Celebrating Black - Owned Beauty
Discover the Black-owned beauty brands that challenge beauty standards and give Black consumers the beauty products we need!
October marks the beginning of Black History Month, which is a time to commemorate Black contributions to British society. Beauty aisles are finally beginning to reflect the diversity of consumers as we all strive to create a more diverse beauty space. Although the industry is actively working towards enriching and elevating our shopping experiences, there is still work to do. When it comes to diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry, hair and beauty brands have been leading the way. Hair products have been created with specific needs and types in mind while makeup brands are revolutionising the industry one product at a time and now skincare is rightfully catching up.
According to the Black Pound report, 4 in 10 Black female shoppers are still struggling to access the right skincare and cosmetics, with 22% going to specialist shops for health and beauty products. On a positive note, Black-owned brands are doing a fantastic job at responding to the needs of Black women. By creating space through the provision of products and services that have been formulated with us in mind, we are undoubtedly seen, heard and valued as consumers, which leads to us having the positive shopping experiences we have always deserved. One retailer that is creating space for Black women and other WoC to be celebrated is Candour Beauty, a one-stop shop that provides an exquisitely curated collection of the best and most sought-after Black-owned beauty and personal care products from around the world.
As our skincare and beauty needs continue to evolve, there are a multitude of amazing Black-owned brands on the market that can help us get our best skin yet!
Here’s a definitive roundup of 21 Black-owned cosmetics brands you need to have on your radar:
BEA SKINCARE
Harley Street trained Skin Specialist, Clinical Trainer and Director Bianca Estelle, launched the award-winning product line Bea Skincare in 2015. Every product in the line is created to promote healthy and radiant skin as well as correct challenging skin concerns. Bea Skincare aims to meet customers’ specific needs while also encouraging them to better understand their skin in a market that hasn’t been very welcoming. We recommend their Acne Clear Cleanser, a natural, lightweight gel that removes oil and dirt by drying out existing spots and removing debris from clogged pores. It also contains a number of active ingredients including salicylic acid, azelaic acid and vitamin C. In our Ultimate Guide to Sun Protection for Skin of Colour, Bianca provided some insight on the importance of wearing sunscreen that has a minimum SPF of 30.
Contact B.e.a. Skincare today to book your appointment at their Harley Street clinic.
BEAUTYSTAT
BeautyStat is the brainchild of cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. Ron’s first hand experience in product development led to the creation of a brand that debunks beauty myths, predicts trends and provides unbiased reviews. His cutting edge range was born when a friend introduced him to game changing technology that stabilises Vitamin C. BeautyStat pride themselves on creating products with innovative, high-performance formulas that meet customers' unique skincare needs. We recommend the BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence, a squalane oil that helps to revitalise the skin and protect it against dryness. Ideal for all skin types, the essence also works to support the skin barrier and boost moisture retention. According to the brand, it contributes to a 34% improvement in cell turnover, so if you are looking for a product to help you achieve most of your skincare goals in a short amount of time, you might want to give it a try. Find them at Space NK.
54 THRONES
54 Thrones is a clean beauty brand that was created to celebrate the richness, diversity and culture of Africa and its people. Founder Christina Funke Tegbe wanted to create clean and decadent skincare products that honour Africa’s rich natural resources as well as the authentic beauty rituals that have been handed down from generation to generation. We recommend the Adwera Turmeric Glow Bar, a gentle turmeric-infused soap with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that work to cleanse and moisturise the skin, promote even skin tone and protect skin cells from damage. It also contains curcumin, which helps to decrease UV damage. Find them at Nordstrom.com.
