2021 is well underway and I just have one question for you: How is your self-care regimen going? With so much going on in the world—staged governmental coup, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, actual pandemic fatigue—taking care of yourself is an absolute must. And I really hope you are doing your best to maintain your routine or establish one if you have yet to.
This is where I come in. Lean in. A little closer. *whispers* Black-owned brands been the PLUG. Yes!! There are so many amazingly talented writers, artisans, beauty gurus, chefs, business folks, you name it! Black and 100% Quality and Value. I am so glad that more and more Black businesses are getting their just due. Let’s continue to support them and integrate them into our daily lives this year and every year thereafter. Keep reading to learn about some of my faves and why I love them so much.
BEAUTY
@amendabeauty – I have been wanting to try this brand for quite some time. It’s owned by an esthetician and features clean, non-toxic products to maximize health for all skin types. The Body Butter + Polish set is simply divine and leaves my skin feeling ridiculously soft and hydrated. Also, the ingredients list is beyond amazing.
@_theballet – Beautiful nail lacquers featuring classic hues. Application is smooth and effortless and leaves a salon-worthy finish. My favorite shade is Bora Bora and you may just catch me wearing it all summer long. Definitely give the at-home manicure a try with this brand.
@basebutter – Created by two Sistas with a mission to help us all love the skin we’re in. Their products ease the process of skincare for oily, combination, and acneic skin types; offering up nourishment + protection + TLC for imperfections. The Radiate Face Jelly is their breakthrough product. I tried it because its description reads, “aloe vera gel face moisturizer.” I am well aware of aloe vera’s healing properties for my hair and absolutely wanted to give it a try for my face. This product is beautifully lightweight, but still confers an ample amount of moisture + glow. I will definitely be restocking.
@fentybeauty – Ms. RiRi!! Y’all already know! World-renowned performer, Rihanna’s makeup line made major waves when it hit the market. And the product line continues to expand, getting better and better. Because I am stuck in the 90s, I keep Mattemoiselle Plus Matte Lipstick in the Griselda shade (currently on sale for 50% off!) on hand at all times. In fact, it’s the lip color I am wearing in this post! This shade has definitely become my signature as I feel I look best in burgundy lip colors. This one is definitely a Winner!
@kncbeauty – This brand specializes in natural, collagen-infused masks for your face and eyes sure to smooth and soften! I got into face masks at the top of last year when I finally had time to actually indulge in self-care. And then I discovered a Sista had her own line. Sold! I really enjoy the All-Natural Retinol-Infused Eye Mask—also, such a fun shape! This brand is conveniently sold at Sephora.
@thelipbar – So many amazing options to choose from here! I love mixing and matching products from various makeup lines and I have been ecstatic to add this one to the shuffle! The Bawse Lady Liquid Matte is a Stunner. Again, burgundy and red shades are my jam. This brand is sold at Target!
@mentedcosmetics – There is nothing like a makeup brand that really sees You. This company runs the full gamut of makeup offerings and specializes in crafting the perfect nude lipstick for Black women and, even further, for all women. We always lookin out for everybody! They have a shade finder for foundation and lipstick so you can discover your perfect tones for each. I personally love their Dope Taupe Matte Lipstick and their Peach for the Stars Blush. Conveniently, this brand is also sold at Target!
@qhemetbiologics – Y’all know I have been raving about this brand for years. They were around even at the very beginning of the Natural Hair Movement and I’m so glad I found out about them. Qhemet products are clean, plant-based, and inspired by African, Mediterranean, and Ayurvedic hair care traditions. I just love that. The founder of the brand has 4C hair and you can tell she crafted the products with moisture in mind. There was a period of time a few months ago when I ran out of products and used a few other natural hair care lines. I was extremely stressed at the time and my hair was shedding A LOT. I resumed using Qhemet Biologics and the shedding slowed down immediately. My hair loves this line and so will yours. Click here for more on the exact products I use.
