We're taking as many steps as possible to support the Black community right now (and forever), and we wholeheartedly encourage you to do the same. As we discussed here, one of the many ways we can do so is to enhance our beauty regimens with products from Black-owned brands. Of course, there is a lot of work being done outside of my desk job and beauty routine, but as I run out of my current stash of skincare, hair, and makeup products, I'll be exclusively restocking with the Black-owned picks I already know and love in addition to a few new ones I've heard great things about.
Last week, Cosmopolitan's beauty director, Julee Wilson, gently reminded her 51.5K Instagram followers that Black-owned brands aren't just for Black people. In fact, a majority of the brands I've seen and tried are more shade-inclusive than non-Black-owned brands (especially when it comes to makeup). Just some food for thought. Below, I'm sharing the 18 Black-owned beauty products I have on deck in my shopping cart. Keep scrolling!
Mascara:
Fenty Beauty's entire collection of beauty products is nothing short of eye candy. (I may or may not have purchased six different shades of the brand's Match Stix Shimmer Skinsticks, $25, recently), but this do-it-all mascara is a lash-enhancing formula that I've had my eyes on for a while. My current-favorite tube is starting to get dried up, so I'll be buying this one next.
Face Mask:
Antioxidant-rich honey is the star ingredient within this face mask, but it also features luxurious organic skin additions like turmeric, marshmallow root powder, lavender, and a lovely melding of essential oils.
Scalp Treatment:
Designed to help soothe and calm a cranky scalp, this detoxifying blend from Briogeo is on my must-buy list. It features a blend of cooling peppermint and spearmint, antiseptic and oil-controlling tea tree and witch hazel, and hair growth–encouraging biotin.
Natural Deodorant:
I've been on a longtime mission to find a natural deodorant that A) works and B) my sensitive underarm skin can tolerate. I have high hopes for this one, and the lemon-meets-jasmine-and-amber scent profile sounds lovely.
Face Moisturizer:
I've heard so many good things about this bouncy water-based face moisturizer from Base Butter. I always prioritize moisturizers that are lightweight and noncomedogenic, so this one ticks all my boxes.
Body Exfoliator:
I'm embarrassed to admit that I still keep a loofah in my shower despite the horror stories I've heard about bacteria and other sanitation issues. That said, no more! I'm swapping my loofah out for Luv Scrub's unique handmade mesh alternative, which doesn't breed bacteria, has a significantly longer life span, and efficiently exfoliates and removes cell buildup. I've also heard it has a circulation-boosting effect similar to dry brushing.
Leave-In Conditioner:
I was recently listening to an episode of Gloss Angeles (one of my favorite podcasts) with special guest and senior beauty editor at Instyle Kayla Greaves. She couldn't say enough good things about Miss Jessie's lightweight leave-in, explaining that literally everyone needs it in their life. I'm taking that to heart and adding it to my shopping list.
Hair & Body Oil:
This luscious, rose-scented hair-and-body oil quite literally costs less than an expensive latte. I'm predicting it to be the best $5 beauty investment I've made in a long, long time.
Retinol Serum:
Retinol has so many amazing complexion benefits, and there are a lot of formulas out there to choose from. That said, every beauty editor, celebrity, and influencer I know keeps Darden's cult-classic, best-selling formula ontop of their vanity. (It will literally change your skin.) I've used it for a while and plan on keeping it in my current product rotation.
Lipstick:
I've been a longtime lover of Pat McGrath Labs' hydrating matte lipstick formula, and I appreciate all the amazing shades that are offered—Meet Skin Show (a collection of nudes), Colour Blitz (a collection of brights), and Vicious Venoms (a collection of moody darks). I'm adding a few new ones to my repertoire.
Loose Setting Powder:
The Crayon Case makes tons of beautiful makeup products, but I'm especially impressed with the color range this weightless makeup setting powder boasts. I'm almost out of my beloved loose setting powder from Laura Mercier, so I'm excited to test-drive this formula next. If rumor rings true, my complexion will look ultra-smooth and practically airbrushed (an idea I'm not mad at).
Body Cream:
Created by dermatologists, this dreamy concoction of raw, unrefined shea butter (sourced directly from Ghana) along with other gorgeous ingredients like organic unrefined coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary, and West African rooibos, has me convinced it's the only body cream I'll ever want to slather over my skin from here on out.
Brow Gel:
Boy Brow might be Glossier's best seller (and for good reason—it's amazing!), but Uoma Beauty's volume- and shape-enhancing formula has my attention. Touted to be long-lasting and budge-proof, the unique fiber formula helps create a uniformly tinted and volumized finish.
Foundation:
I absolutely love playing with new foundations, and I haven't tried a stick option for a while. This one should be a winner considering the hydrating, lightweight formula that's buildable easy to customize based on how much coverage I'll want.
Highlighter:
My mom actually got me hooked on Juvia's Place years ago. (She collects eye shadow palettes from the brand like a fiend!) Right now, I have my eye on this pretty pressed highlighter, and the affordable price tag just adds to the appeal!
Sunscreen:
This fan favorite dries completely clear once you apply it, and the formula is boosted with other skincare-grade ingredients like avocado, jojoba, cacao, and carrot juice. It's also cruelty-free, fragrance-free, natural, and reef-safe.
Eye Shadow Palette:
I always prioritize eye shadow palettes and quads that have a variety of finishes. This one is composed of shimmery and matte hues, and each quad comes in the prettiest combination of colors.
Detangling Co-Wash:
Any beauty products brimming with nourishing organic ingredients always earn bonus points in my book. This co-wash is gentle, hydrating, and strand-savingly adept at detangling, but it also efficiently removes impurities to thoroughly clean your hair. Co-washes are typically created with curly hair in mind, but I keep one in my shower to help heal and hydrate my straw-like bleach-blonde strands. One application every few weeks works like a charm.
Up next, 32 Black-Owned Skincare, Hair, and Makeup Brands We Love and Support
