In America, the cosmetics industry alone rakes in about $55 billion per year, according to Statistica, an online research and data source. Forbes also reports that globally, the beauty business is at $382 billion. Most people immediately think of Estee Lauder, Revlon, and MAC, but here are 8 black-owned brands of cosmetic/ makeup products you should know about:
#1 - IMAN Cosmetics: this popular brand is owned by supermodel Iman who started her beauty products company in 1994. Designed for African American, Asian, Latina and multi-cultural women, the company markets its products in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. They can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Walgreens and other national retailers.
#2 - Fashion Fair: owned by Eunice W. Johnson, who created the Ebony Fashion Fair, and her husband John H. Johnson, who is the publisher of Ebony and JET magazines. The company began in 1973 and was one of the first to make cosmetics for women of color. It is considered the largest black-owned cosmetics companies in the world and sells it products at fine department stores across the U.S., Canada, and internationally.
#3 - Black Opal Beauty: specializes in foundation sticks for women of color. The company was founded in 1994 and makes products for skin care, hair care, makeup, and other beauty products for women, and men, of color. Products can be purchased online or at national retail chains such as Walmart, CVS, and Rite Aid.
#4 - Shea Moisture: has been selling natural beauty products since 1912. The company was founded by Sofi Tucker in Sierra Leone and was founded on natural ingredients like Shea butter. They make products for the face, hair, body, and bath for both women and men.
#5 - KA’OIR Cosmetics: owned by CEO Keyshia Ka'oir and features fun color lipsticks, eye shadows, nail products, and blush. Products are affordable and are shipped all across the world. Lipsticks are gluten free.
#6 - Ginger + Liz: started in 2010, this company makes nail products that are vegan friendly and toxin-free. The company was created by friends Ginger Johnson and Liz Pickett. Their products feature vibrant colors and ingredients that are free of harsh chemicals and carcinogens like toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, and DBP.
#7 - Black Up Cosmetics: is the first luxury makeup brand created by professional make up artists for ethnic skin tones and women of color. Their products can be purchased online.
#8 - Vera Moore Cosmetics: owned by former soap opera actress turned entrepreneur, Vera Moore. Her products have been used on various TV shows including the Cosby Show and the Wendy Williams Show, and used by various celebrities and news anchor women.