Let me begin by saying that every day is an opportunity to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses and culture. Your money can make a difference, especially when you consciously and continuously choose to buy Black for everyday items. This includes food, makeup, clothes, and services—no matter the purchase, every contribution is impactful to the community.
Below are 6 Black-owned brands that I personally love. These brands should definitely be on your radar (if they aren’t already):
Juvia's Place was created to celebrate the tribes and cultures of Africa. Although there are several product offerings, I’m personally obsessed with their highly-pigmented, ultra-vibrant and bold eye shadow palettes.
As a brown skin woman, I love my makeup to have rich color and not feel muted. My favorite palette to create an “everyday” look with is The Warrior II. It includes 9 colors that are super flexible, allowing me to create both daytime and nighttime looks.
It wasn’t until I was on the cusp of 30 that I learned the true importance of using sunscreen. I honestly thought my routine of wearing foundation with SPF was enough. Life lesson: Black CAN crack. Don’t let this popular catchphrase fool you! It’s important to wear sunscreen daily—yes, even on those cloudy days.
Although it’s true that melanin can help protect you against UV rays, it’s not some magical, sun-resistant armor. Black people can still get melanoma, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation from sun exposure. What I love about BGS is that it’s moisturizing, but doesn’t leave a white residue or cast. It’s also paraben free and contains nourishing ingredients like avocado, cacao, and jojoba. I primarily use it on my face and neck, but it can also be used on your body.
The Honey Pot Company is a plant-based feminine care line and it's the truth! Their products are devoid of toxins, artificial ingredients, carcinogens, and synthetics. I became a fan after trying their gynecologist-approved Sensitive Foaming wash. It includes lavender, grapefruit seed extract, and apple cider vinegar to help balance your Ph. As a bonus, I love that this brand has partnered with Happy Period: an organization that provides menstrual hygiene kits to those who are homeless, low-income, or living in poverty. So, you’ll feel fresh AND feel good using this brand.
Mielle Organics is a haircare and beauty brand that launched in 2014. They tout the use of healthier ingredients in their products that help aid in root stimulation, hair growth, and skin hydration. I struck gold when I discovered their Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil at Target. My scalp has a tendency to get very dry, while my hair gets oily. Quite frankly, it’s annoying. I was kind of skeptical after first feeling the consistency, because it’s so light. However, this is the first oil that actually satisfies my scalp’s thirst, but doesn’t leave residue on my hair. It’s also infused with biotin and over 30 nutrients + essential oils.
I was put on to Posh Candle Co. by one of my college besties who gifted me two of their scented candles for my birthday. They offer 100% soy candles that are vegan and cruelty-free. Let me just say: they SMELL AMAZING! I’m actually kind of picky about candle scents; sometimes, they can come off too pungent and make me feel nauseous. But not these candles. It’s probably because Posh Candle Co. uses premium fragrance oils and are conscious about their sourcing. They tout 45-55 hours of burn time (although I haven’t reached the end of mine yet to verify) and the jars are reusable. I absolutely love the fun and unique candle names, too! Whether you’re feeling “Bad and Bougie” or want to “Do Nothing & Chill,” they’ve got options.
This skin-care brand is pretty new (founded in 2018) and only recently appeared on my radar—you may have seen them advertised on your socials. Buttah Skincare offers a great selection of creams, serums and masks that are formulated to combat dryness, discoloration, oiliness and blemishes. Their mission is to give melanin-rich skin the attention it deserves. To start, I tried their customizable sample skin kit, which includes their CocoShea Revitalizing Cream, Vitamin C Serum and Cleanser. I really like the consistency, and it didn’t break me out. I’m looking forward to adding Buttah Skincare to my collection and grabbing the full-sized versions soon!
What are some of your favorites? Let me know in the comments or on IG @andthatsjustashley
Happy shopping!
