We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Vegan, cruelty-free nude semi-matte lipstick that's hands-down the best nude lip I've ever found. Highly pigmented with stunning blends of brown and pink, this is the go-to that you've been searching for (I know it was for me).
I have olive skin and have struggled ever since I started wearing and loving makeup with lipstick colors that inexplicably didn't suit me. I'd purchase popular shades, but when I wore them they'd wash me out and, IMO, just didn't look right. Eventually I figured out that those shades were catering to a skin tone different than mine. Enter Mented, which offers simply the best nude lip I have ever encountered — which, as a lipstick lover who always loves looking for the best thing (and is rarely blown out of the water), is saying a lot. These nudes are downright GORGEOUS and I truly believe they'd look stunning on all skin tones, not only POC. That said, this brand specifically caters to melanated skin and non-white beauty and that has been a game-changer. I agonized over which shades to buy when I placed my first order because they were all so beautiful, and I wanted all of them! TL;DR: This is just the perfect nude. Mented nailed it.
Promising review: "IN LOVE! I never usually leave reviews on products but I loved this so much that I had to. I have never in my life loved a lipstick color and formula more. I will absolutely be getting more!!" —Tamora
"This is the only brand I've encountered that makes proper nudes for nonwhite women. Gonna buy for life." —m
Mented Cosmetics was founded by two Black women to create gorgeous, high-quality makeup for melanated skin.
Get it from Amazon, Ulta, or Target for $16.50, or Mented Cosmetics for $13.20 (available in nine shades).
2. Industry darling Youthforia's BYO Blush Oil for a personalized, buildable formula that changes color based on your skin's pH level when applied. Basically this is the mood ring of makeup!
It's formulated with 20 plant-based antioxidant-dense oils and is suitable for all skin types. It's also fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "New favorite everyday blush. I don’t wear makeup to work but I still wanted something that made me look alive in the morning and this is it!! I just apply this oil blush with my fingers or a brush and it’s blended within seconds! This gives me a natural flush that lasts a full work day and it’s become my favorite for a natural, everyday look. I have been taking this with me everywhere and has replaced all my powder and cream blushes. I know I will keep repurchasing this product for years. Highly recommend!" —Elena P.
Youthforia is an Asian- and woman-owned small business that makes fun yet environmentally friendly makeup. Founder Fiona Co Chan literally slept in this blush for two months to personally make sure that it's skin-friendly!
Get it from Youthforia or Amazon for $36.
3. A mini matcha-infused moisture stick to help reduce under-eye circles and puffiness due to the caffeine naturally found in matcha while also nourishing dry skin on your face, cuticles, elbows, lips, and more. We *love* a multitasker.
Check out a TikTok of the matcha stick.
Promising review: "Life changing. I have dry skin especially on my face. As a middle-aged women I am always trying to figure out ways to moisturize! Also I’m very particular about textures. If something is heavy or greasy, HARD PASS. This product is AMAZING. It gives you luxurious moisture without a greasy feel. I use it all over my face and my skin feels amazing. I bought more for Christmas gifts because the price is shockingly good for such an amazing product!" —Leslie Palmer
Cocokind is a San Francisco-based, Asian woman-founded small business that specializes in earth-friendly skincare.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
4. A rejuvenating bakuchiol retinol-alternative night serum that'll give you the brightening, acne-fighting benefits of retinol without the slew of potential side effects like sun sensitivity, peeling, or dry eyes. This restorative treatment also ~expertly~ blends together antioxidants and healing oils like carrot seed, grape seed, and sunflower seed. This is my #1 wish list item RN!
Promising reviews: "This serum is the love of my life. I run home just to do my night routine." —M
"Obsessed with this serum. I'm almost done with my first bottle, and I am hooked. I have drier sensitive skin so wanted something that was gentle but effective. This serum really does work and does exactly what it says it will. A permanent part of my skincare routine now! Highly recommend." —Abbie
Undefined is a Black-owned beauty company that strives to "undefine" and democratize beauty with plant-based ingredients and affordable products.
5. A bottle of Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue spray to protect and repair your skin barrier using simple yet powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory ingredients. TL;DR: This is a staple toner for inflamed, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, and you can pry it from my cold dead hands.
