My Favorite products from black woman owned businesses
I don’t think that black woman and their hard work should only be applauded in February. In my life, there are so many black created products, books, and content that I use all year long. I will try to do better about shouting out the things I’m using or enjoying by my favorite black creators more as we move throughtout the year. However, since it’s February, and I want to do a monthly things I’m loving post, I thought I would make this month all black girls. These products, writers, and creators are ones I love and I hope you will too.
Makeup:
Mented :
There are only two foundations that I have in my every day makeup kit. One is by NYX and the other is Mented. I LOVE MENTED FOUNDATION. Two black women in Brooklyn who wanted to make nude lipstick for black women started the company. They have since expanded into a bunch of makeup products, one of which is their foundation stick. This foundation gives you such a beautiful skin like finish. Seriously, it looks so much like my skin that I have to really look while blending it. They also sell powders and bronzers. I’ve not tried any of those, but I’ve heard nothing but good things. I purchased a testing kit from the company before buying the foundation. The kit comes with a bunch of different shades that you can try on before buying. This foundation is amazing and I highly recommend it.
Juvia’s Place:
I reach for my Warrior 2 palette every time I do my makeup. Juvia’s Place pigmentation is insane. I have their neutral palettes, but if you’re looking for color, Juvia’s is the place to go.
The Lip Bar:
If you are looking for a bold red lip moment, then you need to get Bawse Lady. It’s one of my favorite red lipsticks. If red is not your thing, then The Lip bar has so many bright and bold colors in their lineup that you are sure to love. Don’t forget to pick up some of their other products to add to you collection. Their skin tint is a summer must have.
HAIR:
Camille Rose:
Everything! Get everything from Camille Rose and tell me thank you later. I love using Camille Rose on my natural hair. I’ve been using it years and found that there are few products that beat their quality. My favorite is the Almond Jai twisting butter. This is such a nice cream that leaves your hair soft and smelling like cake. Did I mention how FREAKING good these products smell? Camille Rose is my go to, and with one try I’m sure it will be yours as well.
Clothing:
Grace Eleyae:
Their satin lined Slap Cap is my gym go-to. They sell a plethora of satin lined headwear, but the Slaps are my favorite. It gives me the ability to workout while protecting my natural hair. It also comes in clutch when it’s cold out, or I need a backup night cap. The products are durable and they a little something for everyone.
Jolie Noire:
I just discovered this brand, and I love them. They’re being featured at Target this year for their Black History display. I kept seeing this shirt on social media and I had to have it. The quality of this shirt is amazing, and the designs are beyond beautiful. You can catch them at Target or on their website.
On the Desk:
Spoonful of Faith:
Okay, technically this planner is made by Happy Planner, which isn’t black owned. However, the design of the planner is from Jena Holliday, illustrator and owner of A Spoonful of Faith. I love her work. It’s so uplifting and displays women of different shades in the most beautiful ways. You can purchase calendars, notebooks, and various other things with her designs on her website.
Books:
Fiction:
Such a fun age by Kiley Reid:
The way I recommend this book to people you would think I get paid for each sale. It’s simply because this is such a good book, and Kiley Reid’s writing is so fresh and captivating. The story follows two women. One, a black woman in her twenties named Emira who becomes a nanny for Alix. Alix, the other main character, is a white woman that reads as peak ‘woke’ but not really woke Liberal’. The story alternates between the two and is funny, shocking, and just… amazing. If you’ve not read it, please check it out.
The Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
This is not a self-help book, but rather, a girlfriend telling you all the things that you need to do to get your life together. If you follow Luvvie on social media, you will find yourself reading this in her voice, which makes her wit and charming words stick in your head. This is a must read for those who need to fight past fear and start going for their dreams.
So those are some of my favorite black owned products and books. If you use any of these products or have read any of these books, let me know in the comments. As always, Stay bright, Live True, and be Vividly You.