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Stephanie Barnes The author
Stephanie Barnes has been writing about technology for many years. He fell in love with technology after building his first PC as a child. He later pursued that passion to become a front-end/iOS developer before transitioning to full-time writing. Stephanie’s writing on technology, health and wellness, movies, television, and much more can be found all over the internet. When she’s not writing, Stephanie can be found reading a good book, baking, thinking about creating the perfect desk setup, or anything that will help her avoid going outside.
Robin Mosley Former CNET writer
Robin Mosley (himself) previously wrote business deals about beauty, fashion and other essential tools for CNET. Before that, she worked for Healthline, Simply Recipes and Nerd Street. She is a Chicago native living on the East Coast who loves all things beauty, food, gaming and technology. When he’s not writing, he’s at a restaurant, shopping online or making YouTube gaming videos.
June is here, and we have a lot to celebrate. This is it at the beginning of summerit’s Black Music Month and today is June 10th. While we’ve never had a bad time to support black-owned businesses, June offers the perfect opportunity to show some love while stocking up on your favorite beauty products. Again, through Amazon’s Big Day sales are coming up fast, you can even get great discounts while you’re at it.
Many trends in the beauty industry (nail art, acrylic nails, hair color and extensions, to name a few) have been a staple of Black beauty for years. There are so many amazing brands of beauty held by Black people that you can support and celebrate. If you’re looking for the best Black beauty brands to shop, whether you’re looking for skincare or an update to your makeup stash, you’ve come to the right place.
Black beauty products tend to get overlooked in the beauty industry, which is why I’ve put together a list that highlights black hair care, skin care and makeup products. Don’t think of this list as a complete history, but as a starting point.
Read more: 8 Ways to Get Involved During Black History Month and More
Black hair care
Topicals’ mission is to transform the way people feel about their skin through effective, science-based products and mental health advocacy. This brand was founded by entrepreneur Olamide Olowe, who grew up with chronic skin diseases. Her lived experience inspired her decision to start a company in hopes of shifting the focus away from the need for “perfect” skin to be beautiful. If you’re looking for something to brighten and hydrate your face and under-eyes, the Faded range of creams and eye masks is a great place to start.
Camille Rose founder Janell Stephens is all about using delicious food-grade ingredients like honey, aloe and ginger to enrich hair. Founded in 2011, this hair care company is one of the few that has been thriving since the early days of the natural hair movement.
Lisa Hanna Beauty was created by Lisa Hanna, a former Jamaican politician and winner of the 1993 Miss World title. The skincare line was designed to “rejuvenate, protect and reveal radiant skin every time.” There’s a fading balm and a moisturizing creme, but right now I’m obsessed with the Brightening Face and Body Glow serum. You just can’t go wrong here.
Ixora Botanical Beauty is another popular brand and one that I love. Founded by Mercedes Edney in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands and later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. The founder’s problems inspired the product with dry skin and eczema. Ixora Botanical Beauty has a number of amazing products, but one of their bestsellers is their donkey milk and chamomile facial cleanser. This is a staple in my personal routine.
This celebrity hair care line from Tracee Ellis Ross was designed with curly and curly hair in mind. Using oil blends such as Jojoba oil and argan oil, as well as conditioners-in-conditioners and other products, this brand defines the hair.
This hair care product has always been ahead of the curve. Alikay Naturals is dedicated to creating products that nourish your hair over time. And if you’re familiar with and love the LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method, you have founder Rochelle Graham-Campbell to thank. You can’t go wrong with Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner.
Cecred is Beyoncé’s hair care line, and the products deserve the respect. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to make these hair products and make some of my mother’s teachings come true,” Beyoncé wrote on the website. The products are created specifically for black women and our uniquely beautiful hair. Cleansing scalp shampoo is one of my favorites.
Another basic brand, TGIN (Thank God It’s Natural) is the brainchild of Chris-Tia Donaldson, a Harvard Law grad who was trying to figure out how to wear her hair to work. You will find many products with ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E that soften and soften hair. Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer is one of our best-selling products, and it helps keep your hair soft, shiny and manageable without weighing it down.
