Amidst the recent tragedies I have been wondering “what can we all do to evoke change?”
Black Owned Beauty Brands to support .. like yesterday
UOMA Beauty
UOMA Beauty sells my favorite lipsticks, their BADASS ICON Lipsticks ($24). The formula is highly pigmented and beyond comfortable, especially for a matte lipstick. They have a variety of nude lip options named after iconic women.
About the Owner / Brand
“Founded by Nigerian born, LA & London based former beauty executive Sharon Chuter, the UOMA Beauty range is rebellious, innovative and created for all.” – Uoma Beauty
Uoma values “self-expression, colourful living, African pride, empowering tribe, inclusivity, and beautiful rebellion” – Uoma Beauty
Check out their LinkedIn page to see their employees HERE
As can be seen by this, UOMA Beauty is diverse not only in their branding, but also in their leadership.
Mented Cosmetics
Mented Cosmetics sells one of my favorite lipsticks, “Nude Lala.” It is my go-to nude for job interviews by being effortlessly beautiful, colourful, but also very sophisticated. I recently tried their lip liners as well, and they have the most beautiful shade range and tones.
Mented sells: Lipsticks, lip gloss, lip liners, blush, powder, stick foundation, liquid lipstick, brow products, eyeshadow, nail polish
About the Owner / Brand:
Owners: KJ Miller & Amanda E. Johnson
“We created Mented Cosmetics because we believe every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty, no matter her skin tone. We know you’ll love being put first – because when it comes to beauty, no one deserves to be an afterthought.” – Mented Cosmetics
Check out their LinkedIn page to see their employees HERE
As can be seen by this, Mented Cosmetics has women of color in their leadership.
FENTY Beauty
The beauty industry has been stagnant for a long time until FENTY Beauty shook up the entire industry. All of a sudden inclusivity was in, when inclusivity should have been at the forefront way before FENTY Beauty even existed. FENTY makes my favorite bronzers and I don’t think I have to say anything about Gloss Bomb, we all know that she is THAT GIRL.
FENTY Beauty sells: Lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, highlighters, bronzers, cream bronzers/blushes, foundation, primers, match sticks, eyeshadow palettes, powders, and brushes/sponges/accessories.
About the Owner / Brand:
“Rihanna was inspired to create Fenty Beauty after years of experimenting with the best-of-the-best in beauty—and still seeing a void in the industry for products that performed across all skin types and tones. She launched a makeup line “so that people everywhere would be included,” focusing on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones, creating formulas that work for all skin types, and pinpointing universal shades.” – FENTY Beauty
Rihanna partnered with KENDO for FENTY Beauty. Because I could not find a LinkedIn page for FENTY Beauty itself, check out this list of KENDO employees HERE
Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath’s brand in its entirety is very ethereal. I personally enjoy and highly recommend their mini lipgloss set in the shade “warm.” The shades of those glosses were beyond gorgeous and since I have a hard time finishing up lip products, the size was ideal.
Pat McGrath Labs sells: eyeshadows, mascara, eyeliner, lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners, foundation, concealer, primer, powder, highlighter, brushes, face kits, and merch.
About the Owner / Brand:
“With her incomparable mastery and iconoclastic vision, Pat McGrath has transformed the beauty industry. Name any trend of the past two decades, and you’ll find her at its origin, from 1990s dewy skin to no-retouching-necessary foundation specifically designed for this decade’s selfies.” – Pat McGrath Labs
Check out their LinkedIn page to see their employee breakdown HERE
* I am not sure if this is the official Pat McGrath Labs LinkedIn, therefore, some of the leadership positions are not represented on this site.
Beauty Bakerie
Beauty Bakerie is the definition of a creative brand. The baking theme of the brand is very well executed and gives off elegant vibes. Every product is well thought out and the product releases are not overwhelming, making it a very exclusive brand. I have personally only tried 1 lipstick, but plan on picking up more from the brand.
