These are the best black-owned skincare and make-up brands you’re going to want to shop
06/17/2020In the past few weeks, we’ve seen the world join together to support the black community and the #blacklivesmatter cause. This has seen many speaking out and spreading awareness on how each of us can make a difference in the fight against racism.
Here at OK!, we want to shine a light on the brilliant black-owned businesses that are (and have been) taking the beauty world by storm. From superfood face oils to sentimental scents, these incredible brands will make you want to add everything to your shopping baskets…
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DWIRA
DWIRA (meaning to purify and cleanse) is a vegan superfood skincare and wellness brand that uses West African ingredients to rejuvenate and hydrate your skin and body.
The brand is headed by actress and facialist Adwoa, who claims she noticed how the high-end skincare products she was using often contained chemicals which she felt had negative side effects.
In an attempt to better her skin, Adwoa started formulating her own products, using natural Ghanaian oils and ingredients such as shea butter.
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Our pick: Hemp Superfood Face Oil 15ml, buy it here for £25
This is packed full of skin-boosting ingredients like hemp, rosehip, moringa and baobab oils.
Beauty Bakerie
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, Beauty Bakerie was created by Cashmere Nicole, and aims to champion diversity by creating long lasting, smudge-proof make-up for all skin tones.
Cashmere created the cruelty-free, vegan brand after battling breast cancer, prompting her to ensure all Beauty Bakerie products would be as chemical-free as possible.
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Our pick: Matte Lip Whip, buy it here for £19
This budge-proof liquid lipstick comes in a whole range of stunning shades and claims it’s so long-lasting, you can apply it once and leave it at home for the day.
PLANT Apothecary
This eco-friendly skincare brand was created by husband and wife duo Holly McWhorter and Bjarke Ballisager back in 2012 as a way of promoting organic ingredients, inclusivity and environmental friendliness.
The brand has an array of plant-based bath, body and face products for both men and women of all skin types, including a range of vegan body washes that not only smell great but are also free from parabens, SLS, and silicones.
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Our pick: Start Happy Body Wash, buy it here for £20
Enriched with the essential oils of geranium and peppermint, this mood-boosting gel is bound to give you a spring in your step.
Liha Beauty
Founded by best friends Liha Okunniwa and Abi Oyepitan, this UK-based skincare brand prides itself on creating organic, vegan products that merge natural West African ingredients with English aromatherapy and folk remedies.
If you take a trip to Liha’s website, you’ll find a selection of natural products including Gold Shea Butter and Ose Gidi Soap.
Our pick: Self Care / Sleep Aid Kit, buy it here for £61
This bath time bundle is the perfect remedy for a good night’s sleep. It includes Liha’s calming Queen Idia candle and Idan Oil, otherwise known as “magic oil”, which has a multitude of uses, from a facial oil to a leave-in hair conditioner. Or simply pour in your bath for instant relaxation.
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Candour Beauty
The online marketplace that aims to “put women of colour at the forefront of beauty” was founded by entrepreneurs Jacqueline Kusamotu and Abi Lawrence-Adesida who personally try and test out any products that are sold on their website and promise to only work with brands who are socially conscious and aware of their product ingredients.
Candour stocks a range of well known brands such as Olaplex and Evolve Organic Beauty, selling products for skin, hair and personal care.
Our pick: Black Girl Sunscreen Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 30, buy it here for £23
The cult favourite product is packed full of natural ingredients like avocado and jojoba which means it doubles as a moisturising lotion as well providing protection from sun damage.
Manicure You
Manicure You was created by founder Nicola Soremekun after she noticed the effects acrylic and shellac treatments were having on her nails.
With the aim of creating perfectly polished nail looks without the damage, Nicole launched Manicure You in 2018 and now the brand stocks a range of cruelty-free, toxin-free nail polishes in a bunch of stunning shades.
Our pick: Gel Effect Nail Polish in Minted, buy it here for £7.99
We love this summery shade.
Maya Njie Perfumes
Born in Sweden, Maya Njie moved to London in her late teens and studied photography at the University of the Arts London where she began experimenting with scents as a way of furthering her practice.
Inspired by photographs from her family albums, Maya wanted to create scents that resembled memories in her life and in 2016, Maya Njie Perfumes was born.
Our pick: Discovery Set, buy it here for £17
This allows you to trial out the range in 2ml vials – if you decide to then purchase a bottle, Njie offers a 10% discount to use across the range.
Soapsmith
Founded by Samantha Jameson in 2012, this much-loved luxurious soap brand is based on Sam’s life in London, with scents inspired by various areas in the capital city. There’s Camden (think incense and spices) and Lavender Hill (a blend of English and French lavender with a hint of rosemary.)
Our pick: Hackney Hand Wash, buy it here for £16
The scent was inspired by long walks through Hackney Marshes, long summer days and afternoons spent by the River Lea. “Hackney” contains the herbaceous scent of bergamot and sandalwood, along with fresh notes of rosemary and geranium.
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