LOUNGEWEAR
@shop.emmalynlove – Because who isn’t wearing loungewear (every day) these days? I absolutely consider it self-care to look fab while working from home and running those quick errands. Sis has us covered! She takes elevated loungewear to an entirely new level and has other amazing pieces as well—a full boutique. I am wearing the Cozy Luxe 3 Piece Set which is sadly sold out, but again, so many other amazing items to choose from.
FOOD & SPIRITS
@blackgirlmagicwines – Created by two Sistas (and actual sisters) who share a love for wine. I’m here for it. Their offerings range from Riesling to Rosé to Zinfandel to Sparkling Brut. They have Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, a red blend, and even spritzers. They pretty much cover it all and the taste is delicious and smooth. This brand also lends help and mentorship to Black women-owned businesses through the SHE CAN Professional Development Fund . Wine + professional development. This is definitely a brand I can get behind.
Chef Nere’s Kitchen *New York City
@chefnereskitchen – Based in NYC, this chef absolutely knows his way around the kitchen! I’ve tasted his dishes firsthand and they are beyond incredible. Sultry and savory in every bite! Chef Nere’s menu is soulful with wide ranging options and will have anyone’s mouth-watering. If you are in the NYC area, head to his Instagram page to send a DM for his menu. Thank me later!
@greenwoodwhiskey – Paying homage to the Greenwood District of Tulsa Oklahoma—also known as Black Wall Street—this whiskey brand was curated by four friends in the same entrepreneurial spirit that wafted through the streets of Tulsa. Each of the Black men who curated this brand has forged a successful path and they have vision to uplift and provide resources to other young entrepreneurs. Their whiskey is rich in flavor with undertones of butterscotch that are my favorite! A drink that meets all your needs from celebration to night cap!
BOOKS & CANDLES
@clevergirlfinance – I just love the idea of women teaching women about financial literacy, success, and wellness. I started with Grow Your Money. It’s a quick read, written in simplistic language for the layperson, and I truly am learning so much. As I just got my first grown woman job after graduating from med school, I want to set myself up for financial success. This brand’s books, podcast, videos, and free courses definitely assist me in that feat.
@dayitiandco – Beauty in art form. These candles embody the splendor of sculptures with a still accompanying essence of subtlety. They are perfect in size and add a special element of Chic to any home décor. I knew I had to snag one especially when they created the Curvy Woman Figure Collection. Body positive candles that look like me! And did I mention the scent? The perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla. I don’t even burn mine. I just love the way it looks on my marble coaster (they sell those too!) Treat yourself and thank me later.
@harlemcandlecompany – Those of you who have been around for a while know my deep deep love for Black History AND New York! Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and providing nods to some of the most significant people and places of the era, it was only a matter of time before this brand made it into my home. LUXURY. And I am indeed luxuriating whenever my candle is lit. I have the Josephine fragrance and will definitely be back for more.
@heaven_scent_soy_candles – These candles are so special and so unique in that they have a wood wick. I absolutely look forward to burning these because they offer up the most lovely and lulling crackling sound throughout the duration of the burn. Talk about Heavenly! This brand also features soy melts and diffusers so your home is all around covered in beautiful scents. Lori takes such care in the products she crafts and it absolutely shows.
So there you have it! Black-owned brands I personally include in my self-care routine. And I hope you’ll include them in yours. There are so many beautiful elements to each brand and the quality certainly abounds. The fact that they were crafted and specially designed by people who look like me…is a Bonus. And I am definitely rooting for them all. Have a great weekend and Self-Care Saturday, y’all!
xx,
Photos by Tina Smith
This is and amazing celebration of Black Entrepreneurship! Love the video on IG so much too!
Author
Thank you!! Yes! They are all so bomb!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Love this list! I follow a lot but definitely got a few more to keep up with. And that loungewear is definitely happening! ♥️
Author
Awww yay!! I’m so glad!! And thank you for reading along! I love this lounge set🙌🏾Definitely have my eye on some of her other pieces!