12 Beauty & Fashion Brands That Should Be on Your Radar for Black Business Month

Since 2015, self-taught makeup artist, founder Danessa Myricks has been promoting self-expression and confidence through her eponymous makeup line. The brand has since become lauded for its beneficial skincare ingredients, extensive shade range and multitasking products—like the popular Groundwork Palette which works on the eyes, brows, cheeks and lips. 

While this clean beauty brand was made for all, founder Diarrha Ndiaye launched Ami Colě (pronounced ah-me co-lay) specifically for women of color. Noticing a large gap in how the beauty industry understands melanin skin, she addressed it by creating products filled with nourishing formulas. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant blush, a spot-on concealer or a moisturizing lip oil, this brand keeps all skin tones in mind. 

If you’ve seen the bold undereye patches on your social feeds, chances are they’re from Topicals. Founded by Olamide Olowe, this beauty brand wants to change how you feel about your skin through their science-backed products. As stated on their site, “As someone who always had skin that didn’t look like what I saw in my favorite TV commercials and magazines, I grew up thinking there was such a thing as ‘perfect’ skin and that I had to have it. Now I know that you make skin look good—not the other way around.” Each product goes through vigorous clinical testing and is formulated with the help of their medical advisory board consisting of dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. The brand also promotes mental health advocacy by donating a percentage of their profits to mental health organizations. 

EADEM (which means “same” or “all” in Latin) was created by and for women of color. Since 2021, the brand stands by clean ingredients and inclusive skincare. Their first (and most popular) launch is the Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, which promises to combat hyperpigmentation for all skin tones, using ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and amber algae. Based on the overwhelming positive reviews I’ve seen, the brand has expanded with a line of moisturizers, toners and lip balms. 

After struggling to find haircare that worked for her, founder Hanna Diop launched Sienna Naturals in 2012. Eight years later, she roped in actor (and sister-in-law) Issa Rae to help her bring the brand to the masses. All products are inspired by ancestral traditions and designed to maintain hair’s health, featuring key ingredients like castor and coconut oil. The line is also dermatologist-tested and developed by in-house scientists to ensure your scalp and strands are in good hands. 

Inspired by the hot summers in Dominican Republic, Afro-Latinx founder Magdalene Hurtado developed hair accessories that can wrap her hair up without breaking or causing tangles. Whether you have a voluminous mane or a silky smooth blowout, the silk scrunchies are made to minimize frizz and friction with any style you want to rock ‘em in. The brand also expanded to hair bonnets, wraps and pillowcases to protect your hair from morning to night. 

If you’re searching for a functional yet stylish bag, Silver & Riley should be on the top of your list. Inspired by her travels, founder Lola Banjo released totes, duffle bags, you name it. All crafted in calf or cowhide leather, each bag is durable, stylish and luxurious for any occasion. The New York native also created a line inspired by popular neighborhoods like Tribeca, Cobble Hill and NOLA.  

Founder Deseri Kelley received her first designer bag at 9 years old, and the love for the accessory blossomed from there. After spending years growing her own collection, she finally decided to make her own line in 2022. The luxury brand continues to be a favorite for its style, functionality and leather-bound material. All bags are handmade and offer a fashionable touch to any look, from a sleek tote to a mini handbag. 

Founder Gina Love always had a passion for fashion. When she wasn’t learning from her mother (who was a seamstress and a jewelry designer), she was creating staple pieces for her dolls. While she ended up pursuing a career in law, fashion design (specifically accessories) continued to draw her back. In 2017, she left her job as a real estate lawyer and Auvere became a reality. The brand offers 22 and 24 karat gold jewelry collections that are inspired by Love’s background in history and architecture. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to make your outfit pop or a simple bauble to elevate your daily look, they have plenty of options to choose from.

No one does gold jewelry quite like Ten Wilde. Since 2016, the brand strives for a minimalist style in their collections—from chunky hoops to waist chains. You can even do customized pieces to gift someone (or yourself). Not convinced? This jewelry brand has a long list of celebs that are huge fans, too. 

In 2013, founder Diarra Bousso launched Diarrablu, a sustainable fashion brand that uses ancient techniques from Senegal. You’ll easily spot the brand for their vibrant colors and artistic designs that’s great for a tropical getaway or a bunch with friends. Choose from their various swimsuits, flowy dresses and two set ensembles, each piece ready to order along with extensive sizing up to 3X.

CEO and founder Rebecca Allen always had trouble finding a nude shoe that matched her skin tone. She decided to launch her own shoe collection featuring various nude shades for women of color. The eponymous brand has four styles to choose from: mules, pumps, flats and two-strapped heels. Wear them to work, a night out with the gals or a dinner date with the beau.