The Importance of Supporting Black-Owned Business' In the Beauty Industry

As a woman of color, finding makeup formulated for my skin tone can be difficult to say the least. A lot of brands see brown foundation and somehow think gray or orange is the perfect accompanying undertone. One of my favorite makeup items is lipsticks and my biggest pet peeve is makeup brands don’t accommodate shade ranges of lipsticks for women of color. There have been so many times, I bought a shade of lipstick that was not the perfect shade of nude to compliment my skin. Often, lipsticks shades are only sampled on paler skin-tones, which is hard to decipher when you’re a darker girl (only until after you bought the lipstick, to go home and realize it was never meant to be for you). Even though, many brands are starting to realize essence of inclusion and diversity, it’s still important to celebrate and support black businesses that make products specifically for people of color.

Why Support?

I believe it’s so important and helpful to support our fellow black owned beauty brands and let me tell you from experience, the products are worth it. I started out with using only black owned beauty brands for my hair care routine, but I have added black owned makeup products to my collection. Once, I started using black own beauty brands for my makeup routine, I was SHOOK. I felt a sense of “where have you been all my life” and “Finally a makeup brand that understands me”. Therefore, it’s important to represent and support black owned beauty brands. These brands cater to black women and have changed my life. Let’s say this, I know who I can go to when I need a product and I know it will work for me. This is truly a great feeling and important to share.

FACTS

Black or African American-owned businesses in the U.S. only “account for 9.4 percent of all firms,” according to the United States Census Bureau’s 2012 estimates. Buying black consistently is how I do my part to help generate wealth and power in my community.

Holy Grail

People often ask me what my favorite black-owned beauty brands are to shop from. I put together my HOLY GRAIL LIST.

1. Fenty Beauty

It’s a given Rihanna is dominating the cosmetic industry right now, one KILLAWATT at a time. RiRi has such a diverse line of makeup products. I mainly use her foundations, highlighters, lip gloss, primer, setting powder, concealer, and blotting paper. Rihanna put her heart and soul in these products. The foundation is so creamy and leaves an airbrush finish for my skin. If you’re an oily girl like myself, this foundation is the right match for you! Overall, her products are very high quality and long lasting, worth your buck!

2. Black Radiance

Black Radiance was one of the first black owned brands I purchased. Their products are mainly in many local drugstores. Very affordable for those on a budget (that’s me!). I mainly use their highlighters, which are so BOMB! The texture is very pigmented and literally their products is made for black women. I feel like a goddess when I drenched myself using their “Artisan Color Baked Bronzer” to highlight my face. If you are wanting to try a black own beauty brand but want something affordable, I recommend Black Radiance being your first choice.

3. Juvia’s Place

Juvia’s Place was launched in 2014. This makeup line is gaining popularity fast! I recently purchased “The Warrior Eyeshadow Palette” and the shadows are so beautiful. One swatch of these colors is all you need, and the coverage is amazing. Guess what? The products are so affordable and comes with great quality. I feel like a Nubian Queen when I dress my eyes with Juvia’s Place. I would say Juvia’s Place packaging is one of my favorites, so empowering and represents African Pride.

4. Sacha Cosmetics

My favorite product is the “Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder”. Literally, their setting powder does not leave any flashback! Also, the setting powder comes in 10 different shades. The setting powder shades accommodates those with a “yellow base” or “pink base” under tones, which can be hard to find in a setting powder.

5. Iman Cosmetics

Supermodel powerhouse Iman created such a lovely beauty line. I personally, love her “Skin Tone Evener BB Crème” and her “Second to None Stick Foundation”. The products are so creamy and creates an even skin tone for those who have skin discoloration. Also, it’s affordable!

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