i’ve often felt there’s something effortlessly sexy about a garment that moves in symmetry with the precise complexion of the body it adorns. however, for black womxn this is too often a luxury.
we often struggle to find our exact shade and instead see a slew of products on shelves that are a monolithic nude. due to the “cloak of invisibility” that institutionalized racism and sexism have placed on black womxn’s shoulders we often have to go the extra mile to find beauty products, clothing and shoes that actually match our skin.
Why It’s Important to Have Diversity in Shades
fortunately, if not anything else in this world, black people are both resilient AND resourceful. we’ve created options where there once were none. hence the importance of supporting black-owned businesses, especially during black history month.
a lot of us are all too familiar with the disappointment associated with the lack of variety from makeup, clothing and even skincare brands. however, we have an opportunity to share the gems that have been birthed out of adversity.
plus, we have a responsibility to demand more of the businesses whose pockets our communities have lined for centuries. therefore, each and every single shade of brown: caramel, chestnut, dark chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon and more should be respected and protected. periodt.
i’ve compiled a list of various black-owned companies that offer a wide range of “nudes” for black womxn across three industries: cosmetics, clothing and shoes.
The Best Nudes for Black Womxn
Beauty
Mented Cosmetics — Makeup
- Established in 2017 by Amanda E. Johnson & KJ Miller
- “Our goal is to provide women of color with more beauty options”
- Website
Beauty Bakerie — Makeup
- Founded by Cashmere Nicole in 2011
- “Committed to encouraging men and women to feel both empowered and beautiful”
- Website
Juvia’s Place — Makeup
- Founded by Chichi Eburu in 2016
- Named after her children Juwa & Olivia
- Website
Uoma Beauty — Makeup & Skincare
- Founded by Sharon Chuter
- “Beauty Uprising”
- Website
The Lip Bar — Lipstick
- Established in 2012 by Melissa Butler
- Initially turned down by Shark Tank and now wildly successful
- Website
Propa Beauty — Makeup (Lipstick)
- Founded by Victoria Fazio
- “Queendom of beauty”
- Website
Triple O Polish — Nail Polish
- “Diversifying Beauty in Nail Care”
- Traditional and gel nail polish
- Website
Pear Nova — Nail Polish
- Founded by Rachel James in 2012
- “Vegan, luxury and cruelty free”
- Website
Clothing
Nubian Skin — Lingerie & Hosiery
- Founded by Ade Hassan in 2014
- Inspired by Black models Eunice W. Johnson & Iman
- Website
Love Vera — Lingerie
- “Closing the opportunity gap for black women in fashion”
- Website
Nude Barre — Lingerie & Hosiery
- Founded by Erin Carpenter
- Eco-friendly intimates and hosiery made in 12 shades of nude to match all skin tones
- Website
Love & Nudes — Undergarments
- Canada’s first Black Owned Skin Tone Intimates
- Website
Savage Fenty — Lingerie
- Founded by Rihanna
- “Savage X Fenty celebrates fearlessness, confidence and inclusivity”
- Website
Shoes
Rebecca Allen
- Launched not for fashion but to solve the biggest issue in our wardrobes — a nude shoe
- Website
Kahmune
- An array of footwear styles that match all skin tones
- Website
i hope this list is helpful for black and BIPOC womxn across the complexion spectrum. we deserve to be represented in all forms of style and beauty and i’m excited to celebrate black-owned businesses.
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this post was written in collaboration with zoë bramble.
