Everyone deserves to feel beautiful in their own skin.
It’s no secret that brands (in the past and even up until today) haven’t always been inclusive as far as shade and color ranges for an array of skin tones and complexions. For many women of color, makeup shopping trips were less relaxing and fun as they were frustrating.
Thankfully, the landscape in the beauty industry has been changing and there are more brands offering shades options for diverse skin tones. Also, Black entrepreneurs began to create their own products with a purpose of inclusivity, representation and inspiring others to do the same.
That’s because beauty is for all.
I put together this list of seven Black-owned beauty brands you should know about and the product to try from each.
Juvia’s Place
Founded by Chichi Eburu, beauty gurus couldn’t get enough of the brand’s bright eyeshadows and intense pigments. Nigeria-born Chichi founded the brand to be representative of African culture and art, which you can see on the exquisite packaging and rich color stories.
Try The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette, $20, juviasplace.com
Klarity Kosmetics
Founder MarQuita Jones wanted to create a brand for all ethnicities and complexions. It was also paramount that the brand be affordable, especially for single moms like her, while still offering quality, handmade vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics including that brand’s striking liquid lipsticks, buttery highlighters and more.
Try Blue Royal Pressed Pigment Palette, $30, klaritykosmetics.com
Uni Beauty Blends
After suffering with cystic acne, brand founder Takiara Monet took matters into her own hands and began to research natural ingredients and remedies. Her acne cleared up in a few months and she decided to share her natural beauty secrets with the world and encourage other women to make taking care of themselves a priority. The brand is transparent, only uses clean, natural ingredients and is committed to celebrating every woman’s unique beauty.
Try Glow Goals Cucumber and Cranberry Gel Face Mask and Moisturizer, $16.99, unibeautyinc.com
Beauty Bakerie
The brand’s dessert-theme products look just as good in a shelfie as they do on your skin but founder Cashmere Nicole’s plan for this brand went more than skin deep. After battling breast cancer, Cashmere started the brand with the philosophy “Better, not bitter” and wowed beauty lovers and celebs alike (Hi, Cardi B) with inclusive shades and high-quality vegan products.
Try Flour Setting Powder, $24, beautybakerie.com
Fat Ass Lashes
FAL is the brainchild of Jacqueline Purcell and Shanda Harper, two Jersey girls and teen moms who bonded over a love of beauty, fashion and individuality. The two best friends took their beauty industry experience and creative edge to create luxurious, cruelty-free, handmade lashes that won’t break the bank.
Try 3D Vegan Mink in Anastasia, $20, fatasslashes.com
Omolewa Cosmetics
Founder and owner Irene Dele-Adejumo was a lifelong makeup lover who turned her passion into a career through a leap of faith. Omolewa Cosmetics, after her middle name meaning “beautiful child” in Nigerian, is committed to inclusion as well as empowering women of color to follow their dreams.
Try Pro Perfect Foundation, $26.99, omolewamakeup.com
The Lip Bar
Created by Melissa Butler in 2012, The Lip Bar was born out of Melissa’s frustrations with the beauty industry. So, in her kitchen, she began making lipsticks in range of colors for every skin tone, only using clean ingredients. Today, the vegan and cruelty-free brand has become a staple in makeup kits around the world thanks to its commitment to inclusion, high-quality products and vibrant colors that look fab on everyone.
Try Liquid Matte Lipstick in Bawse Lady, $13, thelipbar.com
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT