In honor of Black History Month, I want to highlight five black-owned beauty brands you can add to your self-love routine this Valentine’s Day, like me!
This is the month to shed a spotlight on the stories, achievements, and important contributions Black Americans have, and continue to make on society, and the beauty industry. Black Americans have been disproportionately denied access to resources, loans, and capital to reach economic equity and business ownership. Yet black businesses continue to flourish, offer diversity in much needed industries, like Fenty Beauty and Undefined Beauty, and style in the luxury realm like Hanifa.
Although it is Black History Month, it is important to support all black-owned businesses, not just this month but year-around. Check out some local black-owned businesses near you.
1. Savage X Fenty by Rihanna
Nothing starts a good self-love night like a soft robe or your best loungewear after a shower. Sometimes if you’re feeling spicy, some lingerie will do. Savage X Fenty by Rihanna is a size-inclusive lingerie brand all about fearlessness, empowerment, and inclusivity. Her two-piece sets make me feel like that girl when pampering myself!
I absolutely adore a good skin care routine that makes me feel like a top-rated at-home esthetician every morning, and sometimes night. A good skin care routine seems like the foundation to a self-love day. It is hard however to find the routine that is just right for you.
2. Buttah Skin by Dorion Renaud
Buttah Skin never fails me. Buttah Skin is a gender-inclusive skincare brand founded by skincare expert Dorain Renaud. I struggle with dry and dehydrated skin every winter, since their products have shea butter and vitamin-e it leaves my skin moisturized and glowing . My favorite product? Their Vitamin C Serum. It increases radiance and helps even skin tone.
3. Topicals by Olamide Olowe
Another skin care brand to check out for your routine is Topicals. Olamide Olowe created Topicals in 2020. She is the youngest Black woman to raise over $2 million dollars in venture funding. Truth is y’all, Topicals is the truth.
Topicals is known for treating chronic skin conditions. You might’ve noticed their bright, eye-catching packaging on Sephora shelves, or even from your fav influencers. They even donate a percentage of their profits to mental health advocacy groups and organizations. Their Faded: Brightening and Clearing Serum for Dark Spots and Discolorations helps with hyperpigmentation, while their “Like Butter” Hydrating Mist keeps you looking juicy all day.
4. Pear Nova by Rachel James
Meet Pear Nova. If you like doing your nails at home, pamper yourself with a mani pedi. Show your cuticles some love! Rachel James founded Pear Nova in 2021 after she saw a lack of representation in the nail industry. She has everything you need for an at-home gel mani or luxury pedi. Something about a fresh mani pedi makes you feel good.
5. K Ligg Co. by Kadeja Liggans
Writing is one of my favorite activities to do during my self-love nights. I usually grab my favorite journal and my cutest, smoothest pen. Recently I’ve been using a notebook from the black woman-owned stationery brand, K Ligg Co.
Richmond native, Kadeja Liggans created K Ligg Co. in 2020 at 29 years old to empower women and build community through imagery, centered around self-love and black culture. I found her products at a local Black Farmer’s Market in Richmond. She greeted me at her tent with the biggest smile and an assortment of quality one-of-a-kind stationery products.
This Valentine’s Day, end your self-love night with writing a love letter to yourself or little you, you deserve it <3