BUTTAH SKIN
Born out of a desire to help melanin-rich people who were actively seeking solutions for skincare challenges, Buttah Skincare was launched by Dorion Renaud in 2018. Buttah is for anyone who desires products that are luxurious, affordable and do exactly what they say on the packaging. From discoloration to oiliness to blemishes, the brand pride themselves in catering to common skin issues faced by those with melanin-rich skin. All products combine ingredients derived with natural sources with hi-tech formulations that deliver soft, beautiful and radiant looking skin. We recommend the Buttah Rosewater Toner, a multifunction toner-exfoliator infused with AHAs, salicylic acid, aloe vera and Vitamin E that gently cleanses, refreshes and balances skin for a soft and radiant complexion. Find them at Cult Beauty.
BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN
Contrary to what many may believe, Black people should be wearing sunscreen every day. In 2016, Shontay Lundy sought to challenge the misconceptions surrounding Black people and sunscreen by launching Black Girl Sunscreen in 2016. Black Girl Sunscreen is a lotion with SPF30 that is infused with natural ingredients and formulated with WoC in mind. It dries completely clear and protects melanin-rich skin without the white cast. It also contains a variety of antioxidants including avocado oil, carrot juice and cacao. The brand has made no secret of their mission to educate melanin beauties all over the world about the importance of sun safety. As well as being stocked in leading U.S retailers Target and Ulta, two new products have been added to the mix but the Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 30 will always be the product that single handedly revolutionised sun protection for Black women. It’s currently available at Black-owned online retailer Candour Beauty.
ESHO
Created with those who want the best out of their skincare routines in mind, industry leader Dr. Tijion Esho launched his line of ESHO clinical cosmeceutical products in 2021. Dr. Esho, who is one of the most in-demand medical doctors in the U.K, decided to bring his years of experience and innovative clinic results directly to patients at home. Creating perfectly plump lips is one of Dr. Esho’s specialties, which definitely explains why the brand took the beauty industry by storm with the launch of The Lip Doctor Range, a line of products that are designed to volumize and sculpt your pout without the need for injectables. We recommend the SCULPT Lip Serum, a no needle solution that enhances lip shape, plumpness and volume both short and long term. If you desire a fuller pout without going under the knife, SCULPT plumps and defines lip curvature and increases volume, whilst leaving your lips feeling hydrated, soft and sculpted. Find them at Feelunique.
FENTY BEAUTY
Fenty Beauty is the brainchild of chart topping singer Rihanna. The singer revolutionised the beauty industry in 2017 with the launch of the Pro Filt’R Foundation, which included 40 shades. The brand was born out of Rihanna’s desire to encourage everyone to have fun with makeup. She also identified a gap in the market for products that delivered results across all skin types and skin tones. Since Fenty’s launch, a number of beauty brands have revolutionised their own offerings, resulting in a more inclusive experience for all. With warm weather expected in August, we recommend the Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. The tinted moisturiser, which is combined with a QuickBlur complex, is perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. It also contains a humidity, sweat and transfer-resistant formula so you won’t have to worry about your makeup melting off your face. Find them at Fentybeauty.com and selected Boots stores.
CHARLOTTE MENSAH
Award-winning hairstylist Charlotte Mensah needs no introduction. She has been at the forefront of the natural haircare movement for over 20 years with leading publications including Elle, Vogue and Tatler recognising her as the go-to authority on all things Afro hair. Charlotte’s book, Good Hair, a practical guide to caring for Afro, textured and curly hair was released in 2018. Her award-winning Manketti Oil range was designed with afro/mixed and curly hair types in mind. All products are made using organic, ethical and sustainable sourced oils. We recommend the Manketti Hair Oil, which works to revitalise dry and dehydrated hair thanks to its unique blend of Manketti Nut and Ximenia oils. The oil improves the hair’s appearance over time and protects against chemical styling and environmental damage. Find them at SpaceNK.
