For far too long, makeup was made with only fair skin in mind. Nude lipstick was "nude," but only for white women — and foundation came in various shades of pale beige.
But, luckily for us all, these women fought for diversity in the beauty industry and made sure there was a place for WoC... as well as products that could adequately serve them. Here's a list of great beauty companies that were started by women of color, for women of color.
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Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty launched in 2017 and TBH, we're still feeling the aftershocks (in a good way, of course!). Rihanna had a big part in changing the game with an initial 40-shade foundation launch (which has since grown to 50 shades). We've loved pretty much everything we've tried from the line, though it's worth pointing out that the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters, $36, are especially fire.
This brand has been around for 25 years after being inspired by "the beauty and nuances of black skin." This brand was one of the first mass-marketed beauty and skin care range for women of color and was celebrated for its range of shades and options for black and brown skin. If you're looking to try something from the line, we particularly like the Invisible Oil Blocking Pressed Powder, $9.99.
Does it get more iconic than Pat McGrath? The legendary makeup artist founded her namesake line in 2015 and has been creating richly-pigmented, melanin-friendly makeup ever since. You basically can't go wrong with the line, but we're especially enamored of the eyeshadows (they're so buttery!). We can't take our eyes off of the Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette Bronze Seduction Palette, $125.
This is the first French beauty brand for women of color and specifically answers the needs of women with darker skin tones. These cosmetics are made to last you all day long (and wont leave you looking ashy after). The brand offers a truly great selection of velvet, matte and dewy finishes.
