18 Black-Owned Makeup Brands to Shop Right Now

Danessa Myricks creates multifunctional products that work for every part of the face. As a self-taught professional makeup artist, she found creative, unconventional ways to develop remarkable looks. So, she decided to create a brand that allows you to reimagine beauty and tap into your artistry. Myricks’ brand is a reminder that beauty has no bounds; it’s all what you make it to be.

Price range: $30+

A Sephora reviewer says: “The texture of this balm feels amazing. It simultaneously blurs and gives a little glow to my skin. It’s like I’m wearing the perfect foundation and setting powder combo without the hassle and scaliness of actually using foundation and setting powder.”

Since 1994, BLK/OPL has invested in creating cosmetics with Black and Brown skin tones in mind. It’s been Black owned since 2019 and has stuck to creating affordable make-up that stands the test of time. Catering to various shades, you can trust that you will find something perfect for you.

Price range: $14+

An Ulta reviewer said: “I purchased the warm almond and could not believe how perfect this product is. It is just perfect for the more natural look I prefer, but it also gives great coverage. I’m so happy I took a chance and tried something new. Also, I appreciate a quality product at a reasonable price.”

With its bright fluorescent yellow packaging, WYN Beauty is bringing strength and power into the beauty space. From the jump, this brand released 36 shades to ensure that everyone and anyone can find their perfect match. WYN’s goal is to create products you can be active in and push the bounds of what beauty can stand for.

Price Range: $19 – $29

A WYN Beauty reviewer says: “Love the feel of this skin tint, very light, feels like my skin. The color matches my skin tone well and gives it a pretty red undertone.”

If you want your makeup to look like skin, Ami Cole has just the thing for you. This brand is invested in creating products that center on melanin-rich people. The founder, Diarrha N’Diaye, wanted to create something that prioritizes natural ingredients and tended to the undertones of even the deepest shades of brown. This clean beauty brand is made for those who want to glow from the inside out.

Price Range: $16 – $98+

An ELLE editor says: “This is a holy grail product for me! The texture is so luxurious and light. The formula has a natural finish and does not sink into any fine lines. It photographs beautifully and is a buildable formula, so you can cover as much or as little as you like.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

Pat McGrath is one of the most influential makeup artists in demand. She created a high-performance line of cosmetics that took the world by storm. McGrath impacted the beauty industry for over 25 years while perfecting the brand’s unique formulas. She continues her legacy of innovation and creativity through Pat McGrath Labs, allowing us to experience her wondrous artistry through makeup.

Price range: $20 – $300+

An ELLE editor says: “This creamy concealer provides full coverage without weighing down your undereye or creasing. This is a go-to of mine, and because you do not need to use a lot of product to get a payoff, it lasts a long time.” —Danielle James

With a focus on Gen Z and BIPOC at the center, this cruelty-free brand is dedicated to bringing a refreshing twist to the makeup scene. Thread Beauty’s goal is to create a culture around self-expression and creativity, especially for those left out of the beauty industry. It’s also invested in its customers to feel good about themselves and spread positivity.

Price range: $4 – $8

An Amazon reviewer says: “This cream stick is very creamy, and I like that you can use it all over. It glides on smooth, and I don’t feel any stickiness.”

LYS Beauty is the first Black-owned, clean makeup brand at Sephora. Using the delta sign to represent change throughout the brand’s triangular theme, LYS is taking the lead in changing the conversation around clean beauty by adopting Sephora’s clean beauty standard in its distinctive formulations. LYS wants us to remember that we can positively change how we think, talk, and love ourselves.

Price Range: $10 – $28

A LYS beauty reviewer says: “Of all the cream bronzer sticks on the market, LYS created the smoothest, creamiest, AFFORDABLE, luxury-giving formula ever. You will not be disappointed. Stock up because the world loves this bronzer!”

Range Beauty is a brand made for individuals who struggle with Eczema. The brand abides by the standards set by the National Eczema Association. They even create “Not for Skin” ingredient lists to ensure that they stay away from elements that could trigger flare-ups. This is the perfect brand for those who would like something that centers gentle, safe, and proven to heal your skin.

