By now, we are well aware that shopping from black-owned beauty brands is the key to see growth and success for black entrepreneurs and beauty professionals.
In today’s political and social climate, it’s critical that we put our dollar behind brands and businesses that not only cater to our needs but completely align with and represent us in both images and in shared values.
While some of the brands that we are most loyal to may not be problematic in any area, it wouldn’t hurt to consider switching over to a brand that is both unproblematic and owned by folks who look just like you.
Interested in putting your support behind black-owned business? Here are 5 of our favorite products from black-owned beauty brands.
Mented Cosmetics’ Matte Lipsticks
Founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson in 2017, Mented Cosmetics is a makeup brand that came to fruition after the creators asked themselves why they couldn’t find a nude lipstick that was a good match for their shade.
Motivated to solve their own problem, both Miller and Johnson moved forward to create a line of foundations, lipsticks, glosses, blushes, and shadows that is suitable for a diverse range of skin tones—including those that are deep and dark.
While all of their products are incredible, their line of matte lipsticks is a true fan favorite. They offer everything from a cool, natural pink like ‘Pretty In Pink’, to soft chocolate browns like Brown Bare.
The matte lipsticks are velvety smooth and unlike other brands, they don’t uncomfortably dry out your skin. And the cherry on top? They are vegan, non-toxic, and paraben-free.
Essentials By Temi’s Cedar + Vanilla Butter Scrub
After finding passion in both beauty and philanthropy, Temi Shobowale decided to combine her efforts into one goal and create a brand that helped others nourish and heal their skin by using products with non-toxic, plant-based ingredients.
Shobowale’s years worth of skincare knowledge and research, rave reviews from friends and colleagues, and developed skills eventually came together to create what we now know as Essentials By Temi.
Essentials By Temi has nearly everything you didn’t know you needed for a mini spa day at home. However, there’s nothing that I recommend more than the body scrubs and buttercreams; The Cedar+Vanilla Body Scrub in particular creates a true experience for your skin from head to toe.
It’s a rare combination of scents that bring you warmth and comfort while the sugar and coffee exfoliate and soften your skin. For those of you who struggle with varicose veins and cellulite, this is truly a must-have.
Bomba Curls’ Dominican Forbidden Oil
Lulu Cordero found herself struggling with something that many women have found themselves dealing with as well—severe hair loss. Instead of wasting time on products that may or may not work, she took matters into her own hands and formulated a mix of all-natural ingredients based on tried and true recipes from the Dominican Republic.
Not only was she able to grow her edges back and revive her curl pattern, but she also used her personal success to create pure oils and masks for Bomba Curls.
With Lulu Cordero being Afro-Dominican, she made sure that Bomba Curls’ would probably represent other black women by offering products that would work for loose and kinky hair types, as well as everything in-between.
Their Dominican Forbidden Oil is undoubtedly a testament to that. It’s a light, multipurpose oil that uses pure coffee seed and castor oil to encourage hair growth and retain length. Although the full blends and techniques used are generational secrets, you should be comfortable in knowing that all ingredients are pure and cruelty-free.
Curls Dynasty’s Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque
Founded by Nickie Nougaisse in 2014, Curls Dynasty is a full collection of high-quality hair products that promise to hydrate, strengthen, and grow textured hair.
Because she encountered so many issues and setbacks on her own hair journey, Nougaisse ultimately decided to create something that would nourish her hair without any dyes, preservatives, or harsh chemicals.
Most notably, Curls Dynasty puts an intense focus on serving women with hard-to-hydrate hair. This means that it’s especially great for those of us with damaged, recently dyed, or naturally highly porous hair.
The Pumpkin Mint Deep Treatment Masque in particular is a huge win. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, this hair mask uses ingredients like aloe vera, nettle leaf extract, shea butter, and pumpkin seed oil to maximize moisture and hydration.
On top of that, it’s a great mask to promote growth and length retention, as well as strengthen weak hair and prevent breakage.
Pear Nova’s Nail Gels & Nail Lacquers
What if I told you that you could give yourself a salon-quality polish and color in the comfort of your own home for the fraction of the price? Rachel James—the founder of Pear Nova—has made it possible.
After graduating from the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago, James decided that it was in her best interest to be her own boss while still collaborating with fellow creatives.
Inspired by high-end designers and products, James followed in their footsteps and created gels, lacquers, and serums that are nothing short of luxurious.
Pear Nova even gives you the option to create your own collection of nail polish colors, which isn’t difficult given that there are 49 different lacquers and gels available! My personal favorite is the Lemon Drop Logic Laquer.
It held me down all spring and has made for a glorious transition color for the summer. And if you’re wondering about the quality, there are no worries there! The color is opaque and bright, the formula is free of toxins, and the polish isn’t one that chips easily so you’re good to go.
Have you been shopping for black-owned beauty brands? Share your faves below and we will feature them.