Spritz on your skin morning and night, or whenever your skin needs a little extra TLC.
I finally bought a bottle of this, and I'm so glad I did. It soothes my parched skin, and I can tell it's calming irritation, too — I recently noticed an incoming perioral dermatitis breakout (an acne-rosacea hybrid that's notoriously difficult to treat), and after a few days of using this, the bumps and redness on my face were completely gone. It saved me from needing to scramble for an expensive treatment, which is kind of unbelievable. It also makes my skin feel more hydrated and more balanced. This thing is understated but mighty, and has a permanent place in my skincare collection.
Promising review: "Best beauty product EVER (not kidding). A friend recommended this because I was complaining about mask acne. And she was right, this bottle of magic is a game changer. I've graduated from the mini size to the regular size...because this stuff is literally the only thing that keeps my face from breaking out these days! LOVE LOVE LOVE!" —Amy B.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Get it from Tower 28 or Sephora for $12+ (available in mini or full size).
6. ~Uber-satisfying~ and mega-affordable hydrocolloid pimple patches for sucking gunk out of acne that has come to a head and (crucially) for protecting deep, under-the-skin pimples from wandering or picking fingers, which can inadvertently inflame blemishes more by adding dirt and bacteria to irritated skin. As a member of the acne ~club~, if I had to choose only one skincare product to use for the rest of my life, it'd be these.
I have used these for years, and I literally buy them in bulk so that I'm never caught without them. I really can't sing the praises of these enough — they make my cystic acne heal faster, whether by sucking pus out of active breakouts or by curbing the beginning of pimples through keeping my hands the heck off them. I like to keep them on overnight, and they're clear and unobtrusive enough that I'll usually use them during the day when needed, too. Different sizes are included so you can customize to different blemish sizes, or simply use smaller patches during the daytime and larger ones at night, lol. This is the product I'm constantly raving to my friends about, and tl;dr it's my desert island item. You cannot go wrong with these. Plus, they're super affordable for the amount you get, and especially for the benefit they provide.
Promising review: "I’ve bought this product multiple times over the last couple of years because they really, truly work. I’m a (now) 37-year-old who still gets hormonal breakouts, including painful cystic acne at times. I sleep with these babies on, and in the morning, the size and redness is usually 50%-75% better. If it’s a larger breakout or a cyst, I repeat the process and have been known to wear these to work — depending on location of the pimple. They really are great and makes having acne in your mid-late thirties less stressful. They’re usually gone in one to two days with these patches! Highly recommend!" —Lauren Kerley
Cosrx is an Asian-owned beauty brand that is wildly beloved by skincare lovers around the world.
Get a pack of three (72 pimple patches total) from Amazon for $15 (also available in other packs).
7. A unique, cruelty-free nourishing skincare oil infused with soothing rosehip, repairing blue tansy, and regenerative black cumin seed oil to hydrate while treating acne and reducing the appearance of scarring and pores.
See it on TikTok here.
I have had cystic acne since adolescence plus skin that's somehow dry *and* oily. On top of that, my skin has somehow become more sensitive with every passing year so I'm very careful about what I put on my face. I was initially skeptical that an oil of all things would help my skin, but I LOVE this thing. It is somehow so lightweight while feeling truly nourishing. My breakouts have cleared up since starting this product, and my skin is less oily and more even, like the oil has been balanced out. I've been looking everywhere for a skincare product with black cumin seed oil (a v underrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil that helps fade pigmentation and is gentle enough to calm even eczema), so I was delighted that it was a main ingredient in this. I am so glad I gave this a shot and will definitely be buying another when I run out. Also, can I just say the product's push-down (instead of squeezing) dropper packaging is ingenious?!
Promising reviews: "After 15+ years of acne and sensitive skin, this product is the best thing I have ever tried on my face! It quickly gets rid of zits, big and small, even deep hormonal ones, within a day or two. It also reduces post-breakout hyperpigmentation." —Jennifer O
"Amazing product. I am obsessed with this oil and even brought it on a vacation abroad with me. I've always struggled with acne but this has really done wonders on my skin, and has given me a glow that I love. I use this every day at least once." —Kirsten S
Blume is a woman of color–owned small business that specializes in skincare and period care products.
