Unfortunately, black women used to have a hard time finding the shades and products that worked for them. In fact, the struggle became so intense that black women decided to create what they needed. Historically, society has often ignored the contributions of Black beauty inventions. Even worse, black creators are being discredited.
Black women have always been one step ahead of the beauty industry. Additionally, some Black women created popular beauty products in their kitchens. When brands claimed it was too difficult or impossible to be inclusive, Black women showed everyone that’s not the case.
Beauty moguls like Pat McGrath started out small, but have contributed to some of today’s biggest trends. Rihanna is a great example of the inclusivity of Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. Olamide Olowu, owner of Topicals, also created a brand that celebrates all skin types. That being said, Black women continue to raise the bar.
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Black women contribute $7.5 million annually to the beauty industry. Therefore, it’s only natural that we show our support to the brands we’ve created for us. Here are her five black beauty inventions on which you should spend your hard-earned coins.
1. LABeautyologist No Drip Cleansing Cuffs ($25, thecoziclub.co)
There’s nothing more unpleasant than the feeling of water dripping down your arm while washing your face. Needless to say, water gets in everywhere. In 2021, Nayamka Roberts-Smith launched No Drip Cleansing Cuffs. These cuffs are very absorbent and leave no room for water to run off your arms.
2. Black Girl Sunscreen ($8+, ulta.com)
Black women once survived their skin care routine without using the right sunscreen. They were forced to go out or play sports without putting white on their faces, making it difficult to protect our skin. In 2016, she created Black Girl Sunscreen by Shontay Lundy, which changed things.
This sunscreen not only protects melanized skin, but also absorbs seamlessly into the skin. Randy ensured that this formula is moisturizing and nourishing, as other brands tend to dry out black skin. Black Girl Sunscreen now also includes matte formulas, sprays, and sunscreen lip glosses.
3. Grace Eleyae Slap Cap ($22+, graceeleyae.com)
Black women have to be incredibly picky in the headgear department. After all, if you use the wrong fabric, your silk press can end up with an afro. Thankfully, Grace Eleyae changed that for her with her groundbreaking work, The Slap Cap. Her cap is designed with a satin lining to protect curls, silk presses and braids. Additionally, her cap has an elastic band for a snug fit and a stylish aesthetic that makes it seamless when worn outdoors.
Additionally, the Slap Cap, known as Grace Eleyae’s most popular product, can be worn during your sweatiest workouts to protect your hair. Do you live in a humid climate? Or worse, has it been raining? Wear a slap cap to protect your hair from excess moisture.
Since 2017, Fenty Beauty has taken the beauty industry by storm. Fenty Her Beauty, founded by Rihanna, shocked the public by launching 40 shades of foundation. This move was not only innovative, but also served as an example of how to be inclusive. As such, Fenty Beauty set a new standard in the industry, and other brands quickly followed suit.
If you travel frequently or have a large collection of wigs, you know how important it is to protect them. This is where a hair shield comes into play. Launched in 2017 by Delanis Carter, the brand offers a variety of satin-lined hair carriers. Carter created the storage unit to help beauty enthusiasts who are tired of sorting through their messy hair.
From wigs to extensions to tape-ins, The Hair Shield protects your investment. This product is also available in other colors and designs.
Black women continue to be influential in all aspects, especially in the beauty industry. Next time you buy a beauty product, buy one that is owned and created by Black women.
What are Black-owned beauty products that you love? Let us know in the comments below.
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