by
Lisa Jean Francois
Cosmetics companies have long had a habit of excluding black women from their agenda. We’re often an afterthought, and that ain’t cool. Now, there are exceptions to this rule: Fashion Fair, Lancome, and Mac Cosmetics, to name a few. But now, more than ever, it’s important that we pay attention to the Black-owned cosmetics companies that are giving these bigger brands a run for their money.
Known for fabulous matte liquid lipsticks with shades that fit every skin tone, Coloured Raine was founded in 2013 by Loraine (Raine) D. who “decided to create an edgy cosmetic line that breaks all barriers within the cosmetic world.” If you’d like to see how some of her lipsticks look on deeper skin tones check out my review here or watch these videos:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzb8VpOJaok]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17dBtr1Zvs]
Laws of Nature Cosmetics
Founded by Jasmine Rose who writes that,“Laws of Nature Cosmetics is a organic and natural mineral cosmetics line for women of color.”
“Since 2002 Lake Louise has been the Chief Eco-Beauty Officer (CEO) of Skin, Mind, Body Essentials, a beauty and wellness products company whose brands include: Lotus Moon®, DetoxRx®, Plain Jane Beauty® ( a line that boasts safe, natural and organic ingredients that encompass all shades and skin tones) and SON®”
According to her website, “Vera was contracted on national television as one of the first black actresses on the soap opera “Another World” NBC where she portrayed “Linda Metcalf” for ten years. She immediately realized the void in the market for quality products for women of color, specifically a natural looking foundation that didn’t rub off on your clothes. This gave birth to Vera Moore Cosmetics.”
Created by Melodye Canady in 2015. “a world with so much chaos, it has become easy to not feel so good about ourselves. With Glow by Melodye you will feel sexy again. You can Glow again. My glaze sticks are just the boost you need to remind you how accomplished and sexy you are. Let Glow remind you that you can do anything. I believe in you.”
“Founded in 2012 by makeup artist, Kristen Elise Brown, Gold Label Cosmetics seeks to to encourage women to proclaim their beauty everywhere they go.”
Sacha Cosmetics is manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago, where curators work “tirelessly to successfully develop products that are flash-friendly on diverse skin tones.”
Founded in 2011 by Detroit native Melissa Butler, Lip Bar was designed as “ a company that would introduce women of all shades to experience a lip color that was not only bold in its shade, but also healthy in its intake.”
Juvia’s Place
You can read more about the company and owner, Chichi Eburu, by clicking HERE. Check out these videos for more:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePbMImfypv8]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLuLVM6eFsc]
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Founded by Danessa Myricks, “who’s eye for photography has encapsulated her ideals of beauty. 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.”
Iviviiv Cosmetics
“B.A.A.B.S. products are a hypoallergenic and cruelty-free professional grade cosmetic line. Our products give great color pay off and long lasting staying power by providing highly pigmented makeup made from high quality ingredients. B.A.A.B.S. is dedicated to catering to each individual’s make up needs. We offer make up services for all of your special occasions; as well as a full cosmetics and skin care line for even the most sensitive skin.”
IYMB stands for I make you beautiful and was founded by artist and educator Danessa Myricks.
Vegan and non-toxic nail laquer brand found in Ulta Stores and salons around the country.
AJ Crimson was founded by AJ Crimson of course. A makeup artist who’s worked with Missy Elliot, Brandy and more debuted a brand that fits the wide range of shades among women of color.
Founded by a Chemistry Grad, Florence Adepoju this handmade (Yes, Adepoju makes these cosmetics herself) cruelty-free lipstick brand can be found online and in Topshop.
Beauty Bakerie was founded by entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, Cashmere Nicole. Right now they have a line of cruelty-free, smudgeproof, waterproof lipwhips that are selling out. Keeping in line with the “bakery” theme is their brownie brow products. Find their products online.
This luxury skin care brand was founded by Jamaican born Beauty Expert, Melissa Hibbért’. The line features everything from foundation, lipstick and mascara to brushes and a complete skincare system.