8. An organic, super nourishing turmeric and calendula soap that conditions and soothes dry, scaly skin so well, that it's basically a must-have for folks with dryness whose normal body wash is just not cutting it (🙋♀️).
It can be used on the body and face.
I recently picked up this soap and it has floored me with how far it has exceeded my expectations. Many soaps promise to clean and moisturize your skin, right? For me, this is the only soap that has ever delivered on that promise. I literally feel the soap conditioning my skin as I use it, which I think is due to the fact that not all of the olive oil used in it is converted to soap, meaning that when you use it that extra oil is ~bequeathed~ to thirsty skin. I'm pretty sure it's the only reason my skin hasn't fully cracked off this winter, since I've been too lazy to use body lotion recently (I know) but my skin is still shockingly soft (and intact). Clearly Zatik is doing some heavy lifting, and we are grateful for this LOL. I'll be repurchasing this for a long time to come. The inclusion of brightening turmeric —one of my fave and IMO, most underrated ingredients — is an awesome touch, too!
Promising review: "Absolute favorite soap. I have had sensitive and dry skin for about the last 10 years and have tried about 30 or 40 different soaps. The first time I tried the Zatik olive oil soap I could feel a difference in how my skin felt. It didn’t feel as dry and also felt softer. The soap does tend to get soft when it’s wet so I keep it on a soap dish so it stays as dry as possible. Also appreciate that it’s a handmade soap and feel it’s worth every penny since it works so well for my skin. Love it!" —Good Thoughts
Zatik is an Armenian, family-owned small business based in California that makes all-natural body, skin, and haircare products. Everything is handmade and organic! "Zatik" means "ladybug" in Armenian, a nod to the regenerative power of the botanical ingredients that are the basis for their products.
Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in three formulas).
9. A spot treatment with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial ingredients zinc oxide, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint oil to calm the severity of breakouts without stripping skin *and* speed up the healing process. (Did I mention it's also only $12?!)
I'm also kinda obsessed with its doe-foot applicator.
I've transitioned to this spot treatment over harsher ones, and really appreciate how effectively it treats and dries out my blemishes without stripping or irritating my skin, even when I use too much of it, lol.
Promising review: "I’ve been searching for a product that zaps always blemishes without irritating my skin forever and I’ve finally found it!!!! I have hormonal and cystic acne and it seems like I can never get my skin under control. After putting this on my blemishes I woke up and they’re almost all gone! Today was the first day I was actually comfortable with wearing no powder makeup to cover my skin because it’s more clear than it’s been in months. Thank you Rosen!!!! :)" —Ally
Rosen is a Black woman-owned skincare biz founded by Jamika Martin to address the unique skin concerns of women of color using natural, skin-safe ingredients.
10. And from the same brand: A hydrating cream clay mask packed with zinc, almond oil, niacinamide, and eucalyptus oil to answer the prayers of inflamed, blemish-prone skin. This gentle formulation has clinically backed antibacterial properties, calms active breakouts, and helps regulate sebum production without stripping sensitive skin. I'm obsessed.
I'm a bit obsessed with analyzing *ingredients* in my skincare, so when I was snooping around the internet and found this mask and read the ingredients, I wanted it IMMEDIATELY. For my sensitive, cystic acne-prone skin, zinc *and* niacinamide are kind of a godsend. I've been searching for a good zinc mask for a while, but it's surprisingly difficult to find given what a superstar antimicrobial, acne-fighting ingredient it is (skincare world, what gives?). The addition of sweet almond oil makes this truly a *chef's kiss* formulation since it makes the mask (which is made for inflamed, blemish-prone skin) actually nourishing rather than drying, which is really a feat. The size of the container is small, but a little goes a very long way — I think the jar will last me at least 10 applications, if not more. TL;DR: This mask has swept me off my feet and is absolutely worth grabbing.
Promising review: "Ive been dealing with hormonal cystic acne since I was 13. For seven years I have tried everything, from prescribed medications to drugstore alternatives. This mask helped clear my skin completely and as well as its texture." —NunyMamita
Get it from Rosen or Urban Outfitters for $18.
11. An innovative AHA/BHA rose water toner that combines the brightening, nourishing properties of rose water and decongesting, resurfacing effects of alpha and beta hydroxy acids for skin that's balanced and guh-lowing.
