We only need to look as far as the limited range of darker foundation shades on shelves to see that inequality is a huge problem within the beauty industry.
This is despite the fact that, according to the British Beauty Council, "Black and Asian women spend approximately £6 on hair and beauty products for every £1 that a white British woman spends."
As the Black Lives Matter movement gains momentum, one of the many ways we can support the cause is to take the time to discover, enjoy and support brilliant Black-owned businesses.
"Diversity builds economic vitality, uplifts communities, and promotes productivity and resilience," explains Freya + Bailey founder Abosede Oguntade.
"It’s actually really important for the children of all communities to grow up seeing businesses owned by all races.
"This helps them to understand there’s a level playing field in the world of entrepreneurship. It’s about making the ‘no limits’ mindset evident. That’s what support for Black owned businesses can do, right here, right now."
So these are all the amazing Black-owned beauty brands to try out...
9 Brilliant Black-owned beauty brands to discover
Freya + Bailey
Career, house, family – on paper founder Abosede Oguntade had it all. But when her fast paced lifestyle left her with stress-related acne, she knew something had to give.
Through research she found that a plant-based regime not only banished her breakouts, but left her skin better than ever before.
Freya + Bailey is all about sharing this knowledge with natural, hardworking skincare. If you’re not sure what your skin needs, use the helpful online tool to discover a brand new regime.
Dizziak
Dizziak’s product range might look limited at a first glance (they only have two products – a hydration wash and a deep conditioner) but when they’re this good, there’s no need for anything else.
Described by founder Loretta De Feo as a ‘multiculturally-minded haircare brand for the 21st century’, Dizziak is neither too light nor too heavy. Making it perfect for all hair types.
R&R Luxury
Founded by entrepreneur Valerie Obaze, the Ghanaian skincare brand R&R Luxury is powered by high-quality, skin-loving shea butter.
Not only are the products a treat to use (their Serenity Shea Oil is a firm favourite of ours) but their production helps to empower the women that gather the Shea nuts, as well as those that work within R&R’s dedicated factory.
By committing to paying above average for raw materials and eliminating the middle man, Valerie is able to provide an improved lifestyle for R&R employees and their families.
Fenty
Arguably one of the first mainstream brands to offer a fully inclusive range of shades, Rihanna’s beauty line had people queuing round the block when it launched in 2017.
Interest hasn’t faltered since then, with the Fenty brand growing from strength to strength.
Their new Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick, £19, is everything we want from a lippy – lightweight and hydrating with a pop of colour.
Pat McGrath Labs
No one knows beauty trends quite like Pat McGrath, for the simple reason that she’s the one that creates them.
If the packaging alone wasn’t enough to win you over when it comes to her eponymous line, then the high-tech formulas will.
It’s not a stretch to say everything in the range feels like a treat, with Pat’s captivating Mothership palettes and luminous highlighters at the very top of our wish lists.
Charlotte Mensah
An award-winning hair stylist at the forefront of the natural hair movement, what Charlotte doesn’t know about healthy hair isn’t worth knowing.
Her hair care line uses vitamin-packed nut oils to leave Afro, mixed-heritage and curly hair soft, nourished and most importantly healthy.
Shop Charlotte Mensah at Space NK
Soapsmith
Handmade in their Walthamstow HQ, Soapsmith’s gorgeous soaps, lotions and soaks represent the very best of London.
Each of their signature scents are inspired by a different part of the capital, from the vibrant blend of spices and incense in Camden Town to the sweet but crisp scent of Marble Arch.
The Mane Choice
Founded by Courtney Adeleye following the success of her YouTube channel, these are the products Courtney was missing as she embarked on her own natural hair journey.
Hair health is at the heart of the brand, nourishing your crowing glory from the inside out.
Shop The Mane Choice at Amazon
Emolyne
A London-based beauty brand with African influence, the brand was dreamt up when founder Emolyne Ramlov's struggled to find matching lip and nail shades.
Browse their wide range of reds and nudes to find your perfect lippy, safe in the knowledge you can splurge on the co-ordinating liner and nail polish too.
Happy shopping!
-
The evolution of the Met Gala in pictures, from its origins to fun facts and the most iconic momentsThe Met Gala has become the 'superbowl of fashion' - but how did it start and when did Anna Wintour make it fashion's big night out?
-
From Madonna to Beyoncé, we uncover the most iconic songs that are actually remakesSometimes a cover song becomes so iconic people don't even realise it is a cover to begin with - and these examples are proof
