The beauty and skincare industries have proven to struggle with inclusivity — a subject of pervasive debate for many years now, with only the likes of Fenty Beauty or Huda Beauty to have slowly shifted the conversation.
But it will take more than two mega-brands to change years of whitewashing that has conditioned customers to believe women of color don't need beauty brands to account for a range of skin tones, or that they don't have their specific set of skincare issues requiring specific treatments. More importantly, it will need women of color in positions of power.
Below, we've listed five Black-owned beauty labels that you should follow, from Beauty Bakerie to Iman Cosmetics.
Beauty Bakerie
Made by brown girls for brown girls, Beauty Bakerie creates products inspired by bakery products, that will last throughout the day regardless of what you eat. With a smudge-proof, wear-all-day formula, the brand offers practically everything from eye shadow palettes, highlighters, setting powders and concealers in a variety of shades.
Shop Beauty Bakerie's products here, and follow them on Instagram (@beautybakeriemakeup).
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Created by celebrated makeup artist, Danessa Myricks. her eponymous label caters to everyone from novice to makeup artists like herself. Unlike many mainstream makeup brands, you can rest assured Myricks' label was created with every skin tone in mind ranging from light, medium, to deep complexions. Bonus: It's completely cruelty free.
Shop Danessa Myricks' products here, and follow them on Instagram (@danessa_myricks).
Pholk Beauty
Formerly known as Bloomsbury SQ Skincare, Pholk beauty was born out of founder Niambi Cacchioli's own challenges and frustration in finding an inclusive beauty brand that addresses the specific skincare concerns of women of color. Inspired by the skincare practices of people in the African dispora, the vegan label offers all skincare essentials from face oils, and masks, to toners and cleansers. "Pholk Beauty grew out of my own sense of awe and gratitude at the timeless folk beauty and herbalist wisdom of my own kin, the cultivators and botanicals and minerals that have nourished our skin and souls for generations, and the multitude of ways that people of color infuse the globe with beauty," Cacchioli states on her website.
Shop Pholk Beauty's products here, and follow them on Instagram (@pholkbeauty).
Sdot Beauty
Sdot Beauty is a luxury apothecary label founded by Harlem-based Stephanie Coker. The "natural lifestyle brand" is a result of Coker's hunt for natural remedies for herself. Made in small portions, expect to find organic formulas to solve all your run-of-the-mill skin, body and hair issues. "NEVER any dyes, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sulfates, SLS, TEA, alcohol, lanolin, petroleum, PEGs, silicones or petrolatum," Sdot Beauty promises.
Shop Sdot Beauty's products here, and follow them on Instagram (@sdotbeautyproducts).
Iman Cosmetics
Before there was Fenty, there was Iman Cosmetics. Founded by supermodel Iman, the celebrated beauty label remains one of the oldest and most iconic brands in the world for women of color. Their internationally acclaimed line of products includes a variety of skincare, lip colors, and foundation in up to 16 shades.
Shop Iman Cosmetics' products here, and follow them on Instagram (@imancosmetics).
Photo via Instagram (@beautybakeriemakeup)
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