Beauty Bakerie sells: Lipstick, lip care, lip gloss, liquid lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, concealer, face oil, foundation, powder, highlighter, setting spray, face palettes, sponges, and brushes
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Cashmere Nicole
“Fast forward to today. If you were to ask me what it means to be ‘better, not bitter’. I’d respond with how much your success depends on the light you have within you and very little to do with anyone else. The ‘Sweetlife’ is a beautiful trifecta of all of my loves: giving back, arts/business and of course, pastries. I could keep you here for days walking you through the battles that ensued as I journeyed through my womanhood, battled breast cancer and more, but the treasure beneath the ruins is this. It is that Beauty Bakerie is a piece of my peace that I want to share with the world.” – Beauty Bakerie
* I highly recommend reading the full story HERE
Check out their LinkedIn page to see the employee breakdown HERE
Juvia’s Place
Juvia’s place is best known for their incredibly pigmented eyeshadows. Their packaging is very unique and beautiful. While her loose highlighters get a lot of clout, I believe that the pressed Tribe Highlighters have one of the most beautiful formulas in the industry.
Juvia’s Place sells: Foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, powder, eyeshadow palettes, eyeliner, liquid lipsticks, brushes, and makeup bags.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Chichi Eburu
“Africa is not only the birthplace of humanity, it’s the birthplace of all beauty. Juvia’s Place was created to celebrate the rebels, rulers and queens of the African kingdoms of long ago, who emulated and honored beauty through their soulful and innovative techniques that the top beauty gurus still use today. Inspired by the queens before us, Juvia’s Place offers the richest, most vibrantly-pigmented essentials for the eyes, face and lips to take you from the office, to the Caribbean islands, and everywhere in between!” – Juvia’s Place
—
This section is filled with Black Beauty Brands that I have not personally tried, therefore I will be reporting their mission statements and filling my cart while doing my research… Mind ya business.
—
Coloured Raine
They sell: Eyelashes, eyeshadows, lipstick, lip glosses, liquid lipsticks, highlighter, foundation, and pigments
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Loraine R. Dowdy
“Loraine R. Dowdy, is a Brooklyn born, Caribbean descent woman who has founded Coloured Raine in 2013, leaving a high-powered job in the financial industry to pursue her dream. Loraine longed for a cosmetic line that encouraged self-expression and diversity, and included shades for people of color. Her aim was to create a stand-out cosmetics line that broke all beauty barriers.” – Coloured Raine
“The mission behind the brand has always been to spread awareness of diversity through beauty and to embrace all aspects of color through unity.” – Coloured Raine
Check out their full story HERE
Coloured Raine did not have an official LinkedIn account, but I found this information on their site regarding employee breakdown:
“Coloured Raine is not only a woman black owned brand, but employs black women and men. We are a small team of 8 from executive level to fulfillment. Our products are proudly made by a manufacturer in the United States that is owned and employs by people of color with a staff of 75+. Our graphic design team and media team are also comprised of black women and men which are independently ran by 2 individuals. So when you shop with us, you’re investing in the minority community!” – Coloured Raine
In terms of social action, Coloured Raine donates to the following causes:
Black Lives Matter Global Network – monthly contributions
BLM Frontline Fund – monthly contributions
The Henrietta House – monthly contributions
Reclaim The Block – monthly contributions
George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Destiny Harrison Funeral Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/destiny-harrison-funeral
I Run With Maud: https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud
Check out their entire statement HERE
The Crayon Case Cosmetics
They sell: Lashes, liner, eyeshadow, primer, powder, highlight, contour, concealer, lip gloss, lip liner, liquid lipstick, makeup wipes, sponges, brushes, brush cleaner, phone case, mirror, and bags.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Wuzzam Supa
The Crayon Case is a brand that combines makeup with the nostalgia of fresh, new school supplies. They have a variety of products that all align with the unique theme. The brand was founded by [name] in 2017 and earned over $1 million in revenues within less than 1 hour during their cyber monday sale.