MDM FLOW
Created with the glamour associated with mid 90’s-00’s hip hop culture in mind, MDMflow is a premium based lifestyle and beauty brand that specialises in creating lipsticks using the latest colour technology. Through their collections, the brand aims to encourage beauty savvy consumers to define glamour on their own terms. All lipsticks are handmade by founder Florence Adepoju, a Cosmetic Scientist who combined her love of beauty and science to bring the brand to life. We recommend the MDMflow Liquid Matte Lipstick. With its transfer-proof formula and ultra-creamy texture, it dries to a velvet matte finish while saturating lips in full coverage colour. If you are looking for a bright lip colour that will elevate your makeup game, you might want to give this a try for smooth, stylish and picture perfect lips. Find them at Look Fantastic.
UOMA BEAUTY
If you spent a lot of time on social media during the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, then you may be familiar with UOMA Beauty founder and former beauty executive Sharon Chuter. With her #pullupforchange initiative, Sharon held brands accountable by demanding they disclose the number of Black staff they have at their organisations. UOMA (pronounced uh-mah) means beautiful. The brand believes that beauty starts the moment you decide to be yourself. UOMA are rewriting the rules of inclusivity and diversity, one product at a time. We recommend the UOMA Beauty Stay Woke Luminous Concealer for a bright and flawless look. It also targets specific skin concerns such as discoloration and dark circles. Its lightweight formula makes it suitable for everyday use. Creating the illusion of a good night’s sleep has never been this easy! Find them at Beauty Bay.
EMOLYNE COSMETICS
Hailed as the brand making makeup personal again, Emolyne Cosmetics was founded by Ugandan-born and Denmark-raised Emolyne Ramlov. The brand’s ethos is that beauty is for everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, age or lifestyle. What makes Emolyne Cosmetics so unique is their edit of matching lipsticks, lip liners and nail lacquers. Each collection is named after an African country in homage to Emolyne’s birthplace. For those who want to coordinate their nail and lip colours, searching for the perfect pair can be a difficult experience, and Emolyne wants to change this with colours that inspire individuality. We recommend The Complete Kit - Nigeria, a gorgeous plum shade that looks great on all skin tones.
ANITA GRANT
A bad experience with off the shelf cosmetics led to Anita Grant launching her namesake brand in 2005. After experimenting with a variety of natural ingredients, she shared her products in a forum of like-minded people who wanted to embrace natural hair care products. The rest was history. Anita has won multiple awards and secured a Best Afro Hair Product nomination from The Sunday Times Style Magazine. We recommend the multipurpose Organic Carrot Root Oil, which is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and E and essential fatty acids. It can be used to soothe sun damaged skin or as a hair repairing treatment. It’s also vegan friendly, vegetarian friendly and cruelty free.
DIZZIAK
Influenced by fashion, beauty, art, music and current culture, DIZZIAK was launched by Loretta De Feo in March 2018. Offering an ultra-hydrating beauty range idea for every hair type and body, the award-winning brand’s ‘no exceptions and no exclusions’ approach is what has set them apart from their industry peers. All of DIZZIAK’s products are vegan and cruelty free. We recommend the DIZZIAK Deep Conditioner, which comprises a rich formula that works to provide hair with the boost of hydrating it needs. According to the brand, the desired result can be achieved in just five minutes, so the conditioner may be just what you need to give your hair the TLC it deserves in between styling. Find them at Cult Beauty.
BEAUTY BAKERIE
Cashmere Nicole launched Beauty Bakerie in 2011 with the mission of being sweet and sweetening the lives of others. After becoming extremely health conscious about the products we put in and on our bodies, Cashmere wanted the brand to reflect her perseverance and passion for high quality, healthy ingredients that enhance the beauty in everyone. All cosmetics in the range are cruelty free and all-inclusive. We recommend the The Chosen Bun Eyeshadow Palette, which includes nude subtle shades for everyday wear and shimmer shades to take your look from day to night. All of the brand’s palettes are hard pressed, so you won’t have to worry about fall out. Every shade in the palette is highly-pigmented, buildable and easy to blend into the skin. Find them at Feel Unique.
