Being a black girl and shopping for makeup is much harder and frustrating than it should be. If you're white and looking to buy foundation, your task is as quick as a trip to the drugstore. Us darker girls however (especially those of us who are more black than brown) have a much more challenging time finding the right tone for our faces and lip shades that don't wash us out. Here are five awesome black-owned makeup companies you need to know if you want to inject a little more #blackgirlmagic into your morning routine.
1. Black Opal Beauty
Founded in 1994, Black Opal Beauty knows the meaning of the word "diversity." Their buttery-smooth foundation sticks are not only affordable at less than $10 each, but come in a wide range of 14 shades. Whether you're a pale ivory "champagne" or a deep "black walnut," Black Opal has the perfect shade for you in stock.
2. KA’OIR Cosmetics
Before Nyx was doing it or Jeffrey Starr's cosmetic line was even up, KA'OIR was the master of the neon lip. They have the widest range of matte, glossy and even glitter-infused lipsticks perfect for Friday and Saturday night. I can't tell you how many lipsticks I've bought from this company, and I keep coming back for a reason. The lipsticks are packed with enough pigment to last through the most wild weekend, and go on waxy without managing to dry out your lips. Plus, it definitely doesn't hurt that the founder, Keyshia Ka’oir, always looks amazing in her own creations.
3. Black Radiance Beauty
If you're on a budget, the best drugstore brand you need to know is Black Radiance Beauty. This company does it all- from your standard eyeliner and lipstick, they took it one step further to create inclusive contour palettes and under eye concealer kits that never sacrifice quality. I am constantly impressed with the quality and diversity of Black Radiance. As someone whose mother always preached "more expensive is better," I love that their $7 eye-shadow palettes can last through an entire day of classes.
4. Magnolia Makeup
One of the most frustrating things about shopping for makeup that I have personally experienced is trying to find "opaque" eye-shadow. I've purchased endless vibrant eye-shadows claiming to be opaque on their packaging, just to find out after I got home to try it out that what they actually meant was "opaque on Snow White only." Not with Magnolia Makeup. Their loose eye-shadows are absolutely loaded with color, and look amazing every time I use them, and all of the fantastic looks you see above were created with their products.
5. Miss Jessie's
If you're more concerned about your hair than your face, my favorite brand for curly hair is Miss Jessie's. No matter what your curl patterns, Miss Jessie has you covered. No matter if you've got a slight wave or the kinkiest curls, there is a deep conditioner, cleanser, and leave-in treatment for you.