The Crayon Case did not have an official LinkedIn account, but I found this information on their Instagram regarding employee breakdown:
“Our team of Executive and Administrative teams are made up of 100% BLACK women and men. In addition our Investor, @Supa_Cent is a strong Black woman that we are continuously inspired by for her leadership and sole INVESTMENT into the company.” – The Crayon Case Cosmetics
Black Opal
They sell: Foundation, primer, highlighter, concealer, powder, mascara, eyeliner, brow powder, lipstick, liquid lipstick, lip liner, mixing palette, sponges, and brushes.
About the Owner / Brand:
Desiree G. Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack acquired Black Opal in 2019
“Created in 1994 to celebrate the nuances of black skin, the beauty revelation that was Black Opal became a beauty revolution–in color, identity and empowerment. No matter how unique your shade, your tone or your heritage, we see you and we celebrate the fire in you.” – Black Opal
“The brand was originally created by a chemist for his wife due to the lack of product options in the beauty industry at the time. The founder worked closely with an African American dermatologist to develop products specifically formulated for melanated skin.” – Black Enterprise
Check out their LinkedIn HERE (Their page isn’t entirely set up, but they have a few employees on there)
See their company break down below #pulluporshutup
AJ Crimson Beauty
They sell: Foundation, powder, liquid lipstick, lipstick, and lip gloss.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: AJ Crimson
“AJ CRIMSON is the rock-star of the beauty industry! An Entrepreneur, Makeup Artist and Beauty & Lifestyle Expert, as well as, one of the most trusted names and leading authorities in the beauty industry.” – AJCrimson
“The AJ Crimson Beauty cosmetics line, like most great inventions, was born out of necessity. “I felt like there was an absolute need to bring products to women of color that actually worked and didn’t oxidize or change,” explains Crimson. “I wanted to create a product inclusive of women of all ethnicities, a product all women could find ownership in and believe in. So often, makeup has been designed with a one size fits all mentality, and with black women and women of color my cosmetic line contains shades for women of every ethnic background and skin tone.” – AJ Crimson
JD Glow
They sell: Eyeshadows, liquid lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, glitter tubes, HD crystals, illuminators, makeup remover, and mixing medium.
About the Owner / Brand:
“JD Glow Cosmetics is a new and upcoming cosmetics company started 2015. Created by a best friend duo Jennifer and Deandra. We are located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Our cosmetic brand caters to Ladies and Gents of all ages as well as all ethnicities. We aim to create high end quality cosmetics at low prices. Our goal is to expand and continue to cater to your cosmetics needs forever.” – JD Glow Cosmetics
I could not find the employee breakdown for JD Glow Cosmetics
Danessa Myricks Beauty
They sell: Foundation, concealer, beauty oil, hydrating lotion, refining gel, powder, highlighter, bronzer, lip creams, lip palettes, pigments, eyeshadow base, set & seal, lash glue, and makeup remover.
About the Owner / Brand:
“Inspired initially by the inner sphere of the beauty business, Danessa’s career hit the ground running at the corporate level, where she discovered her true passions aligned the trajectory towards artistry. With insight and business structure intact, she noted the highest opportunities were to alleviate the issues of cosmetic marketing for ethnic skin tones coloring the world. From fair to deep complexions, Danessa always aimed to touch all faces equally.” – Danessa Myricks Beauty
I could not find the employee breakdown for Danessa Myricks Beauty
Prime Beauty
They sell: highlighters, bronzers, liquid lipsticks, eyeshadow palette, pigments, and apparel.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Shemika Harmitt
“Prime Beauty Cosmetics is a brand created to remind women of color that our beauty needs are primary. Not secondary. Our goal is to create quality and affordable products that defy Eurocentric beauty standards, and uplifts the beauty that is being a woman of color.” – Prime Beauty Cosmetics
I could not find the employee breakdown for Prime Beauty
Ace Beauté
They sell: Lashes, eyeshadows, and brushes.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Niye Attang
Here at Ace Beaute, our motto is “Beauty for All” regardless of age, sex, skin color, religion or socio economic status. – Ace Beauté
I could not find the employee breakdown for Ace Beauté (some profiles do appear on LinkedIn when searching for the brand)
Propa Beauty
They sell: Satin Lipsticks.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Victoria Fazio
“During my corporate career, I wanted a makeup line that energized the courageous and confidence in women as we take on the battles to become leaders in our own fields. Makeup is powerful and its about time its marketed as an arsenal which goes beyond just getting cute. I want women to look their best on the outside, but also to feel their best on the inside.
