25 Black-Owned Beauty and Fashion Brands to Support
Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police brutality, many Americans are mourning, protesting and standing in solitude against centuries-long racial injustice. Supporting black-owned businesses is one of the many ways to support the black community during this trying time.
There are a wide variety of black-owned businesses that are often underfunded, lacking access to capital as well as loans and have been disproportionately disrupted by the coronavirus crisis.
The number of black-owned businesses has fallen by 40% during the pandemic, according to The Washington Post.
Additionally, a 2016 study by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research also determined that startups by people of color, on average, experience substantially higher levels of loan denials than their white counterparts.
Here are some black-owned businesses in the beauty and fashion category to help in supporting and uplifting the black founders.
Beauty
Black Girl Sunscreen
This potent sunscreen is highly reflective of the name and celebrated by many women of color everywhere. It doesn’t leave behind a white cast on the skin, and is loaded with SPF 30, jojoba seed oil, aloe and several other hydrating ingredients.
Lauren Napier Beauty
After a long day of wearing makeup or after a post-work sweat session, the cleansing wipes from Lauren Napier Beauty allow you to take it all off with ease. The brand’s bestselling Cleanse wipes are infused with aloe, chamomile and cucumber extracts to deeply hydrate and smooth the complexion while also reducing redness and inflammation.
Buttah Skin
Created by Dorion Renaud, this skin and body care line was created to enrich the texture of multicultural skin tones. The collection includes a Vitamin C Serum, Whipped Body Butter, Cleanser and Facial Shea Butter.
Mented Cosmetics
Launched by Harvard grads KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics first came to the spotlight for creating nude lipsticks that are flattering on skin of color. Today, the brand expands to include everything from nail polish to face products following the same ethos.
Pattern Beauty
Who better than Tracee Elliss Ross to launch a hair brand for girls with curls? Pattern Beauty carries everything from trial-sized to jumbo shampoos, conditioners and more women with naturally curly hair textures.
The Lip Bar
Lots of people love The Lip Bar for the brand’s big, bold, vibrant lipsticks. In addition to the brand’s beloved lip picks, there are also other cosmetic essentials such as eyeshadow and foundation.
Hanahana Beauty
Hanahana Beauty carries ethically sourced products with shea butter at the heart of the company. You will love luxuriating in the Vanilla Lavender Shea Body Butter or even enjoy the smoothing effects of the brand’s Exfoliating Bar.
Briogeo
If you are looking to give your hair some extra love, Briogeo probably has what you need. The company carries everything from strengthening treatments to moisturizing shampoos.
Epara
Smooth on and reap the benefits of this elegantly crafted skincare line that features super potent tonics, masks, serums and more.
Oyin Handmade
This family owned company has your hair and body care needs covered with exciting offerings such as hydrating hemp-infused conditioners and odor absorbing natural deodorants.
Mischo Beauty
Polish up on your painting skills with Mischo Beauty. The brand carries a wide range of vibrant nail lacquers.
Bevel
For the past few years, Bevel has been setting the standard for the types of grooming products men of color want and need. The company’s signature Bevel blade has been used by celebrities and in barbershops nationwide.
Hyper Skin
Hyperpigmentation (discolored skin/dark marks) is common skin concern for dark-skinned women and men. Hyper Skin serves as an answer to this issue. The Hyper Clear Brightenening Clearing Vitamin C Serum works over time to clear dark spots with key ingredients — vitamin E and vitamin C — that work together to brighten and smooth skin.
The Mane Choice
This fully loaded haircare company features everything from hair growth vitamins to styling gels to keep your strands in tip-top shape.
Nyakio
Treat, restore and more with this African-inspired skincare line. A few standout products include the nutrient-rich oils and the Kenyan coffee face polishes.
Fashion
Pyer Moss
Pyer Moss’ fascinating designs and impactful brand messaging has continued to make waves during New York Fashion Week.
William Okpo
Browse through these beautiful patterns, prints and textures all loaded into this modern, contemporary collection that includes everything from apparel to accessories.
Brother Vellies
Launched by creative director Aurora James, Brother Vellies has everything you want to wear for your next “outfit of the day” post as well as for your next tropical vacation. It’s all there and uberstylish.
Diarrablu
This conscious, contemporary womenswear brand makes shopping feel like an absolute delight. Many of the brand’s prints follow the mindset of merging math and art. “To create our Ndar print, Math equations are digitally generated, graphed and hand-painted on with touches of oranges, turquoise blues and monochromes, inspired by the island’s vibrant architecture,” the brand wrote in a statement. “The resulting abstract pattern is printed on fabrics.”
Hanifa
Hanifa recently made headlines for debuting a virtual fashion show to show off the label’s latest looks: mesmerizing maxi dresses, jumpsuits, elaborate blouses and so much more.
Cushnie
Another Fashion Week favorite, Cushnie luxury line is classy, sassy and everything more. You will be delighted to see trendy yet timeless pieces that are sure to get you noticed.
Laquan Smith
This edgy high fashion brand has been seen on the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West.
Hope For Flowers
Highly coveted fashion designer Tracy Reese pivoted her brand a few years ago to reflect a responsibly-designed clothing under the name Hope For Flowers. You’ll notice amazing silhouttes, colors and patterns that can be dressed up or down.
The Wrap Life
The head wraps sold by this company are truly phenomenal. There are lots of different lengths and textures to play with when you want to add some extra style to your day.
Fe Noel
From vacation ready styles to breathtaking dresses, Fe Noel’s line of apparel is equal parts exquisite and exciting.