How 8 Indigenous Women Are Reclaiming The Beauty Industry

"Making connections to help the different communities of color is where we all seem to find a common passion -- besides makeup."

Although they come from different nations all over Turtle Island, they all want to honor their culture and empower their communities.

Prados Beauty

@pradosbeauty / Via instagram.com

This brand's creator, Cece Meadows, launched Prados Beauty in 2019; and after less than 2 months, their Instagram-worthy brush sets and luxury mink lashes are already receiving rave reviews.

"They're so freaking soft. They're like a teddy-bear soft!"

-- @labeautygirly07 said about her new 'Pink Lady' 13-piece brush set, pictured above! $28

At the time of publishing, Prados Beauty is offering free shipping on orders over $30 within the U.S.

So, why not get a set of luxury mink lashes, too?

@erniemua / Via instagram.com

You can treat yo' self to some amazing makeup brushes, have some popping lashes, and help make a difference in the world. How?

Because Prados Beauty donates 50% of all profits to different organizations and charities in need.

Bison Star Naturals

@bisonstar / Via instagram.com

Based in Taos, New Mexico - husband and wife team Angelo and Jacquelene McHorse started their business shortly after starting their family. Like most great ideas, Bison Star Naturals was created out of necessity. They couldn't find the perfect products with natural ingredients and scents they love; so they created them.

While each of these brands mentioned is Cruelty-Free; Bison Star Naturals is cool because they use locally and naturally sourced ingredients, and you'll never find dyes or perfumes in their products.

@bisonstar / Via instagram.com

Now, their sleek bottles and handmade soaps are popping up on feeds (and at pow wows!) around North America.

They're super affordable compared to similar brands, with a variety of soaps and lotions ranging from $8 - $20.

Intertribal Beauty Cosmetics

@intertribal_beauty_cosmetics / Via instagram.com

The recently-launched Intertribal Beauty Cosmetics' name stems from the idea of crossing "tribal boundaries" and connecting people of different backgrounds.

What better way to do that, than through social media?

"Making connections to help the different communities of color is where we all seem to find a common passion... besides makeup."

-- Owner of Intertribal Beauty Cosmetics

@intertribal_beauty_cosmetics / Via instagram.com

Although they just recently launched, 10% of all Intertribal Beauty Cosmetic’s sales go to "free sexual violence prevention training for youth, and mental health first aid training for adults" in under-served communities.

Right now, they offer both glosses and matte liquid lipsticks for $18 each.

Ojibwe Clothing & Cosmetics

@ojibweclothingcosmetics / Via instagram.com

Multi-talented mother, actor, entrepreneur and stylist - Rachel Seenie - is the owner of Winnipeg, Manitoba based Ojibwe Clothing & Cosmetics.

Although their best known for their shirts and lipsticks, Ojibwe offers everything from affordable foundation, to colourful cream eyeliners, to fiber lash mascara.

Blended Girl Cosmetics

Blended Girl Cosmetics / Via instagram.com

Blended Girl Cosmetics' 27-year-old creator/CEO Shí-Fawn Chee has a vision to bring unity through makeup.

"The makeup industry is severely lacking in Indigenous representation and I think that my brand will help to shed some light on it. Not just my brand, but other Native cosmetic brands, too."

Whether you're into glam or softer looks, this Diné makeup brand has different 'gram-worthy palettes to choose from. Even one called 'Skoden'.

Blended Girl Cosmetics / Via instagram.com

They also have lippies, makeup bags, and unique 'beauty boxes' available! You can view the full Blended Girl Cosmetics catalog here!

(As of the date this piece was published, the Skoden eyeshadow palette is currently Sold Out and unavailable... but it may be back soon!)

Billiee Beauty

Vanessa Billie / Via Instagram: @billieebeautymakeupartistry

Talented makeup artist Vanessa Billie has taken her passion and turned it into a full-on brand. She boasts super-pigmented, unique eyeshadow palettes - like 'Jingle Dancer', $34, featured on Vanessa above

She's also known for her lip products which come in a wide range of colours and finishes.

@billieebeauty / Via instagram.com

It's worth noting that she has a luminous highlighter called Fry Bread & Honey. Her website is very easy to navigate to find all the shades you love!

Cheekbone Beauty

@cheekbonebeauty / Via instagram.com

Founder of Cheekbone Beauty - Jenn Harper - cares about her customers, and it shows. With over 36,000 Followers on Instagram, Cheekbone Beauty is likely the most iconic and fastest growing Indigenous-owned makeup brand out there.

Since the beginning, Harper has dedicated 10% of profits from all products purchased to the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada. If that wasn't enough, she's also dropping an exciting new eco-friendly lipstick range by the end of 2019!

Oh, and she's going to be on this season's premiere of the popular Canadian TV series, CBC Dragon's Den.

Which is HUGE.

@cheekbonebeauty / Via instagram.com

Here's Jenn with the youngest "Dragon" in the Den, Michele Romanow.

Season 14 premieres on September 26th 2019 and I'm here for it.

Ah-Shí Beauty Cosmetics

@ahshibeauty / Via instagram.com

Ah-Shí Beauty Cosmetics started as a vision by Ahsaki Báá LaFrance-Chachere. Now, this chic Diné/African American-owned brand boasts a full line of makeup, with everything from high-quality foundation, to lashes, to palettes!

They're also the first to drop a luxury skincare line - with products for all skin types:

@ashibeautyskincare / Via instagram.com

I mean, who wouldn't want these on their shelf?

Browse their full collection here!

These brands may be independently Indigenous-owned and operated; but their products and pretty packages are being photographed by excited customers all over the continent -- every single day.