The beauty industry has long since felt like an exclusive clique, wherein those of us who don’t fit the tired, age-old beauty standards aren’t always made to feel welcome.
Add to that the fact that most of the glossy cosmetics and hair care products more often than not don’t cater to the extensive and beautiful variety of skin tones; shopping for beauty products feels a lot more closed off than it has any right to be.
While it’s true that the beauty space still has a long way to go in terms of diversity and inclusivity, there’s a good number of cosmetic, skin, hair and body care companies out there who’re working to turn the tide, one glass-shattering product at a time.
Gilded – Blair Armstrong
The inspiration for Gilded’s brand name is one of the most opulent I’ve ever heard — drawing its roots from the word “gilding”, the process of using wafer-thin gold coating to create a delicate, exquisite design.
This stunning company seeks to make every woman feel beautiful through the art of self-care, by way of its range of handcrafted candles, fragrances and body care products.
- MUST TRY: Brightening Body Polish
Ranavat Botanics – Michelle Ranavat
Rooted in rituals, bring royalty home with Michelle Ranavat’s Ranavat Botanics.
A luxuriant body care line that draws inspiration from the storied history of India, a nation rich in culture and heritage, by way of the deluxe beauty rituals of Indian aristocracy, combined with a modern twist on the arcane art and science of holistic Ayurveda, this is a brand you’ll wish you knew about sooner.
- MUST TRY: Radiant Rani Brightening Facial Serum
Mount Lai – Stephanie Zheng
Stephanie Zheng started her own beauty line, Mount Lai, after observing her grandmother partake in the ancient Chinese ritual of jade rolling and practicing gua sha for more than five decades.
Seeking to infuse traditional Chinese medicine in modern day skincare, Zheng created Mount Lai, a blend of the old and new body care secrets passed down from generation to generation.
- MUST TRY: The Amethyst Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Oui The People – Karen Young
“I love shaving!” said no one ever.
Well, we can’t promise that you’ll suddenly fall in love with this droll grooming routine, but we can promise that you’ll be head over heels for this quirky, ridiculously photogenic and inclusive razor brand from Caribbean fem-preneur Karen Young.
Stocked in gorgeous colors (rose gold, jet black and matte gold) and coming in a wide range of razors tailored for shaving concerns like razor burn, ingrowns, etc., this brand is leveling up the shaving game, one stylish razor at a time.
- MUST TRY: Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
Miss Jessie’s – Miko and Titi Branch
If like me, you have wild, unruly curly hair a la Merida from Brave, you need this hair care brand.
Formulated specially for textured hair, this curly hair brand specializes in types ranging from wavy, curly, kinky and beyond.
For all you multicultural beauties out there, Miss Jessie’s line of creamy and luxuriant stylers, conditioners, treatments and hair oils will be a godsend for your tresses..
- MUST TRY: Super Sweetback Hair Softening Treatment
Which of these amazing beauty brands will you be trying out?
Let us know in the comments!
Header image by Autumn Goodman
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