Kayla Crittle 
The beauty industry has progressed so much in recent years. Black women no longer have to rely on mixing shades to get their perfect foundation color or forgo certain colors completely because it doesn’t compliment their skin. Formulas have been created that work for everyone, and although some brands still miss the mark, some have capitalized off of inclusivity.
In my opinion, here are some of the best brands and products for melanated skin:
Fenty Beauty is a groundbreaking beauty brand. Before they even launched, they were making headlines for their extensive shade range and unique products. Their campaigns were inclusive of both men and women of all complexions and they have definitely spearheaded the rising diversity in the makeup and beauty world. My favorite product from this brand is their Lip Paint. The Lip Paint is formulated for universal wear meaning it looks great on all shades and it’s durable so it will stay on throughout the day.
I didn’t expect to love this brand, but I do. Their formulas are unmatched. As a brown skin girl, it’s hard to find makeup that is pigmented enough to show on your skin, and Rare Beauty really took that into consideration when making their products. My favorite product from them is the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush–specifically in the shades Lucky and Love. These blushes are so pretty and pigmented. A little goes a long way and that says a lot for blush on dark skin. I highly recommend giving this brand a try if you want to incorporate some more color into your makeup routine.
Everyone with melanin knows how difficult it is to wear sunscreen on your face. We have to deal with the grayish film that it leaves behind and it makes us look ashy and powdery. Black Girl Sunscreen is the answer to this problem. This sunscreen is specifically made for people of color. This sunscreen oxidizes into your skin and leaves a sheer glow. You’ll never have to worry about looking ashy while trying to protect your skin again.
Buttah Skin was created to target skin issues that POC face like discoloration, hyperpigmentation, oiliness, and dryness. They have everything from oil-free gel cream to universal favorites like rosewater. You also have the ability to create your own skincare kit which is great if you’re looking to save money and develop a consistent routine.
If you shop for makeup at Ulta, then there’s no way you haven’t heard of Juvia’s Place. This brand was created to celebrate African women and their products are absolutely perfect for women of color. My favorite products from them are their eyeshadow palette. If you want the soft glam look, their eyeshadows are perfect for enhancing your natural features. I recommend the Nubian Eyeshadow palette. It has all the colors you need for creating an everyday look.
If you are looking to start a new skincare routine, be sure to give at least one of these companies a try. You’ll be happy you did.
By Kayla Crittle, University of Kentucky Alumni
Instagram / Twitter: kaylamarieily
