I have been tinkering with my hair and makeup for some time now—trying to figure them out. Unfortunately, I am sort of terrible at both. But I have learned a few makeup tips and tricks from YouTube and Instagram.
On most days, I successfully apply the things I have learned. But, unfortunately, on other days, my makeup looks like, “what the heck.” But I am committed and getting better at this makeup thing.
My hair is another story—a lot of trial and error. Sadly I have not made progress I wished for with my hair.
My goal is to wear my hair curly without looking Hobo Chic. And to accomplish a flawless makeup look in ten minutes or less (is this even possible?). I am utilizing maybe two or three multi-purpose products.
I found several black-owned beauty brands I am very excited to share during this experiment.
Here are Five Black-Owned Beauty Brands, all owned by women, to support this month:
Ami Colē
Ami Colē is a Clean Beauty Brand. Inspired by Senegal and birthed in Harlem, New York, by Harlem-native Diarrha N’Diaye.
I love that this is an inclusive and quality brand for Melanin-Rich Skin.
I tried the Skin-Enhancing Tint. It is perfect for someone like me who loves a soft glow that enhances my natural beauty.
Topicals
Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng founded Topicals. Olowe (who is black) started raising money to launch Topicals. She suffered from hyperpigmentation and post-barbae folliculitis, a type of skin inflammation. She met Teng (who is Asian American) along the way. Who suffered from severe eczema.
Olowe, as CEO, found a partner in Teng. As a result, topicals created balms and salves that made treating their skin (in a literal and figurative sense) an act of self-care rather than a chore to “fix” their concerns.
I stumbled on “Like Butter Hydrating & Soothing Mist” at Sephora and fell in love. It has helped me through the Winter months when my skin needs a little extra moisture.
Pattern
This brand is a creation by Tracee Ellis Ross, who needs no introduction.
I was at Kings Plaza a few weeks ago and decided to stop at Ulta. I found the Treatment Mask, and my hair loves it. It lengthens my curly hair.
Miss Jessie
Miss Jessie is a brand by sisters Miko and Titi Branch. Although it was created in 2004, this is my first time using it.
My sister suggested I try their “Pillow Soft Curls.” I love that it gives me the hold I want without the stickiness and the crunch.
Nude Coco
Nude Coco was born out of sibling love. Courtney Carter’s younger sister was suffering from eczema. She wanted to help her sister and created Nude Coco.
Their “Body Balmie” is a hydrating lotion stick with mango butter and cocoa butter.
During the pandemic, I thought it was the perfect time to switch to natural deodorant. So I ordered several brands to try. Unfortunately, I severely burnt my underarms to shorten this story, leaving my skin discolored and dry.
I create an underarm regimen to repair the skin. While not 100 percent healed, it is better. I love using the Body Balmie at night. It keeps the area moisturized, and I believe the discoloration is fading.
Comment below, are there any black-owned beauty brands you would like to recommend to us?
