According to Stephanie D. Smith, "African-American women spend $7.5 billion annually on beauty products, but shell out 80 percent more money on cosmetics and twice as much on skin care products than the general market" She explains that African-American women spend more on products because they sample products more often. The beauty industry has a lack of products for women of color. These five cosmetic companies are Black owned, a rarity within the beauty industry. These entrepreneurs took a leap of faith and responded to a need for products that complement Black women's skin.
1. AJ Crimson Beauty
This line was created by beauty mogul AJ Crimson. His line AJ Crimson Beauty has catered to women of color for years. With an extensive line of foundation that represents a diverse range of colors, Crimson holds true to his mission to "bring products to women that actually worked". His foundation line is true to color, because there is no oxidation process which may lighten the color of the foundation.
2. Beauty Bakerie
Beauty Bakerie’’s CEO Cashmere, is a phenomenal Black woman with an amazing entrepreneurial story. She battled breast cancer, and started a business. She is the epitome of #Blackgirlsrock! Beauty Bakerie most famous product is their 14 shades of lip whips.
3. Poiz Cosmetics
4. Lip bar
The Founder of the Lip Bar, Melissa Butler wanted there to be more bolder and brighter lip colors for women of color. She took her business to shark tank, where she was turned down. Nevertheless, her business is growing. Butler's mobile lip bar was spotted at the Spelhouse Homecoming 2015. Her creation of vibrant and vegan, gluten and paraben free lip line opens a door for dramatic and creative looks.
5. Lauren Napier
Lauren Napier has built her brand as a celebrity makeup artist. Lauren Napier creates makeup wipes that hydrates, moisturizes, treats and are hypo-allergenic. These cleansing wipes contain natural ingredients such as water, aloe, and cucumber. Lauren Napier explains her craft, “In a culture obsessed with perfection, I find beauty in the most informal moments. There is beauty in taking it off.”
There is power in buying Black, use it! These brands not only cater to women of color, they are making sure that there are beauty products for women of all shades.