This sleek yet practical nail care line was created by and named after nail care professional, Bernadette Thompson. Thompson has worked with such celebrity clients as Beyonce, Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Tyra Banks, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Janelle Monae and many more.
Dalynn Cosmetics was founded by Danielle Dalynn. The brand prides itself on being a customizable cosmetics line at an affordable price.
This cruelty-free, paraben-free, petroleum and vegan lip color line was created by Howard grad, Stephanie Bennett who packages and makes the products by hand herself.
The Polish My Life nail color line was founded by Shaneka McDonald in 2013 after she searched for the perfect coral/orange nail color. McDonald ended up mixing her own nail color and thus Polish My Life was born.
The bold lip gloss brand Lip Addyct was founded by Memphis-based Adrienne Owens in November of 2011 from her love of glosses.
This nail polish line was crafted by veteran nail professional, Theresa Williamson. Williamson who had been a licensed manicurist for 22 years set out to create Polish & Co, a non-toxic, carcinogen-free polish line.
Celebrity stylist and owner of Kontrol Mag, Julian Lark developed the Revel cosmetics brand as his answer to the need for versatile quality cosmetics.
The Spectrum brand was created by Amber Rose (not to be confused with the model/actress), a mother of an autistic child in efforts to give back to families affected by autism. Out of every purchase 30% is donated to Autism Research and Education. The brand successfully raised $17,000 in the last 5 years for the cause.
This brand was founded by makeup artist, Karian Newby-Durham in Detroit, MI as a response to cosmetic brands which failed to provide adequate colors for those of all skin tones. This company also donates a portion of their proceeds to the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of Karian’s grandmother.
The brand Vault was created by Zimbabwean entrepreneur Jackie Mgido in response to the make-up challenges she faced as a woman in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Beauty Brownie was created by two sisters from Brooklyn, NY as a means to encourage women with “darker skin tones to love the skin they’re in and not conform to beauty standards that leave them out of the equation.”
This Pennsylvania-based company was founded by professional makeup artist Crystal Warren in 2010 as a means to provide a high performance makeup with more natural and organic based ingredients. Pink Stiletto cosmetics prides itself on being a 95% natural and organic product line.
Jill St. Williams created Jay Jill cosmetics with women of color in mind. This line has everything from contour palettes and foundation to a brow bar line and brush sets. Currently only available online and through national conventions.
Ka’Oir is a vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free cosmetic line that developed by model, Keyshia Dior.
Have you shopped any of these brands? If so, share your thoughts below!
46 Responses
Hi Guys! Check out this database listing of black owned hair product companies that cater to natural hair. http://megdsie.com/natural-hair-products/
I absolutely LOVE Coloured Raine. The best liquid lipsticks I’ve ever tried.
I noticed that some if these are private labels very disappointing. I know small business had to start somewhere. Wish they would have done custom manufacturing if they were going to go tdown that road
Alot of these are private labels vey disappointing
Which ones? I’m honestly asking so we can verify and update the list.
Most of them are..I spot them too. Very disappointing I would say, especially when we have to put so much out to be amongst the very best.
Where are my comments? Am I not aloud to share my opinion? this is the first time on this site my comments not being showed. there was no negativity or profanity.
We’re a small team and we moderate everyone’s comments. We have to approve hundreds of comments every day. If your comment is not showing it’s because we haven’ t gotten to it yet. It’s not personal.
oh okay, sorry about that. I didn’t know. I use to seeing comments post after I write them.
I don’t Know what happen to my comment on my opinion about the black owned makeup products being really expensive but I found Iman and Shea moisture makeup line reasonable for me to buy. I’m still going to stick with really cheap makeup regardless of who owns it. if anyone knows any other black owned makeup that’s under 15$ I would like to know…so far I got two.