Promising review: "WOW! I've been battling with my skin for years (like, 15+ years) and I'm pretty sure this toner just gave me the best skin I've ever had. I could cry tears of joy. My skin is GLOWING. It feels so incredibly soft too. The smell of the product is wonderful and I love that it was made with melanated skin in mind. I'm really looking forward to trying the rest of the line!" —Liv
Buttah Skin is a Black-owned business whose products address the needs of melanated skin and provide an enriched, effective beauty routine.
Get it from Amazon, Ulta, or Buttah Skin for $19.
12. A unique 2-ounce turmeric hair detox mask packed with antioxidants like turmeric, charcoal, and green tea to nourish hair while breaking down all the buildup left by heavy products, so your locks will feel ~as good as new~ after giving it a spin.
Recommended use is biweekly or monthly.
Promising reviews: "This treatment is amazing! I’m def getting the bigger bottle next order! I also used it on my boyfriend's locs and it did wonders." —Sarah
"The only thing that works. I have been having a problem with buildup on my scalp for awhile now. I had tried every product that had good reviews before —Olaplex, scalp scrubbers, treatments — and I bought this product on a whim because it was only $10. So happy I did. This product really works. I will continue to purchase this. Please never discontinue this product!!!!!" —Jaimee Lee Winkler
Bounce Curl is an Assyrian-owned hair care company specializing in curly hair. Their products are cruelty-free, use safe ingredients, and are inspired by the founder's ancestors' traditional remedies for hair care.
Get it from Bounce Curl for $11.
13. Cult-favorite Ami Colé lip treatment oil for a high-shine, hydrating oil-to-gloss formula whose sheer shades look gorg on every skin tone — and whose '90s-esque brown gloss rules the market.
It's also vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "Perfect nude lip shade for darker women. This was my first time trying this product and I love it. The shade is perfect for me to give me a nice glossy nude lip since I have a darker complexion." —Shelly L
"My favorite lip gloss ever. I don’t know what I was doing before this Lip Treatment Oil but I never want to live without it again. It really is the holy grail. I rarely use the word perfect, but it really is just that, absolute perfection. Perfect amount of shine, my lips always feel moisturized." —Shurida L
Ami Colé is a Black-owned beauty brand "inspired by Senegal, born in Harlem, NYC" as their website writes. Their products provide high-quality, clean products for melanated skin.
Get it from Sephora or Ami Colé for $20 (available in four shades).
14. A Pattern transition mask formulated specifically to deeply nourish hair transitioning from chemical treatments or protective styles (it's great for healing bleached hair, too)! Your hair will *drink* this nutrient-rich treatment up — plus it'll help prevent breakage and hair fall.
It's also cruelty-free.
Promising reviews: "The transition mask is my curls' absolute MUST-HAVE! It is a wonder and my favorite product. It leaves my curls soft and healed from whatever I put my hair through — braids, sun exposure, straighteners, etc. I love it and use it regularly. And the scent: really subtle but absolutely gorgeous. Just heaven!" —Mia F.
"Love the products. I’m a licensed cosmetologist, I’ve been in the business for over 30 years. I transitioned three years ago from relaxed chemically treated hair. I have tried just about every natural hair product out there. This really is the best I’ve experienced during my natural hair journey. Thank you for all the love and care you put into your brand. Your conditioners are amazing and do magical things to the mane! I’m in love!" —Denise A.
Pattern is a Black-owned haircare company that addresses the needs of curly and coily hair. It's founded by none other than Tracee Ellis Ross!
15. A creamy dual-sided lip liner with each side featuring a complementary shade so you can define your lips *and* create an easy, beautiful ombre effect without having to use a bunch of different products. This is a minimalist beauty lover's dream!
PS! Every lip liner corresponds with one of their beloved matte lipsticks.
Promising review: "Obsessed! This liner is incredible!! I usually have a hard time with pencil liners, they usually feel drying on my lips. But this one glides on so smoothly and looks amazing every time! I love that it's dual ended so I can do different effects. It's perfect!" —Courtney
Treslúce Beauty is a cruelty-free beauty brand founded by singer and actress Becky G. Their consciously formulated products are inspired by her Mexican heritage and seek to celebrate Latine heritage and culture.
