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Temple | Style > Beauty

Black Women-Owned Beauty Brands to Support

Lateefah Gobir Student Contributor, Temple University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Beauty is for everyone no matter your skin color, your style, or how you look. That is why women-owned beauty brands are so important. Big-name brands always get a lot of attention but there are a lot of smaller, independent brands created by Black women that also deserve the public’s attention. These brands may not be as popular, but they still make a difference. They focus on highlighting the beauty of regular people. Beauty is more than just looking a certain way; it’s about being true to ourselves and feeling happy in our own skin and these brands are helping make the beauty world a more welcoming place for everyone.

The Lip Bar by Melissa Butler 

Melissa Butler created this brand because she felt like beauty standards for women of color were too strict. The Lip Bar combats that by emphasizing being yourself. The products are fun, bold, and made for all skin tones. This brand reminds people that there is no one way to be beautiful. It also encourages people to try new colors and styles without being afraid of what other people think. The Lip Bar shows that makeup can be playful and expressive. It is not just about covering up it is about showing confidence and personality. 

Beauty Bakerie by Cashmere Nicole 

This brand is known for its cute bakery theme and long-lasting makeup. But it is also about strength. The founder is a breast cancer survivor who built a successful company. Beauty Bakerie shows that you can overcome hardships and still achieve your dreams. The brand also uses fun packaging and creative ideas to make makeup exciting; aesthetic packaging also attracts customers. It shows that even when life is hard, people can create something that brings joy to others. Beauty Bakerie proves that determination and creativity can make a big impact on the beauty world. 

Hanahana Beauty by Abena Boamah-Acheampong 

Hanahana Beauty is a brand that focuses on natural beauty. This brand sources shea butter from Ghana and supports the women who make it. Hanahana Beauty advocates for fair pay and helping communities; it shows that beauty can also do good in the world. When we buy from certain companies, we’re not just getting something for ourselves, we’re also helping women and families in need. This brand is all about showing that being beautiful isn’t just about how you look, it’s also about being kind to others and giving back to the community. Hanahana Beauty is a great example of how small businesses can make a real difference. They prove that even small brands can make a big impact and help drive meaningful change. 

Mented Cosmetics by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson  

Mented Cosmetics is a great brand for people looking for a variety of nude shades, specializing in shades for deeper skin tones. Many brands disregard these shades, but Mented ensures everyone is included by helping people find colors that match them. It’s really important that people see themselves represented, because it can give them a big confidence boost. When a brand like Mented shows that it cares about diversity, it inspires other companies to do the same. Doing this positively affects how people feel about themselves and their place in the world, proving that the beauty industry can be a more welcoming and thoughtful place if brands are willing to listen to their customers. 

Supporting Black women-owned beauty brands is important. By growing the voices of those who don’t usually get a say in the industry, you help bring innovative ideas into the beauty world. This goes to show how beauty brands all over the world are making a difference in how we all interact with makeup. Brands that care about people, culture, and community, help people feel included, confident, and proud of who they are. By supporting these brands, we help create a world where everyone feels beautiful and seen.

My name is Lateefah Iyiola Gobir, and I’m a fashion and beauty staff writer for Her Campus. I cover beauty and fashion because I love helping people—especially women—explore different styles and trends that not only make them look good but also allow them to express themselves freely.

I’m a Public Relations major with a minor in International Business, combining my passion for communication and global perspectives.

I was born and raised Nigeria and I speak my native language,Yoruba, fluently. I’ve always loved fashion, dressing up, and being creative especially drawing and painting. I’m also a huge anime and manga fan, an ambivert who leans introverted at times, and someone who enjoys cooking and getting lost in long animal and dinosaur documentaries.