I going to start supporting black owned hair products..and I want to support black owned makeup but it looks like that won’t happen because the makeup is ridiculously expensive,every last one I came across was or don’t necessarily have a full line of makeup. 20$ for lipsticks? IDK maybe I’m used to buying super cheap makeup under 10$ or 5$ even as little as a 1$ from dollar tree. I rather have a lot more product than spend alot for the product. Black owned hair products are a bit too pricey as well but I can deal with 10-13$ products,I avoid those who sell their products over 20-30$. these brands seem like it can only be afford by rich people or people who are willing to waste money on it. lol. Black opal and black radiance aren’t even black owned but at least it’s affordable(never tried them before though) It looks like I’m still going to stick with non black owned products for good until a black owned brand sells cheaper/affordable products. sigh…
Non-black owned companies have the capital and resources to scale much faster and, as a result, they can sell more cheaply. The racism of last century affects your buying decisions today.
Consider buying a even one or two cosmetics from a black-owned company. If you don’t, and no one else does, it will be even harder for black-owned businesses to catch up.
I feel the same way about some natural hair products. But I figured out a system. I have one or two brands that do an AMAAAAAIIIZZIZING JOB with my hair.. but i can’t afford to restock every two weeks. So I save up my coins and buy in bulk on black friday/cyber monday. Though I have to use a large amount of conditioner to detangle with, (amazing that i haven’t found a black business that even offers large bottles of affordable conditioners) i just sub it with a cheap conditioner at walmart, and alternate it with the more expensive conditioner. If sometimes my hair needs it, I mix the two to help stretch it. I buy the expensive one not only because i want to support, but the products actually work. Black owned businesses are upping their game, and providing their best services, and it’s made possible with our support. Unfortunately it might be a while until we see a form of price drop, but if we don’t start now… when?? Also, YOU CAN afford at least one. If you’re able to go to the chinese shop and buy you a weave or little knick knacks here and there, you will realize that by the end of your purchase, you would have spent 10-20 dollars anyway. Save it, and buy black. You’ll be contributing to more opportunities for the next generation.
I just heard about this company a few weeks ago and ordered their Corn concealer. Ladies, this product changed my life. They are a black owned company. You should definitely add them to your list. I will be checking out their other products soon and tell you all about it. But for the foot cover for my corns, I can definitely tell you that I am FOREVER sold.
Here are some other B.O.M.B:
Nail Polishes
-Pear Nova
-O So Dollish (relauncging)
-Bernadette Thompson
-Lenora Nail Colors
-WAH London (UK based)
-Adore Her Nails
-1143 Nails
-Polished Nail Colors
-Breukelen Polish
-Vane Polish (International)
-Princess M Nail polish
-G-Merc Lacquer (relaunching)
-25th & June
-Joveeco
-Risque
-Bridgette Lacquer
-K2 Nail Paint
-Nasty Nails LLC
-Superstar Nails
-Lisa Lacquer
-Ooo Polish
-Poilseed Colors Llc
-Get Your Nails D.I.D
Makeup
-B’elegant Cosmetics
-The Lip Bar (as seen on Shark Tank)
-XXIOMORA Cosmetics
-Ajani Cosmetics
-Kami Cosmetics
-Ordained Beauty
-Bovanti Cosmetics
-JD Glow Cosmetics
-Rossimodo Cosmetics
-Shawni Kayy
-Lip Fetish
-Iman
And the last goes on…
Its up to us to do our own research and support our own. Stop with the excuse of “these black owned businesses so pricey!” Alot of them are self ran and not sponsored from big corporations. Then people wonder why few companies cater to us. Well the ones that were made by us never got your coins nor recommondations and went out of business. Also, would you have complained about the products if you bought it from Sephora? If not, then hush!!
Thank you so much DJ! We appreciate you sharing with the world that we are here offering quality nail polishes. Keep spreading the word. Thanks again, Lenora
Check me out ladies. I just launched the first phase to my makeup line, BeautyMARKED! Cosmetics. BeautyMARKED! Cosmetics is an edgy line that brings you products from bold matte lipsticks, long lasting liquid matte lipsticks, highly pigmented lipglosses & super creamy lipliners. All of my products are paraben free, hypoallergenic, excellent quality, long lasting, never drying & never tested on animals! If you are a lover of a fierce lippie, check me out! “Come get MARKED by Beauty” @ http://www.beautymarkedcosmetics.com
Thank you for this list. I know I can trust a blogger like you about the black beauty products.
