Black-Owned Makeup Brands Making Waves in the Beauty World – Megan Young Gamble

What You’ll Learn In This Blog

• Discover the inspiring stories behind six Black-owned makeup brands redefining beauty.
• Explore their star products that cater to diverse skin tones and deliver exceptional results.
• Understand how these brands prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in their products and practices.

Introduction

The beauty industry has long been a canvas for creativity and self-expression. Today, Black-owned makeup brands are leading the charge in redefining beauty standards. These brands are more than businesses—they’re platforms for celebrating diversity, empowering individuals, and advocating for sustainability. They are not only catering to deeper skin tones but are also setting new standards with innovative, high-performing, and inclusive products.

In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on six Black-owned makeup brands that have made a remarkable impact in the beauty industry. From clean beauty to luxury formulations, these brands are empowering beauty enthusiasts everywhere.

*NOTE: the brands featured are not an exhaustive list; however some that have exponential growth over the past couple of years.

1. LYS Beauty

Founded by Tisha Thompson, a makeup artist-turned-CEO, LYS Beauty stands for “Love Yourself.” It’s the first Black-owned clean makeup brand at Sephora and offers high-performing, affordable products that cater to deep shade ranges. Their Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Stick is a fan-favorite, delivering a radiant, natural finish in seven vibrant shades. Everything from their chic packaging to their under-$30 price point makes LYS Beauty a standout for inclusivity and sustainability. You can purchase their products on Sephora and their official website.

2. Mented Cosmetics

Founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics was created to ensure that all women, especially those with deeper skin tones, could find their perfect nude lipstick. What started with neutral shades has expanded into foundation sticks, blushes, eyeshadows, and even nail polish. Their Semi-Matte Lipsticks, an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, are enriched with castor seed oil and vitamin E for a nourishing, satin-like finish. It’s beauty tailored for every skin tone. You can buy their products on Target, Ulta Beauty, and their official website.

3. Pat McGrath Labs

When it comes to luxury, no one does it like Pat McGrath, affectionately called “Mother” by the beauty world. A self-made billionaire and trailblazing makeup artist, Pat’s career spans collaborations with Giorgio Armani, CoverGirl, and more than 60 shows per fashion season. Her Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil, a long-lasting, creamy formula, is a staple for makeup lovers. And let’s not forget her iconic eyeshadow palettes, packed with buttery textures and dazzling shimmers that set the gold standard for artistry. Buy this in Sephora, Selfridges, and their official website.

4. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks, a visionary in the beauty world, creates products that embrace artistry and celebrate individuality. Her line is known for bold, highly pigmented offerings that cater to deeper skin tones. The Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed is the latest star product, offering a flexible, matte finish that can be sheer or intense. With a commitment to pushing boundaries, Danessa Myricks Beauty is a staple for anyone ready to experiment with color and texture. You can purchase these products in Sephora, Cult Beauty and their official website.

5. Worthy Oui Cosmetics

Founded by Beverly Bigelow-Nagy, Worthy Oui Cosmetics is a beauty brand that focuses on creating vegan and cruelty-free makeup products. Their offerings are designed with an emphasis on inclusivity, catering to a diverse range of skin tones. Bronztour™ Cream Bronzer as one of their star products, praised for its plant-based formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a natural warmth. This product doubles as a contour and is noted for its suitability across various skin tones. You can purchase this product on their official website. P.S…this is one of my fellow Goldman Sachs Black in Business sisters. 

6. Aeva Beauty

Founded by Francisca Francois, Aeva Beauty is a U.S.-based, Black-owned makeup brand dedicated to creating inclusive, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products. With a focus on celebrating and empowering deep melanin-rich skin tones, the brand delivers high-quality, multi-purpose products designed for versatility and ease of use. One of their star products is the Aeva Multi-Purpose Highlighter, known for its radiant finish and ability to enhance natural beauty across a variety of skin tones. You can purchase their products on their official website.

Conclusion

As you explore these remarkable brands, remember that your support drives change. Each product you choose amplifies voices, celebrates diversity, and builds a more inclusive industry. These brands aren’t just about makeup—they’re about embracing individuality and empowering communities. So, whether you’re experimenting with bold shades or finding the perfect nude, these Black-owned brands ensure there’s something for everyone to love and celebrate.

• Curious to learn about Black-owned haircare brands? ​Read here​
• Curious about Black-owned skincare brands as well? ​Read here

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