Get it from Ulta or Treslúce Beauty for $12 (available in six shades).
16. A tube of Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 to protect your skin without leaving any dreaded white cast, while also moisturizing and preventing hyperpigmentation. One reviewer calls this product "the best sunscreen on the market" and *TBH* according to TikTok, they're not wrong.
Learn more about it on TikTok here and check out our Black Girl Sunscreen review.
It's cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without harsh chemicals.
Promising review: "Do not hesitate. Just because it says Black Girl Sunscreen does not mean others cannot use it! I recently traveled to Uganda and purchased this sunscreen from Target before travel. I shared this sunscreen with all my travel buddies of varied ethnicities and races. It worked well for all of us, protecting us from the sun even in Africa! Do not delay. Purchase this product today! There is no white casting left on your skin. Blends in very easily." —Target reviewer
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business founded in 2016.
Get it from Target for $15.99.
17. Or a brightening SPF 30 moisturizer that contains vitamin C to diminish sun damage and hyperpigmentation, plus nourishing shea butter and glycerin to hydrate thirsty skin. Meticulously formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, it also promises to leave no white cast.
Promising reviews: "My skin has been super dry, especially as we move into cooler months. Within a week of using this product I'm noticing my skin feels more conditioned and a noticeable dewiness has returned. I did not notice any scent/perfume, which was a positive for me." —Mallory Strange
"I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
Bolden is a Black woman-owned small biz that makes sulfate- and paraben-free skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
18. A creamy Kulfi kajal eyeliner enriched with aloe vera that'll bring some long-lasting, non-smudging ~drama~ to your makeup, whether you use it for a striking cat eye or a defined tight-lined look.
Promising review: "New favorite eyeliner by a landslide. The staying power is incredible. No smudging or raccoon eyes and no need to reapply — even 8 hours later. 100% a new staple item in my makeup bag." —MarieNov
Kulfi Beauty is a South Asian woman-owned small business created to celebrate culture and beauty, and to empower others to rediscover the joy in makeup as a means of self-expression. "Kulfi" is a colorful South Asian ice cream!
Get it from Sephora or Kulfi Beauty for $20 (available in seven shades).
19. Rituel de Fille Rare Light Crème Luminizer to highlight cheekbones, eyes, and lips with a buildable, lit-from-within glow that'll make you feel absolutely ~radiant.~
I am OBSESSED with this brand! With simple ingredients and uniquely stunning colors, their products are truly one-of-a-kind. The Rare Light Luminizer is one of their bestselling products and accents features so beautifully! I love it as an eyeshadow and a lip color, not just a highlighter. A great introduction to a magical brand that I literally think is about to take over the beauty world.
Promising reviews: "Chef's kiss. Been using this every day since I got it. I've had issues with cream formulas in the past, but this one blends very well and even goes over powders flawlessly. Would buy again." —Eve
"I hate highlighter, but I love this. It can be as sheer as you want it to be. Great as a highlight, but I like it even better as an eyeshadow and to layer on top of lips to put some extra shine on a matte lip color without it being glossy. My everyday eyeshadow look is Phosphene." —Roze
Rituel de Fille is a small business created by three Latine sisters, based in LA, and inspired by the magic of natural ingredients. They individually handcraft all their formulas.
Get it from Ulta or from Rituel de Fille for $32 (available in 10 shades).
20. Topicals Brightening and Clearing Serum that combines gold standard hyperpigmentation-fighter kojic acid, anti-inflammatory centella asiatica leaf extract, and acne-healing, texture-smoothing azelaic acid for a serum that is, simply, out of this world. Reviewers also note that it lightens discoloration without actually lightening skin tone, a crucial feature that sadly can be difficult to come by.
Note: It's recommended not to use retinol or BHA/AHA when applying this serum.
Promising review: "I first bought because one of my friends had recommended it to me. It’s honestly changed my face, I’m so grateful. I was more focused on getting rid of my active acne but it simultaneously has been getting rid of the dark marks too. It’s very worth the price and I pair it with sunscreen every day. If you’re losing hope try this. At first I had a little purge period but it lasted around two weeks and ever since then I only get a few pimples around my period time but they’re barely noticeable anyway. I swear by this now and recommend it to everyone who asks me what I use. I also love it because it doesn’t make me lighter which was the problem with many things I used in the past, my skin tone stayed consistent whilst the marks are getting lighter. This product honestly gave me back my confidence because I didn’t think my skin would be clear ever again." —Maame B.