Hi everybody, have you guys heard about TAJJ Cosmetics? This is an amazing company also. Just ordered The Corn Concealer from their company. For years I have suffered from corn on my toes and didn’t know there was a company that provided cover for my corns. You should add them to your list.
loxxycosmetics.com soon to lunch its private label geared towards women of color.
Check me out ladies at head-mistress.com I launched my liquid lip gloss in June. Thanks.
I’ve shopped Pink Stiletto Cosmetics and am in love! The lip whips are the best! Customer Service is Awesome! Can’t wait to try more companies on this list.
Tyra Banks launched a cosmetic line TYRA Beauty.
http://www.tyra.com/Renee
Great list! I recently started koyVoca, a cosmetics company dedicated to deeper complexions. I have created a variety of products from contour sticks to numerous foundations that suit brown skin well. Here’s the website: koyVoca.com
Check out http://www.beautable.com a black owned online retail store for Cosmetics, Hair & Body Products for the whole family!
Y’all forgot one: Magnoila Makeup. 🙂
LUV Mineral Cosmetics is also a black owned color cosmetics company. The products are natural, organic, gluten-free, cruelty-free and many are vegan. The company is one of the only that direct sells and offers other women the opportunity to have their own business in a company devoted to black women. Sold in US and UK but ships worldwide. http://www.luvmineralcosmetics.com
This isn’t exactly about this article but I have some information to share I was told about Fashion Fair. This is just about the only cosmetic company my mom and I will buy foundations and powders from. My mom is much fairer than I am but we both have yellow undertones and have a hard time finding colors we can wear without mixing, plus my skin is sensitve. We aren’t every day makeup wearers so it lasts us awhile. Anyhoo, they stopped selling FF where my mom lives so while she was visiting I took her to the mall where I live. Most of the foundation samples they had they did not have in stock. I found a beautiful lipstick and ended up buying the last one they had. According to the clerk, the store has a hard time getting inventory shipments in from FF. Also according to her, the founder died and his children/grandchildren have no real interest in running the company and that’s why the stock is so inconsistant although plenty of customers come in wanting to buy. I want to make clear I don’t know this for fact but this is what department store employees are telling people. Also I have a friend who works at Sephora and she says people go in there all the time asking for FF. I think this is really sad for us customers. My mom says if the heirs don’t want it she hopes someone steps up and buys it so it continues.
Maybe John H. Johnson’s daughter, Linda, needs to hear this. I’m hoping it stays black-owned and somebody else outside of the black community doesn’t come in and buy it.
I’m so excited about this article. I would 100 percent support black make up products. I will be checking out each website.
me too!!!
Thank you from Jay-Jill Cosmetics #Glamup
Great post!
Yes it is…I’m still in shock my business is listed #JayJill
Thank you….Thank you…..Thank you
Correction to my first comment: Ginger +Liz is under $20
I heard of some of the brands. Ginger +Liz ismy favorite! Vegan and under ten bucks!
Hi Lisa email Jay-Jill at ja**************@***il.com …Thank you
I wish some of these weren’t so expensive. I want to buy and support but 17 bucks for a lip color is too rich for my blood. 🙁
Hi its Jay-Jill Cosmetics chk out my lipsticks I’m sure theres something to fit your budget..www.jay-jillcosmetics.com
Hello. Just have to let you know about my brand. Nicolet Beauty. Click on this link to check us out! http://www.nicoletbeauty.com. Lipsticks are $12.99. Cruelty free. Handmade in Los Angeles.
Hey, i just updated the link. Sorry about that!
I like the look of Coloured Raine and Sasha Cosmetics – they look really pigmented.
Glam up with Jay-Jill Cosmetics ..Highly pigmented and affordable http://www.jay-jillcosmetics.com
Wheres the link for the review of coloured raine? i want to buy one of their lippies im just afraid any neutral toned pink/mauve will look ashy/horrible on me since they dont do returns. Hell even Jeffree star takes returns.
More articles like this please!