Price range: $20-$33

A Range Beauty reviewer says: “I have very oily skin and large pores, and this product works great for minimizing the look of both. This is one of my cosmetic staples from now on.”

Developed in Trinidad and Tobago, Sacha Cosmetics was created to cater to women of color with all different shades and tones. Sacha is most known for its setting powder, which is an old-school cult favorite. It’s perfect for baking under the eyes.

Price Range:$15 – $100

A Sacha Cosmetics reviewer says: “I have only used this setting powder for over four years. Works amazing with my skin tone. I stock and get two at a time. I refuse to use any other setting powder.”

If you are investing in clean beauty products, you should check out Lip Bar’s vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics line. The brand’s beautiful range of lip colors ensures you can find a lipstick that suits any era you adopt this week. The brand focuses on delivering safe products that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort that everyone can use.

Price Range: $6 – $20

An ELLE editor says: “If you want a liquid matte lipstick with high color payoff, this is the formula for you. It also wipes off fairly easy at the end of the day, and the formula doesn’t dry out my lips.” —Danielle James

Mented Cosmetics set out to create products that fit people in a variety of hues. They are invested in creating a brand that makes high-quality, pigmented products available to a wide array of skin tones. This vegan makeup brand is ensuring that everyone can see themselves in beauty.

Price Range: $5 -$40

An ELLE editor says: “I love the beautiful nudes and hues that Mented Cosmetics creates. No matter your skin tone, you will be able to find a natural shade for you.” —Danielle James

If you are looking for your perfect matte liquid red lipstick that’s formulated to complement your skin tone, Pound Cake Cosmetics has you covered. The tone variant technology allows this formula to cater to diverse skin tones often overlooked in the beauty industry. Its mission was to shake up the beauty industry and provide products that consider how colors differ across all skin tones.

Price Range: $24

A Poundcake reviewer says: “WOW! I love this product so much! The raspberry color is my favorite! The color is amazing, and one of the best liquid lippies I have ever used!!!! BUY THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!”

This fun and vibrant brand brings a whole new meaning to coloring. It was founded in 2017 to inspire amateur makeup lovers and has evolved into a line that even expert makeup artists adore. This cosmetics line encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and tap into your authentic creativity.

Price Range:$5 – $60

A Crayon Case reviewer says: “They’re all beautiful colors, but my favorite is “Clean Kisses,” and whenever I catch it online, I buy more than one. It’s long-lasting, and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Founded by Eunice Johnson in 1973, Fashion Fair is an OG Black-owned brand with Black skin in mind. It is one of the first internationally renowned brands for darker skin tones. The brand has broken racial barriers in the business and has centered on Black beauty for generations, standing the test of time.

Price Range:$28 – $41

A Fashion Fair reviewer says: “The shade is perfect. It’s such a gorgeous color and glides on smoothly. I loved how luxurious this lipstick looked and felt!”

Founder Kim Roxie wanted to create a brand that made women feel better about themselves and was safe to use. She noticed that women of color needed more options in the beauty industry, so she set out to create cleaner makeup that fit dark skin tones. LAMIK stands for “Love and Makeup, in Kindness,” showcasing that true beauty lies within kindness.

Price Range: $16 – $59

A LAMIK Beauty reviewer says: “I love the way the brow powder sticks to my fine brow hair and adheres to my missing spots without looking drawn on. The brow sculpting creme is unique and looks like skin.”

If you’ve been on TikTok for the past few months, you may already be familiar with Adriana Nichole Cosmetics. Her glitter iridescent single eyeshadow pots have been selling out on the TikTok Shop for months. The brand mission is to “redefine beauty standards” by fostering a space where anyone can feel like their best selves. She is doing just that from her range of fun intergalactic eyeshadow palettes.

Price Range: $10 -$30

An Adriana Nichole Cosmetics Reviewer Said: “This is a gorgeous color on its own or as a topper. Versatile, creamy, no glittery fallout. Very pleased with my purchase.”