There’s never been a more important time to support and stand up for the black community — and in addition to protesting, donating, signing petitions and speaking out against systemic racism and police brutality, buying from black-owned businesses is one way to take action.
From colorful wigs to mile-long nails, so many beauty trends are rooted in black culture, yet most cosmetics companies are still struggling to provide shoppers of color with diverse shade ranges and product offerings. Below, a few celeb-approved beauty brands that had it right from the start, and whose products you’re sure to love.
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1. Fenty Beauty
Launched in 2017 by pop powerhouse Rihanna, Fenty Beauty offered 40 shades of foundation right off the bat — and has since expanded to 50, raising the bar for the entire makeup industry. Up next for the staggeringly successful brand? Skincare. -
2. Pat McGrath Labs
One of the world’s most famous makeup artists, Pat McGrath launched her own line in 2015. By 2019, it had grown into a billion-dollar business. Naomi Campbell recently became the first celebrity face of the company, which has earned a cult following for its rich, shimmery formulas. -
3. Pattern Beauty
Tracee Ellis Ross worked with chemists for two years to perfect the products in her hair care line “specifically for curly, coily and tight-textured hair.” Page Six Style tried Pattern last fall, and it’s well worth the hype. -
4. KNC Beauty
You’ve definitely spotted Kardashian BFF Kristen Noel Crawley’s signature lip masks on the Instagram feeds of stars like Emma Stone, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and, of course, KKW. The brand’s shooting-star eye masks are equally selfie-worthy. -
5. Iman Cosmetics
After years spent bringing her own foundation to photoshoots, legendary supermodel Iman launched her namesake cosmetics company for “women with skin of color” in 1994. -
6. Shani Darden
The brainchild of one of Hollywood’s favorite facialists — who counts Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen and Shay Mitchell as just a few of her famous clients — Darden’s skincare range is particularly known for its retinol serum, which we’ve spotlighted in the past. -
7. Kim Kimble Beauty
Can you say “Beyoncé?” Launched by the celebrity hairstylist behind the “Halo” hitmaker’s locks, this line is built on the principle that “healthy hair and great style should co-exist on the same head.” La La Anthony told us she can’t live without Kimble’s products, and Kelly Rowland’s a fan as well. -
8. TPH by Taraji
“Empire” favorite Taraji P. Henson’s hair care line takes a scalp-first approach, with products that nourish, protect and deep-cleanse all types of tresses. -
9. The Lip Bar
Justine Skye recently collaborated with this vegan, cruelty-free makeup line, which founder Melissa Butler created out of her kitchen in 2012. -
10. Vernon François
Lupita Nyong’o’s mane man harnesses the power of organic fair-trade oils in his products, which promise to strengthen and nourish strands of all types and textures. -
11. Bevel
If this award-winning men’s grooming brand is good enough for Nas, John Legend and Magic Johnson — all of whom are investors — it’s good enough for us. From shaving tools to skincare products, Bevel’s got it all. -
12. Bernadette Thompson
Known for her signature “money nails,” this manicurist has worked with Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim and Mary J. Blige, to name but a few. Non-famous folks can get the look at home, thanks to her namesake line of lacquers and nail appliqués. -
13. The Y By Yusef
Yusef Williams began his career creating stunning hair looks backstage at Paris Fashion Week, where he first met Rihanna over a decade ago. Now, he’s her go-to hairstylist with his very own brand, which offers combs, brushes, clips — basically, everything you need to whip up a runway-ready style at home. -
14. Felicia Leatherwood
The brainchild of the celebrity hairstylist behind Issa Rae, Ava DuVernay and Skai Jackson’s red-carpet looks, this detangling brush is a dream for those with wavy or curly hair textures, thanks to its flexible bristles. It comes in several colors as well as in travel sizes. -
15. Hair Rules
Known as “The Texture Guru” to stars like Jill Scott, Solange, Alicia Keys, Michelle Obama and Rihanna, superstar hair stylist Anthony Dickey is a whiz at working with natural tresses. His Hair Rules brand offers cleansing, conditioning, styling and finishing products for textures ranging from straight to curly to kinky. -
16. AJ Crimson Beauty
Created by a makeup artist who’s worked his magic on LeToya Luckett, Hilary Duff and Christina Milian, this inclusive line features foundations, powders and lip colors tailor-made to suit a wide range of skin tones. -
17. Starring by Ted Gibson
Gibson is one of the most respected hairstylists in Hollywood, having worked with everyone from Priyanka Chopra to Lupita Nyong’o. His Starring brand’s Shooting Star Texture Meringue is ideal for creating your own red carpet-worthy hair looks at home. -
18. Camara Aunique Beauty
If you’ve ever admired Angela Bassett or Garcelle Beauvais’ long, fluttery eyelashes, you won’t want to miss this collection of handcrafted mink lashes by celeb makeup artist Camara Aunique Helps. -
19. Epi.Logic
Want to glow like supermodel Veronica Webb? She goes to Brooklyn Face & Eye’s Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, whose science-backed skincare line offers cleaners, toners, serums and creams. All products are free of parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and dyes.