Ready to elevate your beauty game and embrace your inner ‘It Girl’? Staying on top of trends while supporting businesses that celebrate our unique identities is more important than ever. We’ve seen the challenges faced by Black-owned brands, making community support crucial for their success. That’s why xoNecole has curated a list of must-have makeup and skincare products created by incredible Black women.
The Lip Bar: Bold Lips, Bold Business
Melissa Butler faced rejection on ‘Shark Tank,’ but she didn’t let that stop her. Butler built The Lip Bar into the largest Black-owned beauty brand on Target shelves, offering a full range of face, lip, and complexion essentials. Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Black Girl Sunscreen: Sun Protection for All Skin Tones
Shontay Lundy founded Black Girl Sunscreen in 2016 to address the lack of effective sunscreen options for women of color. Her products are specifically formulated to avoid the dreaded white residue, ensuring inclusive sun protection for darker skin tones.
Ami Colé: Clean Beauty Champion (Before Closing)
Launched in 2019 by Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, Ami Colé offered clean beauty products celebrating melanin. Despite its popularity, the brand announced it would close in September 2025 due to economic conditions. Supporters are rushing to grab their beloved highlighters, lip oils, and skin-enhancing products before they’re gone.
Juvia’s Place & Danessa Myricks Beauty: Pigment Powerhouses
Chichi Eburu’s Juvia’s Place has become a favorite for its highly pigmented products designed for deeper skin tones. Similarly, self-taught makeup artist Danessa Myricks launched her acclaimed line in 2016, known for vibrant hues and innovative techniques, like the cult-favorite balm powder perfect for hot summer days.
Luxury and Innovation from Pat McGrath Labs & Fenty Beauty
Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath built a beauty empire with her namesake line in 2015, achieving a $1 billion valuation by 2019. Meanwhile, Rihanna revolutionized the industry with Fenty Beauty in 2017, setting new standards for shade inclusivity with its extensive foundation range.
Skincare and Self-Care Essentials: OUI the People, Eadem & KNC Beauty
Karen Young created OUI the People to enhance the shaving experience for women, offering body products that make skincare gratifying for everyone. Eadem, founded by Marie Kouadio Amouzame and Alice Lin Glover, gained recognition for its Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, utilizing innovative melanin technology. Kristen Noel Crawley’s KNC Beauty is sought after for its unique, collagen-infused self-care masks and lip balms, truly unlocking the ‘It Girl’ era.
Ready to embrace your ‘It Girl’ era? Shop these amazing Black-owned beauty and skincare brands on The It List! Which brand are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!