Celebrating Black-Owned Beauty Brands: A Year-Round Commitment

As we navigate through February and recognize Black History Month, it’s essential to not only celebrate but also support Black-owned beauty brands that have made significant contributions to the industry. These brands represent innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to diverse beauty standards. Here’s a curated list of standout brands that deserve our attention, not just this month but throughout the entire year.

Makeup

1. Fenty Beauty

Launched by Rihanna in 2017, Fenty Beauty has set a new standard for inclusivity in the cosmetics industry. Born in Barbados, Rihanna’s upbringing heavily influenced her approach to beauty, particularly in addressing the needs of diverse skin tones. The brand quickly gained recognition for its extensive shade range, making high-quality makeup accessible to all. Expanding beyond makeup, Rihanna has also introduced skincare and haircare lines, reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity.

2. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks, a self-taught makeup artist, transitioned from a medical career to beauty out of necessity as a single mother. Her brand focuses on innovation and inclusivity, offering products suitable for various skin types and tones. Notable for its Yummy Skin line, Danessa Myricks Beauty inspires creativity and provides quality options for makeup enthusiasts.

3. Juvia’s Place

Chichi Eburu founded Juvia’s Place with the intention of providing products that cater to deeper skin tones, inspired by her Nigerian heritage. With a range of 42 foundation shades, Juvia’s Place celebrates cultural richness and affordability. The brand’s popular blush products are frequently highlighted by makeup artists on social media.

4. Pat McGrath Labs

Renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath started her own brand in 2015, quickly achieving a billion-dollar valuation. Known for her striking runway looks, McGrath combines artistry with innovation, offering luxury products that cater to a variety of beauty preferences.

5. LYS Beauty

Founded by Tisha Thompson, LYS Beauty made history as Sephora’s first Black-owned clean makeup brand. With a focus on accessible, quality products, LYS Beauty addresses various skin concerns while maintaining affordable prices, proving that clean beauty can be inclusive and budget-friendly.

Skincare

1. EADEM

Co-founded by Marie Kouadio and Alice Lin Glover, EADEM is dedicated to melanin-rich skin, offering science-backed formulas that tackle issues like hyperpigmentation. Their Le Chouchou Exfoliating Lip Balm has recently gained popularity on social media, showcasing the brand’s effectiveness.

2. Topicals

Olamide Olowe founded Topicals with a mission to create skincare that works for everyone, particularly by prioritizing deeper skin tones in product testing. The brand emphasizes the effectiveness of its formulations and has garnered attention for products like Slick Salve Lip Balm and Brightening Serum.

3. 54 Thrones

Christina Funke Tegbe launched 54 Thrones to showcase African beauty practices and ingredients. Inspired by her ancestral heritage, the brand offers products like the African Beauty Butter, which embody the rich skincare traditions of Africa.

4. Buttah Skin

Dorion Renaud created Buttah Skin to address the unique needs of melanin-rich individuals struggling to find effective skincare. With a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients, Buttah Skin has become a reliable choice for those seeking straightforward skincare solutions.

5. Cay Skin

Winnie Harlow, a model and vitiligo advocate, developed Cay Skin to offer sun protection without a white cast. Launched in 2022, the brand includes reef-friendly SPF options, encouraging healthier sun-care habits for all skin tones.

Haircare

1. PATTERN Beauty

Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, PATTERN Beauty celebrates and enhances natural curls. The brand offers hydration-focused products designed specifically for textured hair and has become popular for its Leave-In Conditioner and Curl Gel.

2. MIELLE Organics

Monique Rodriguez’s MIELLE Organics emerged from her personal hair care struggles. The brand is celebrated for its natural ingredients and effective formulations designed to promote healthy hair growth, making it a favorite in the natural hair community.

3. Briogeo

Nancy Twine founded Briogeo to create clean, effective haircare options for diverse hair types. Her brand has gained recognition for its commitment to ingredient-focused formulas that nourish hair and scalp health.

4. The Doux

Co-founded by Maya and Brian Smith, The Doux aims to simplify haircare routines while celebrating textured hair. Inspired by ’90s hip-hop culture, the brand offers a range of products designed for various curl patterns, all at affordable prices.

5. TGIN (Thank God It’s Natural)

Founded by the late Chris-Tia Donaldson, tgin provides high-quality hair and skincare products for textured hair. The brand remains accessible through major retailers, continuing the legacy of its founder’s commitment to quality and community support.

Conclusion

Supporting Black-owned beauty brands is not just a seasonal act; it’s a commitment to celebrating diversity and innovation year-round. The brands highlighted here represent resilience, creativity, and inclusivity, each offering unique products that enhance beauty for everyone. By choosing to uplift these brands, we contribute to a richer, more diverse beauty landscape that honors the stories and contributions of its founders. Let’s continue to celebrate and support these creators throughout the year!