As I often say, supporting Black-owned businesses should be a year-round endeavour, but around special occasions such as Black Business Month, I like to compile a list of brands I’ve been keeping an eye on that are run by amazing Black and Brown entrepreneurs. This BBM, in particular, I’ve got a large number of luxury beauty brands and items from my list to offer that I’ve recently tried or can’t wait to get my hands on. Surprisingly, most of these companies are both luxurious and (in my humble view as a beauty editor) incredibly affordable. I understand that “accessible” is a relative term, but I believe that high-quality skincare, haircare, and makeup are worth a few extra dollars. Many of the items on this list will cost you less than $100. How’s that for opulence? Continue reading if you’re in the mood to indulge, want to support Black-owned businesses, or both. Everyone will find something they enjoy!
Ustawi
Sam Fine, a celebrity makeup artist, once informed me that he favours Ustawi products for melanin-rich skin. Naturally, I knew I had to try its items for myself after that. Each dish is produced with ingredients from Natacha Paugam’s native Africa. She was motivated to make products that highlight your most luminous skin using some of Africa’s unique elements. With components including myrtle leaf, baobab fruit, and bamboo water, the brand’s Bamboo Water Protective Mist is ideal for use as a toner or even to set your makeup. Another item I’m interested in is the Green Tea Matte Finish Moisturizer. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory substances such as green tea, licorice root, and hesperidin. This sounds like just what I need as someone who suffers from acne.
Klur
Klur formulae never let you down. The Supreme Seed Purification Mask ($60) from the brand is still one of my favourite gentle clarifying masks. It truly works miracles overnight. But there’s a reason the formulas are so effective. Lesley Thornton, an experienced aesthetician who takes a holistic approach to skincare and has worked with hundreds of customers with varied skin types, founded the business. Her ultra-clean formulations are even marketed on Credo, so you know they satisfy the strictest ingredient safety criteria.
World of Chris Collins
Chris Collins fragrances completely transport you to another universe. I know it sounds cliche to characterise a perfume line in this manner, but I completely agree. Harlem Nights has velvety notes of rum accord, orris, and sandalwood that, when combined, create a smoky, warm aroma reminiscent of, well, Harlem Nights. Citrus Grandis, another Collins innovation, was added to my cart after smelling such a wonderful creation. This fresh and fruity smell seemed right up my alley, with notes of blackcurrant, yuzu, and pomelo. I’m confident I won’t be disappointed when it arrives—Collins knows exactly how to capture those mesmerising sounds with a dash of adventure.
Katini Skin
Katini Skin formulations are my favourites since they are high in nourishing oils and reflect the culture of the brand’s originator, Katini Yamaoka. Yamaoka’s ancestry influenced the utilisation of Japanese, African, and Australian ingredients. She was reared plant-based from birth, which influenced the development of her range of luxury face oils that address the majority of skin ailments. There are solutions available to increase collagen (my personal favourite), cleanse the skin, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Common Heir
It goes without saying that I adore Common Heir’s 10% Vitamin C Serum. It is still a big seller for the company due to its excellent formula, but the packaging is also extremely environmentally friendly. The single-dose capsules and (beautiful, I should add) exterior packaging are both biodegradable and plastic-free. Common Heir, founded by two clean-beauty veterans, Angela Ubias and Cary Lin, checks all of my boxes. It is long-lasting, produces high-quality formulae, and provides long-term effects. The brand’s next item on my list to try? Its newest product, 0.2% retinol! Because of its low concentration, it is an excellent retinol starter for those who have never tried it.