FREYA AND BAILEY
After dealing with problem skin caused her to reevaluate her life, Abbie Oguntade decided to take what she learnt and launch Freya and Bailey in the summer of 2019. The brand pride themselves on celebrating the connection between skincare and identity, believing that nobody should have to compromise themselves for the sake of having beautiful skin. Every product from Freya and Bailey has been formulated to combat the damaging impact of stress, air pollution and other modern-day realities that directly impact the skin. We recommend the award-winning Awake! Fruit Enzyme Glow Cleanser, which has been formulated with VITAGLOWDA brightening complex to re-energise the skin and revive a dull complexion.
79 LUX
79LUX is the brainchild of integrative health and nutrition coach Karen Cummings-Palmer, who believes that good skincare should nourish, hydrate, protect and illuminate the skin. After working with supplements and facial skincare treatments, Karen couldn’t find anything that ticked all her boxes. One of the brand’s first products was created with eczema prone skin in mind whilst also managing the signs of ageing. You can expect a collection of luxury, intentional bodycare that has been created with skin changing ingredients that nourish the body. We recommend the Ultra Nourishing Body Balm, which is full of antioxidants and rich in essential oils. It has a velvety texture that instantly melts into skin leaving it with a gorgeous ‘lit from within’ glow. Find them at Cult Beauty.
456 SKIN
4.5.6 Skin is on a mission to close the skincare research equity gap - they believe that science-backed skincare should be shared by all. The brand is the world’s first skincare lab that is fully dedicated to studying the needs of darker skin. We know that the one-size-fits-all approach completely ignores the needs of darker skin and the brand’s CEO Noelly Michoux has brought together experts in dermatology, skin research science and skincare formulations to create change in an industry that ignores the needs of darker skinned customers. We recommend the Mela Skin Reset Biomimetic Essence, which has been formulated with nutrient-rich botanicals and vitamins that instantly refresh skin and leave it brightened, plumped, hydrated and balanced.
TREPADORA
Trepadora was created with curly haired women who lead busy, active lifestyles in mind. Elevate your curl routine with their glorious range of sensorial fragrances and naturally derived ingredients in premium formulations. We recommend the Bamboo Ginseng Curling Glaze which is perfect for keeping styles in place. The glaze is 100% vegan and it has a super-strong hold that enhances the natural definition of your curl shape for beautiful, soft and bouncy curls that last all day long.
EPARA SKINCARE
Epara Skincare is a bespoke beauty brand founded by Ozohu Adoh that caters to the unique skincare issues affecting women. The brand’s innovative, clinically proven and science-led formulations harness the healing and nurturing properties of pure African botanicals to offer rejuvenating products that can help everyone achieve radiant skin. The botanicals are infused with essential oils such as Marula, Moringa and plant extracts, which make effective treatments for the face and body. We recommend the Intense Hydrating Mask to help see dry and dehydrated skin through colder weather. Epara also has luxury skincare experts on hand to help you find the right products and rituals to balance and smooth your skin. Find them at Liberty.
THE AFRO HAIR & SKIN CO
Based in East Sussex, The Afro Hair & Skin Co offer high quality skin and afro hair products that will boost any self-care routine. Founder, Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka, creates and develops all of the plant based wellness products. All products are 100% vegan and made using sustainable organic, natural and locally sourced British grown ingredients. We recommend the award-winning Flow Perfectly Balanced Facial Oil to help restore your skin back to optimal health.
TREASURE TRESS
TreasureTress is renowned as Europe’s first and largest natural hair product discovery box. Founded by entrepreneur Jamelia Donaldson, the brand has evolved from an online subscription service for women and girls to a leading online and offline safe space for Black women that is led by Black women. TreasureTress pride themselves on being experts in the natural hair and beauty space, taking a bespoke and forward-thinking approach to serving the natural hair community. The brand also aims to offer educational and practical steps for managing and styling your tresses on a monthly basis. Each TreasureTress subscription box is full of products from leading hair brands that have been curated to give your tresses a boost.
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