Top Makeup Brands By and For People of Colour.

By Furvah Shah

Since I was a little girl, I have always enjoyed experimenting and playing with makeup. But, whether it be thinly pencilled brows or icy blue eyeshadow, I have definitely made a few makeup mistakes in my time. However, the biggest problem I still struggle with when trying new makeup is finding brands and colours that work with my skin tone. Like me, the majority of makeup-loving girls and boys of colour have horror stories of ghostly foundation shades, ashy highlighters or too-light lipstick. However, the following WOC-founded brands have truly helped change and diversify the makeup game. By carefully creating products that truly complement skin tones across the spectrum, the now multi-million brands have become cult go-to’s for many, makeup-loving people of colour.

1. Fenty Beauty (£££)

It goes without saying that Rihanna’s successful makeup line, Fenty Beauty, has transformed the makeup industry through its 50-shade foundation range and high-quality products. The singer and businesswoman created her brand with the vision “that women of all shades and races would be included”, and this is truly embodied through the plethora of colours available and pinpointing of universal shades.

2.  NYX Cosmetics (£)

On the more affordable end of the spectrum, NYX Cosmetics is well-known for its bright colours and brand identity of inclusivity, diversity and fun. Founded by Korean-American woman Toni Ko, and now owned by L’Oreal, the brand has remained affordable whilst creating high-quality, cult products such as its Jumbo Eye Pencils, colourful eyeshadow palettes and 45-shade foundation range. 

3. Juvia’s Place (££)

When it comes to bright, bold eyeshadows that truly pop on darker skin-tones, Juvia’s Place is a front-runner. Each of its eyeshadow palettes features iconic illustrations of black and brown women, making the use of their products feel like a truly glamorous experience. The brand, founded by Nigerian-born Chichi Eburu, was inspired by “the vibrancy of Africa” and has also branched out into face products such as foundation, concealer and highlighter.

4. Beauty Bakerie (££)

Black-owned brand Beauty Bakerie constantly challenges makeup conventions. With just one example is that its foundation displays begin with the darkest shade and progressively get lighter. The fun and playful products, inspired by all things sweet, has become a favourite from influencers to celebrities alike (Beyonce included!). The American founder, Cashmere Nicole, a teenage-mother and cancer-survivor, embodies inclusivity and acceptance through her brand and has products from foundation to lipstick, and everything in between.

5.  EX1 Cosmetics (£)

With products specifically and exclusively created for skin with golden and yellow undertones, EX1 has become a favourite amongst celebrities and everyday people of colour. The brand was founded by British-biochemist Farah Naz, who struggled to find the right foundation fit for her South-Asian skin tone, and now aims to create matches from the fairest to the deepest of skin tones.
Location: London, UK

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