Suncare is serious business, especially for Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen. A good sunscreen can help reduce scarring and protect the skin from the sun. (Yes, Black people need that protection, too.) The problem is that most mineral sunscreens will give anyone with dark skin a visible white cast. Enter Black Girl Sunscreen, which not only moisturizes and protects dark skin but also does so without discolouration.
Like many entrepreneurs, Taliah Waajid started early — at the age of 14, in fact. Since then, she and her family have been creating products that strengthen and soften curly hair with bamboo, apple, and shea butter, among other ingredients.
The brand was founded by OG YouTube hair care influencer Whitney White and her sister, Taffeta. These products are simple, sustainable and all non-toxic.
Skin care for blacks
The skincare game is big, and celebrity brands are on fire right now. This Alicia Keys range brightens dull skin with ingredients like manuka honey and lactic acid.
Épanouie Skincare is TLC for your skin, according to the company’s website. The brand offers a personalized consultation to help you find what you need for your skin concerns. These products are ideal for sensitive skin because they are gentle yet effective.
Oui the People was founded by Karen Young and launched as a single product in 2014. The brand has grown significantly over the years and now offers several amazing products, including a featherweight hydrating body lotion.
Dorion Renaud created this range to target dryness, discoloration and more for melanin-rich skin. With products made with shea butter, rosewater, CocoShea, and other protective ingredients, all skin types can achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Jane Ormon, founder of Nola Skinsentials, wanted to bring plant-based ingredients to improve skin care for everyone. The company’s products can reduce acne and help soften the skin, too.
Most people already know about Fenty Beauty thanks to its creator, Rihanna. In addition to standard facial skin care products to cleanse, hydrate and lock in moisture, Fenty Skin offers body care options, too.
Makeup for blacks
You can’t talk about Black-owned makeup brands without mentioning the legendary Pat McGrath. Pat McGrath Labs was founded in 2006 and has been producing quality products ever since. There’s also a lot to choose from here. You can start by prepping your skin, then create a complete makeup routine with foundation, concealer and mascara before topping it off with one of the brand’s signature lip colors.
Nigerian-born founder Sharon Chuter is a former beauty executive who created these vegan, cruelty-free makeup products that flatter any skin tone.
Beauty Bakerie was a market-based brand that entered the market with big names in food and design. It was founded by Cashmere Nicole in 2011 and offers cosmetics in several shades, packed with beautiful designs to match the beauty of the person who plays.
Pear Nova launched as a nail polish brand but has since branched out into makeup with a gorgeous eyeshadow palette. Rachel James created the brand to fill “a gap in the representation of medium and dark skin tones in the nail world.” If you are wondering why the name Pear Nova, this name was named after James’ “sister in love,” Nova Henry, who was a victim of domestic violence. This brand is vegan, cruelty-free and dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue.
The Lip Bar started long before it was featured on Shark Tank. In 2012, Melissa Butler decided to define what beauty is right for her kitchen. Now, the brand brings cosmetics of various colors with products such as concealer, tinted skin conditioner and, as the name of the company indicates, lipstick.
Black Opal is one of the founders of makeup for women of color. The company started in 1994 and is owned by Desirée Rogers, who served as Social Security Secretary during the Obama administration, and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack. Black Opal offers accessibility and a range of shades for various skin tones.
This brand is known for both skin care and cosmetics. It was created by fellow superstar Vera Moore, who decided to jump into the entertainment industry when she saw the need for a natural-looking foundation that doesn’t come off easily.
Gina Delisme founded Nagi Cosmetics in 2012 after deciding to pursue a new career path. Designed specifically for women of color, the products also offer a great range for medium and dark skin tones.
Mented Cosmetics is known for its lipstick. Founders KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson wanted to create truly nude lipsticks for women of color so that everyone could feel beautiful wearing them.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified health care provider about any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
