KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson created Mented Cosmetics because they believe every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty. Their collection is filled with nude and red lip colors that fit every darker shade and tone. These days the makeup brand has a pop-up at Macy's holiday marketplace in New York in November and has big plans to extend the line into every major color cosmetics category by the end of 2019.
Typically not much thought goes into purchasing a brush, but the founders of Blazon are here to change the hair care game. The brand's boar bristle brush promotes scalp health by efficiently spreading natural hair oils, and it's ideal for wavy, curly and straight hair. Best of all, the brush is included in this year's Grammy gift bag that will grace the hands of Pink, Ariana Grande and Cardi B., so you can be sure your hair care arsenal is top-notch.
As a Southerner, vegan skin care expert, traveler and former African Diaspora historian, Niambi Cacchioli is always in awe of African Diaspora. And after living in Europe for 12 years where fresh food became her go-to and apothecaries became her pharmacies, she decided to launch a line loaded with natural butters, oils and floral waters. There's not a single item we aren't coveting from the collection.
Ingrown hairs are a real concern, which is why Bevel, founded by Tristin Walker as a part of Walker&Co. (recently acquired by Procter & Gamble), developed a shaving system and razor to prevent ingrown hairs and reduce irritation for men of color. The curated line of products addresses hyperpigmentation, inflammation, dullness and uneven skin tone — basically everything we've ever wanted in a skin care line.
Beauty business guru Richelieu Dennis, who started SheaMoisture by selling soap in Harlem in the 90s, created what seems to be the hallmark of beauty goodies for black women. The hair, skin and makeup products are now sold in Target and Dennis has no plans of slowing down. In fact, he launched a $100 million investment fund for women entrepreneurs of color at the 2018 Essence Festival. Yeah, we're impressed, too.