When it comes to beauty, many people spare no expense to elevate their daily routine and achieve their natural glow. Whether it’s changing moisturizers, cleansers, make-up, or hair-care products, every small detail makes a difference. Especially when it comes to a much-needed confidence boost. Black-owned beauty brands are often not only inclusive to all skin tones and textures. They also bring out a radiance that’s only achieved with the correct products and ingredients.
For decades, Americans have spent over $500 billion on beauty products. However, according to a McKinsey & Company report, Black brands only make up 2.5% of that industry. With shopper spending only expected to grow in years to come, it’s vital that brown- and Black-owned beauty brands get a larger slice of the pie. As consumers, we have the power to make that happen.
Best Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Upgrade Your Routine
Flora & Noor
If natural luxury skin care routines are your priority, then Flora & Noor is the brand for you. Founded by Jordan Karim, these clean, vegan, halal-certified, and cruelty-free products yield the perfect glow for all skin types. Every product takes inspiration from effective ingredients and traditions in Africa and the Middle east.
Humanrace
With the goal of transcending beauty and fashion, Humanrace was founded in 2020 by multifaced singer-songwriter and producer Pharrell Williams and his long-time dermatologist Dr. Elna Jones. Williams prides himself on delivering an amazing product and crafting his bottles from over 51% post-consumer recycled landfill plastic. Stars like Tyler the Creator, Alessandra Garcia, and Blondey McCoy all use Williams’ skin care brand to achieve their everlasting glow.
Cay Skin
Cay Skin was founded in March 2022 by supermodel Winnie Harlow. She developed the brand after getting sunburned in the Bahamas due to a fear of sunscreen leaving a white cast on her skin. Harlow crafted her skin care line with silicone-free, cruelty-free, 100% vegan, reef-friendly, and SPF. The products also have custom island blends like sea moss and niacinamide for the everyday person.
54 Thrones
54 Thrones is on a mission to create the modern experiences through traditional African beauty rituals. Its products feature African-grown and organic plant botanicals to protect, nourish and soothe your skin. Founder Christina Tegbe took inspiration from the diversity and cultures of the continent and its people. She often partners with passionate artisans who handcraft the rich ingredients that make up the brand.
The Lip Bar (TLB)
After being fed up with the one-shade-fits-all behavior from other brands, Melissa Butler founded The Lip Bar in 2012. Formed in the comfort of Butler’s home in Brooklyn, TLB aims to change the way consumers think about beauty. The award-winning brand offers 100% vegan and cruelty-free products with non-toxic ingredients. With highly pigmented colors that go beyond lipstick, everyone is sure to find their perfect shade.
Mented Cosmetics
When it comes to truly celebrating all hues and making beauty wonderful and inclusive, co-founders KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson don’t hold back. In 2017, this dynamic duo created Mented Cosmetics so everyone could find their new go-to shades in lipstick and foundation. With perfectly pigmented products, your color matches will not be hard to find.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
If you’re a beginner in the make-up community, then these products are for you. Founded in 2015, make-up artist Danessa Myricks developed her beauty brand on the principle that race, gender, and age shouldn’t prevent you from finding your personal style. Knowing the struggles of the beauty industry first-hand, Myricks vowed that her brand would simplify the process and exceed everyone’s expectations.
Black Theory Cosmetics
After years of perfecting her craft as a special effects (SFX) artist, Dime Glass took to the lab and created Black Theory Cosmetics. With this vegan and cruelty-free brand, you’re bound to find the perfect lip combo, colored eyelashes, and striking eyeliner. If you are looking for bold, beautiful, and extravagant products, then this is the beauty brand for you.
Briogeo
Briogeo creates formulas that are not only good for the consumer, but also good for the planet. Founded in 2012 by Nancy Twine, the brand has notably improved the health of all hair textures. Twine’s products exceed expectations by first listening to the consumers, then developing the products with true clean ingredients (rice protein, avocado oil, algae extract vitamin E, ect.). Finally, clinical and consumer testing takes place on a variety of hair textures to ensure its success.
Flora & Curl
From Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Mist to Rose Water Cream Conditioner, founder Rose Ovensehi didn’t hold back when she created Flora & Curl. Made from Ghanian butters and plant-based ingredients, the brand embraces natural hair textures, and is all about moisture and nourishing your strands back to health.
What are some of your favorite Black-owned beauty brands?
Header: Sora Shimazaki
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