Topicals is a Black woman-owned beauty brand that consults with dermatologists and chemists to provide high-quality skincare with clinically proven results. They also donate a portion of profits to mental health advocacy orgs!
21. A unique solid moisturizing botanical bar made by hand with plant butters, luxurious nopal oil, and long-heralded tepezcohuite to deeply nourish skin and promote skin cell rejuvenation. BTW, it's also a total sustainability grand slam, since it eliminates the need for clunky, hard-to-recycle lotion bottles.
Promising review: "Blissful. This is the first time I'm trying a moisturizing bar. I love it. It's easy to use, I can control the amount I apply, it's not messy, and the scent is divine. I feel pampered. I will be purchasing this again, and would love to have more scents developed." —Kimm S.
Nopalera, founded by Sandra Velasquez, is a Chicana-owned small beauty brand that creates botanicals for bath and body inspired by the culture, beauty, and richness of Mexico.
Get it from Amazon, Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, or Nopalera for $30.
22. Hyper Skin's Brightening Dark Spot vitamin C serum to help calm inflamed skin, prevent future breakouts, and *d r a m at i c a l l y* reduce hyperpigmentation using an MVP combination of turmeric, salicylic acid, and 15% vitamin C. Reviewers agree that this serum is basically the GOAT.
This product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and hydroquinone-free.
Promising reviews: "I have struggled with hormonal acne and acne scarring for years. I have tried dozens of products but nothing has made a difference the way Hyper Skin has. Not to sound cheesy, but in two months I have seen better results than I have with years of other products and I'm just now starting my second bottle. I could honestly cry tears of joy." —Ameena W.
"My absolute favorite skincare product. Okay, listen sis. I am not loyal when it comes to skincare. I love trying new things and seeing what my skin agrees with. I have jumped brands more times than a salmon jumping out of a fishing net. I have fading acne scars, severe hyperpigmentation, dry skin and the occasional hormonal breakout. But when I discovered Hyper...girl! I had been following them for a long time saying, 'One day I'm definitely going to try this.' So when I decided to splurge and buy an all new routine, I added Hyper to that routine. And I will NEVER leave them. My skin literally glows everyday because of Hyper. My acne scars have been significantly reduced and my hyperpigmentation is on its way out. I literally could not be happier with this product. Y'all have finally made a loyal customer out of me." —Akliatese H.
Hyper Skin is a Black woman-owned company. Their first product was this serum, after founder Desiree Verdejo couldn't find affordable skincare that both worked well and addressed the needs of skin of color.
Get it from Hyper Skin or Sephora for $36+ (available in two sizes).
23. An ultra-fine Habit skin mister with SPF 40 to easily protect skin from sun damage, UV light, and sunburns without disturbing your makeup — or requiring you to use your potentially dirty hands to reapply sun care (no shade — my dirty hands are the main reason I have trouble reapplying sunscreen during the day)! BTW, it also contains rose, lavender, and rosemary oils to tone and brighten skin and reduce inflammation. I mean!!!
Promising reviews: "The best SPF on the market. Great coverage and makes the skin look super dewy and moisturized. I carry it in my purse with me everywhere, which makes it super easy to reapply, and the spray function is amazing to prevent makeup smudging. 10/10 would recommend. Literally buying it as a gift for every single person this Christmas season." —Alexandra Eck E.
"Amazing. This is an amazing sunscreen mist I have been using it for a while and I love it. You can use this daily in your morning routine; this is going to protect your skin from sun damage, sunburn, and UV light. Your skin is going to look healthy for sure." —Aisha K.
Habit is a woman of color–owned small business that's dedicated to standing up against the stigma of aging in the beauty industry and focusing on keeping skin healthy instead. (Truly awesome!)
24. An award-winning, long-wearing multipurpose lip, cheek, and eye pigment meticulously designed by makeup artist Danessa Myricks in an array of glossy, matte, and metallic shades so you will *literally* have makeup worthy of a professional. BTW, I own one in the shade Chocolate, and it's bomb.
