butter: A skincare line created with pure, simple, and good-for-you ingredients for women of color. Founder She’Neil Johnson. Try Radiate Face Jelly ($21), a lightweight moisturizer that will revitalize your daily facial skincare routine as our formula rejuvenates, restores and protects your skin.
Makeup
Fenty Beauty: High quality makeup for women of color with an unmatched offering of shades and colors for ALL skin tones. Founder Rihanna. No introductions needed. Try Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($35) for medium to full coverage, now in a boundary-breaking range of 50 shades.
Uoma Beauty: Makeup maven Sharon Chuter was disappointed in the absence of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry and decided to create a business of her own. Uoma translates to “beautiful” in Igbo, which is one of the main languages spoken in Nigeria. Try the Black Magic Metallic Shine Lipstick ($26), a multi-dimensional shine and explosive color that also nourishes your lips.
Beauty Bakerie Makeup: Cruelty-free makeup brand committed to encouraging men and women to feel both empowered and beautiful. Founded by Cashmere Nicole who worked relentlessly to realize her dream for a beauty business, even as she battled breast cancer as a single mom. Try Matte Lip Whip ($20), their best–selling customer favorite lipstick that has amazing staying power.
Juvia’s Place: Instantly transform your makeup look with vibrant colors and pigment–rich palettes for your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Makeup colors inspired by the vibrancy of Africa. Try their Nubian Eyeshadow Palette ($20) for a must–have collection of neutrals colors, and The Saharan Volume II Blush Palette ($18) – this blush palette is my favorite and works on all skin colors.
Hair
Briogeo: Founder Nancy Twine left her job on Wall Street to pursue her dream of creating a beauty brand. She owes her incredible success of Briogeo to her grandmother who taught her homemade hair shampoo, conditioner and masks recipes as a child. Her amazing haircare line is available at Sephora. Try Be Gentle, Be Kind avocado + kiwi mega moisture superfood mask ($36) to nourish dull, dry, parched hair.
Camille Rose: Total wellness hair care system for black and latino women. Salon professional hair products for all hair textures. Founder is Janell Stephens, a beauty entrepreneurial expert who first started brewing her special hair formulations in her kitchen. Try Curl Love Moisture Milk ($15), a softening leave-in conditioning cream with light tones of macadamia nut and vanilla.
See my previous blog post about Camille Rose Hair Products.
The Mane Choice: Yes, to beauty, health and science. A hair care line developed from these schools of thought. When combined all together using vitamins and nutrients in a solution–based product line, something amazing, beautiful and healthy happens to your hair. Founder is Courtney Adeleye, who built her hair company from the ground up by combining her specialized knowledge base with her own curiosity. Try Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote 24 Karat Glistening Gold Twisting Gel ($15) works well for setting twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash and goes.
I am proud to announce my Beauty Scope article in July’s Uploader Magazine! Click here to order your own copy. So, proud!
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