No more “MAKING IT WORK.” ” – Propa Beauty
I could not find the employee breakdown for Propa Beauty
Klarity Kosmetics LLC
They sell: Eyeshadow, highlighter, lip gloss, liquid lipstick, pressed glitters, and setting spray.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: MarQuita
“I create everything by hand from start to finish, ship, package orders, you name it. I get so much satisfaction out of every order that comes through and being able to ship @klaritykosmetics products off all over the world!!” – Klarity Kosmetics
I could not find the employee breakdown for Klarity Kosmetics, however, the above IG post speaks on the topic.
Makeup Addiction Cosmetics
They sell: Eyeshadow, pigments, glitters, lashes, brushes, liquid lipstick, and highlighter.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Djimbi Djevdet
“Our CEO Djimbi truly has a deep love for everything makeup, creating beautiful products that perform perfectly. However, this was not always the case, her love of makeup blossomed from what was one of the lowest moments in her life. After successfully completed her Masters in Business Psychology, Djimbi was diagnosed with fibromyalgia which went on to change her career path. Her motto has always been to create inclusive high-quality products to the makeup enthusiast that are perfect for the woman who wants to experiment without the high-end price tag.” – Makeup Addiction Cosmetics
Makeup Addiction which is 100% Black owned and black employed.
Bossy Cosmetics
They sell: liquid lipstick, lip liner, and lip/eye/cheek glitter.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Aishetu Fatima Dozie
“Her mission to empower women to look, feel, and do good while using cruelty-free products is driven by her passion to fuse indulgent purchases (buying lippies) with paying-it-forward (donating to charities that support women and girls).” – Bossy Beauty
Check out their LinkedIn page to see their employee breakdown HERE
Triple O Polish
They sell: Nail polish, gel polish, nail care.
About the Owner / Brand:
Owner: Symantha Wechie-Onyechi
“When I was finally allowed to get my own “full set” I never looked back and fell in love with nails and nail polish. Before the nail shop, I had a ritual of looking for inspirational nail designs, I was always exploring some “weird” color, as my mom would say, and I noticed over the years, that though color swatches were plentiful, the skin tones didn’t change too much.” – Ooopolish
“I was determined to find the perfect nude, and not settling for these odd undertone nudes that just didn’t come out how I imagined. Between trying to find the perfect nude in what seems like a timed race after the words “Pick your color” are said, and disappointing outcomes I would regularly get with the nude shades I had to quickly select, I decided to make my own. I only set out to make a few nude shades, and keep it simple, but once I started mixing and pouring, I fell in love with creating unique bold colors that radiate on every skin tone.” – Ooopolish
*I highly recommend reading her full story
Symantha and her husband run the entire business. The below post speaks on the topic. #Pulluporshutup
Verdict
All of these brands deserve recognition and major support. Each one has an amazing story, whether that is in their founding, color story, or narrative they put out to their audience. Check out each of these brands to find something that matches your personal style. Being a lipstick lover, the Propa Beauty lipsticks are definitely in my cart for their shade range and packaging. 10/10.
It is crucial to support businesses that support you back and have you in mind when creating products. Now more than ever it is critical to note the intentions of brands and hold them to a certain standard. We will not settle.
Let me know about any other black owned brands that I’ve missed.
What are you picking up? Let me know down below.
- Shy
Comments
Post a Comment