10 Worth-It Black-Owned Beauty Products to Upgrade Your Routine

There’s nothing a beauty fan loves more than a multi-purpose product that actually works. This award-winning pigment comes in a plethora of pretty colors that’ll flatter any skin tone — my favorite was Dusty Rose. The long-wearing hues can give your eyelids, cheeks, or lips a subtle but significant burst of color.

At one point in my life, I gave up on pigmented gloss. I could never find the right color, and the brands available left my lips looking ashy and pale. So I was delighted to wear PMG’s Love & Lust lip gloss set, which comes with colors that complement deeper skin tones. After applying for a day out in the city, I quickly fell in love with the lightweight feel and moisturizing effects. In addition, the antioxidant-rich gloss didn’t create any of the stickiness we all try to avoid.

Rihanna was a pioneer for color palettes that work for every skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Fenty’s offerings were seemingly endless, and we’re still impressed. I instantly knew this eyeshadow palette would be a hit: Every color complemented the others, and every shadow could double as a highlighter for the daring. Ideal for the fall, the glimmery shades made every makeup look I wore easier to accomplish.

Hair oils aren’t everyone’s favorite. Many women worry about oil buildup or a greasy appearance, but this one does the opposite. Ideal for straight, curly, wavy, or kinky hair, the silicone-free blend is enriched with kakadu plum — and it leaves hair glossy and shiny without the added heaviness. It worked wonders on my dry scalp.

As a 13-year-natural gal who wears curly and straight hair, breakage is a real issue I aim to avoid. So beyond salon appointments and hot oil treatments, a hair mask is essential for maintaining strength. Even after one use of this mask, I noticed my hair was shedding less during the styling process, and the usual frizz was nowhere to be found. The lightweight cream features plant protein extracts that seal moisture and help with curl definition — the perfect product for curly bun days.

If you’ve never tried an exfoliating shampoo, then you’re going to want to add this to your cart ASAP. It’s formulated with charcoal, coconut oil, and a complex of peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils to cleanse and balance the scalp while lifting impurities. I use many oils on my scalp to deter dryness, and Briogeo’s product quickly removed the excess while soothing my itchy head.

I’ll admit, I was pretty hesitant when this arrived at my doorstep because many brands have a history of not getting a vivid pink shade right. Still, I was proven very wrong. The legendary cosmetics brand Fashion Fair is back with renewed vigor, and their line of lipsticks is both sophisticated and punky. This bright fuchsia lipstick, which is vegan and hydrating, highlighted my skin in the best way.

By now you’ve probably heard of Pattern, the brand developed by the beloved Tracee Ellis Ross after she noticed the lack of haircare for curl-heads on the market. On my wash days, it provided a boost of moisture and a touchable hold when setting twist-outs and wash-and-go’s.

There’s a fine line between dewy and greasy when it comes to cream blushes, but LYS Beauty strikes the perfect effect. Made with a blend of kaolin clay, avocado oil, and vitamin E, this satin-matte pigment is a creamy formula that gives skin a natural flush. One balmy afternoon, I even dabbed mine on my eyelids and cheekbones for a subtle kiss of color.

Jackie Aina wanted women to feel the way they deserve: spoiled, pampered, and surrounded by luxury. That’s exactly how I felt every time I lit this Caked Up Candle. Aptly named, it smells of sweet almond cream and vanilla bean, combined with a spicy edge that quickly spread through my entire apartment. Sure, it’s not technically a beauty buy, but it’s a great Sephora pick to make your space more beautiful.