Promising review: "I cannot express how amazing this product is. I've used this predominantly as an eye pigment. It doesn't transfer or crease all day. You use very little product for great color payoff and coverage. And moreover, you get a lot of product for the price." —Katalimar
Danessa Myricks is a Black woman makeup artist-owned small biz that makes unique, high-performing, multifunctional makeup.
Get it from Sephora for $18 (available in 21 shades and finishes) or from Danessa Myricks Beauty, also for $18 (available in 50 shades and finishes).
25. Non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polish made specifically to highlight the beautiful and unique tones of melanated skin in shades that range from rainbow to nude.
I own a few of People of Color's nail polishes, and I can't say enough about how high-quality and thoughtfully made they are. Their colors are deep, gorgeous, and far beyond the norm. My favorite polishes that I own, by far!
Promising reviews: "I have never owned any nude polishes that were on the same skin tone spectrum as me. I didn't know what to expect from a brown polish, but I am so glad I grabbed Brown Sugar Babe and Mother of Earth. Both have been constant wears as the fall and winter months begin." —Brittinee Phillips
"Amazing! I have almost every color of People of Color nail polish. The colors are vivid, beautiful, and last long. Gorgeous!" —Eva Montague
People of Color Beauty is a Black woman-owned small beauty brand that creates beautiful, highly pigmented nail polishes "for women of color and those who live in color," as their website proudly states.
Get it from Urban Outfitters, Lord and Taylor, or People of Color Beauty for $12 (available in multiple shades).
26. Phytosurgence Toasted Blushes for unique, earthy colors and a potent cream formula that is downright stunning on all skin tones. These *basically mouthwatering* shades are described as lavender oat latte, brown sugar milk tea, cherry wine, and spiced chocolate bar. Truly, does it get any better than that?!
Check it out on TikTok here.
I stumbled upon Phytosurgence one day and I have never looked back. All of their products are carefully formulated with natural ingredients and rich, unique shades that you won't be able to dupe anywhere else – trust me, I've looked lol. My sensitive skin loves these blushes and the blush geek in me (or fully embodying me) is SCREAMING. My personal favorite is Condensate, a cool-toned muted dusty rose, but Evaporate, a neutral smoky peach, is a crowd favorite of the bunch. Plus, they're so affordable for such high-quality. A million chef's kisses.
Phytosurgence is a queer- and Asian-owned skincare and makeup small business based in Canada.
Get it from Phytosurgence for around $16 ($21 CAD; available in four shades).
27. Live Tinted Huestick Corrector, which expertly uses orange pigments to cover up the blue and purple found in dark circles and hyperpigmentation. Simply swipe on the product underneath your concealer and watch previously difficult to conceal spots disappear. PS: You can also use it as a blush, demi-matte lip, or cream eyeshadow!
Get a closer look at the "Rise" shade on TikTok. You can also see a demo from the brand's founder Deepica with the "Origin" shade in this Instagram post (swipe right to see it)!
Promising reviews: "I'll admit, I was totally skeptical of these Huesticks. I am 34-years-old, of Sri Lankan descent (medium to deep tan skin) and I've NEVER been good at makeup. I was excited to try these Huesticks, made by and vouched for by a fellow South Asian, but was worried it would look like I was ACTUALLY wearing makeup. I was pleasantly surprised after using Rise under my eyes and around my mouth, blending with a BeautyBlender and then using my same amount of cc cream and powder foundation. You really still can't tell I'm wearing makeup. I even asked my BF if he could see the orange 'glow' under my eyes before I put on the cc cream and he couldn't see it! It really was color correcting!" —Reviewer
"I love this pencil. I'm fair and cool-toned and got the peachy pink color. I've previously used other rose pink under eye correctors and brighteners that are pretty good, but the peachy tone and the texture of the pencil are the best I've found. I just pat some concealer over top and it covers my dark circles beautifully. Will repurchase for sure!" —NickiName
Live Tinted is a South Asian-owned, multicultural small beauty brand founded by Deepica Mutyala, who went viral for her red lipstick hack for under-eye circles in 2015. The Huestick was the first product the company launched.
Get it from Ulta for $24 (available in five shades).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.