Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Support Now and Always

Without the Black community, the beauty industry would not exist. Black culture and especially Black women are responsible for many of the popular trends you see influencers and celebrities showcasing today, from sleek baby hairs to colourful wigs and extra glossy lips.

The black community is often at the heart of mainstream culture yet credit isn’t always given for the waves they create. In fact, beauty brands have only recently began to acknowledge diversity by launching inclusive shades in their makeup ranges or products that cater to more than one hair type.

This should have never been the case and it’s taken global protests after the unjust murder of George Floyd – an unarmed black man – to prompt us to do better. As Lesly Thornton, founder of Klur Skincare posted to Instagram: ‘ A single post is not enough. Do the research. Hold space for your black and brown friends. Do the work to make black beauty normal.’

So, here are 9 Black-owned beauty brands that you can support now and always.

1. UOMA Beauty

‘This is not multicultural beauty; this is simply beauty, and all are welcome to this beautiful tribe’ is the message you’ll see on the UOMA Beauty homepage. UOMA, pronounced OMA (uh-mah) is the beauty brand on a mission to redefine the rules on inclusivity and diversity. Founded by Nigerian born Sharon Chute, it’s a collection that celebrates life in all its vibrancy and colour.

2. Beauty Bakerie

Better not bitter is the quote that Nicole Cashmere, CEO of Beauty Bakerie promotes. Dedicated to being sweet and sweetening the lives of others, this cosmetics range encourages both men and women to feel empowered and beautiful. Extensive shade ranges mean the natural beauty in everyone can be enhanced, every day.

3. Bouclème

Created by one curly for another, Michele launched Bouclème with hopes to empower you to embrace and love your curls. Fed up with hair products where sulphate and silicones would strip away moisture and weigh down curls, she designed formulas that use pure natural actives that improve the condition of your hair.

4. Fenty Beauty

No introduction needed: Fenty Beauty is the game-changing, boundary-breaking beauty brand that set pace in the industry. Launched by no other than global superstar and Bajan beauty Rihanna, it’s a line that shifted makeup culture by offering quality products with all complexions in mind.

5. Briogeo

A move to New York City meant that Nancy Twine was made to swap her homemade essentials for store-bought formulas. She quickly discovered that products for natural hair care weren’t effective enough, so took matters into her own hands by launching Briogeo – a high-performance collection that’s naturally-based and offers texture-specific products.

6. IMAN Cosmetics

Launched in 1994, Iman Cosmetics was one of the first beauty brands to offer a collection specifically designed for African American, Asian, Latina and multi-cultural women. Taking into account all skin tones and complexions, the skincare and cosmetics line provides a myriad of shades.

7. Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath; the ‘Mother of Makeup’, the most influential and sought-after makeup artist in the world and a Black woman who owns a company worth more than $1 billion. She tops the lists of celebrities, makeup artists and influencers, meaning you should definitely be adding her to yours.

8.MDM Flow

MDM Flow was born out of all of Florence Adepoju’s obsessions. Black and gold colours, hip hop, beauty, fashion and science all influence this post 90s-inspired brand. We're obsessed.

9. Juvia's Place

Celebrating the rebels, rulers and queens of the African kingdoms, Juvia’s Place is the beauty line renowned for its vibrant colour palettes and insane pigments. The affordable price tag, quality formulas and cool packaging has allowed this brand to skyrocket in popularity.