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 twelve 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. Buttah Skin

Launched in 2018, Buttah Skin is a fresh skin care brand offering a collection of products for melanin rich complexions. Taking into account all skin concerns, the brand provides a myriad of nourishing solutions.

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.

10. Charlotte Mensah

Calling all beauty queens and kings with afro or curly hair; Charlotte Mensah has tailored an entire collection of essential hair products so that you can give your locks the proper, and well-deserved, treatment. The esteemed hair expert has plenty of awards to her name, including 'Afro Hairdresser of the Year', so you can trust her knowledge, skill and expertise. We can't wait for you to discover the best-selling Manketti Hair Oil!

11. Dizziak

We're coming at you with another hair brand, and it goes by the name of Dizziak. The soon-to-be holy-grail brand was founded by Loretta De Feo - a former beauty contributor at Stylist magazine - and is ready to be seen and heard. Made for every hair type with no exceptions, no exclusions, the multiculturally-minded haircare range has everything that naturally thick, curly and Afro hair needs to thrive.

12. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks is a self-taught makeup artist, entrepreneur, photographer and Mother creating a space for inclusive beauty with no boundaries. Her impressive collection of cosmetics is formed on the principle that race, gender and age should not stop anyone from expressing their personality, so expect to find everything from bold statement colours to luxe textures, shimmer and shine within this range.

13. 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.

14. Plant Apothecary

Take a look at Plant Apothecary, a black-owned, self-care beauty range created by Holly and Bjarke McWhorter – a married couple based in Brooklyn. Whether your skin is sensitive, acne-prone, light or darker, bumpy or smooth, this collection of certified organic and eco-friendly products prides itself on catering to every need.

15. Keys Soulcare

She bossed the music industry, and now she's ready to bring love and light to the beauty world. Keys Soulcare is the brainchild of global megastar Alicia Keys, and a beauty brand that goes above and beyond to truly care for the whole self – mind, body and spirit.