3 Underrated Black Beauty Brands You Need to Try in 2024
The beauty world is full of incredible brands, but some Black-owned beauty brands are still flying under the radar. Here are three underrated gems that you should definitely check out in 2024!
By: Jayla Smith
The beauty world is full of incredible brands, but some Black-owned beauty brands are still flying under the radar. Here are three underrated gems that you should definitely check out in 2024. These brands offer everything from innovative skincare to standout makeup, proving that you don’t have to stick to the mainstream to find amazing products.
1. Mented Cosmetics
If you haven’t heard of Mented Cosmetics, it’s time to get acquainted. Founded by KJ Miller and Amanda Johnson, this brand is all about creating high-quality, inclusive beauty products. Their “Mented 2” Eyeshadow Palette is a must-have, featuring a range of neutral shades that work beautifully on all skin tones. Their “Nude Lipsticks” are another standout product, offering a range of nude shades designed specifically for deeper skin tones. Clay Too Much blush is also a fan fave that allows black women blush to really take control! Mented Cosmetics blends high performance with inclusivity, making it a brand that’s both innovative and essential for an every day beauty routine.
@faceoftionne mented cosmetics - clay too much. that's it, that's all. @mented cosmetics #mentedcosmetics #redblush #blackgirl #claytoomuch ♬ original sound - Tionne🩶
2. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
While it might seem surprising to see Fenty Beauty on an underrated list, the brand’s full range of products still deserves more attention. Beyond the well-known foundations, their “Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer” is a game-changer for achieving that perfect, glossy finish without being sticky. The “Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder” is another favorite, known for its lightweight formula and diverse shade range that caters to all skin tones. Rihanna’s brand continues to push boundaries and redefine beauty standards, making Fenty Beauty a go-to for beauty enthusiasts.
Fenty Beauty
3. Black Opal Beauty
Black Opal Beauty is one of those classic brands that often flies under the radar but deserves a spot in your beauty collection. Established over 30 years ago, Black Opal has been a staple in the beauty industry for creating products that work for deeper skin tones. Their “True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation” is a favorite for its creamy texture and buildable coverage. Additionally, their “Total Coverage Concealer” is perfect for brightening up the under-eye area and covering blemishes. Black Opal’s range of products continues to offer effective solutions for achieving flawless skin, making it a brand that’s both reliable and underrated.
These Black-owned beauty brands might not always be in the spotlight, but they offer exceptional products that deserve a place in your beauty arsenal. From Mented’s inclusive shades to Fenty’s innovative formulas and Black Opal’s classic staples, these brands prove that there’s more to explore beyond the mainstream beauty market.
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5 Tips To Elevate Your Everyday Fashion in LA
For women, it's hard to figure out what to wear on a daily basis, especially in LA! Here are 5 tips and tricks to help elevate your everyday fashion looks! We discuss it here!
De'arra Taylor is the queen of anything eyewear. She elevates her looks by wearing different sunnies especially from her brand @lorvae
Photo Credit: @dearra on instagram
By: Jayla Smith
For women, it's hard to figure out what to wear on a daily basis. Especially in LA! In a city where there's always something to do—whether it's an event in the Hills, at one of the luxury hotels in Hollywood, or just enjoying time with friends at the beach—outfits need to stand out and make a statement. Here are 5 tips and tricks to help elevate your everyday fashion looks!
1. Basic Pieces
Every girl needs basic pieces like plain tank tops, crop tops, T-shirts, matching sweats, regular jeans, and skirts. Colors should range from neutrals to whites, browns, and black is a must!
@cocochinelo how to instantly elevate any outfit! #fyp #foryou #stylingtip #fashionhack ♬ original sound - ALL HAIL COCO CHINELO!
Video by: @cocochinelo
2. Jewelry
Now that you have your basics, add jewelry! Some people think it's a sin to mix gold and silver jewelry, but it is not. Whoever made that rule is stuck in the past. We have evolved, sis, and it's okay to mix jewelry. Add stacked pieces to your basics for a more elevated look.
@bylakeyasimone I've always been a gold girl, but I've been loving silver a lot lately! #mixingmetals #goldondarkskin #goldorsilver #blackwomenfashion #fashion #beauty ♬ original sound - By Lakeya Simone
Video by: @bylakeyasimone
Jewelry
Photo Credit:@krystalvega on instagram
3. Heels
Get funky with your heels! Adding unique heels to a basic outfit really adds character. It gives the illusion that you put in a lot of effort, but they just don't know you rocked that basic outfit. I know that's right! Create, create, create, and be you! That is what fashion is at the end of the day. The people who are meant to get it will!
@gabbyxchanel These kitten heels deserved to be brought out! #kittenheels #kittenheelshoes #kittenheelsoutfit #thrifted #thriftedheels #allbrownoutfit #brownoutfits #leopardprint #leopardprintheels #leopardprintshoes ♬ original sound - Gabrielle Chanel
@gabbyxchanel on TikTok thrifted some pattern heels to add dimension to her basic classic outfit! We love it!
4. Glasses
Don't be afraid to add glasses to an outfit, whether they're sunnies or fake reading glasses. We love a moment that makes us look smart and hot all at the same time.
5. Purse
Don't forget your purse. It's essential and can be that one matching piece or a pop of color, even printed if you like! Don't be afraid to add textiles or prints—it's truly what we live for.
@ieshathegr8 is one person who knows how to elevate a basic! We are always in Stan of her outfits! Just look at the purse, it GIVES!!!!
Overall, your closet can elevate from basic to extravagant in less than 30 seconds with these tips! Let us know how you like these tips and tag us!
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The Perfect Brown Lip Liner for Black Women: Spotlight on The Lip Bar
Finding the perfect brown lip liner can feel like a treasure hunt, especially for Black women. Melissa Butler, the genius behind The Lip Bar (TLB), has set the tone for what pigmented lip liners should be. We discuss it here!
Melissa Butler - Founder & CEO of The Lip Bar
By: Jayla Smith
Finding the perfect brown lip liner can feel like a treasure hunt, especially for Black women. Enter Melissa Butler, the genius behind The Lip Bar (TLB), who has set the tone for what pigmented lip liners should be. Her creations are the holy grail for all of us who know the struggle of finding that just-right shade.
Melissa Butler and The Lip Bar
Melissa Butler, an African American entrepreneur, founded The Lip Bar with one mission: to shake up the beauty industry and celebrate diversity. Her journey started with the desire to redefine beauty standards and create products that cater to everyone. And let me tell you, she nailed it. TLB's lip liners are a game-changer, especially for Black women, providing rich, vibrant shades that complement our beautiful, diverse skin tones.
Pigmented Shades for Every Skin Tone
A lip liner I swear by? TLB has a shade for everyone. Some of my faves include:
Photo credit: Lip Liner – The Lip Bar
Straight Lovin’: This versatile brown is perfect for medium to dark skin tones. It's like the little black dress of lip liners—always in style.
Straight No Chaser: A deeper, richer brown that gives darker skin tones that flawless definition.
Savage: A bold, dark brown that's perfect for making a statement and works wonders on the deepest skin tones.
Photo Credit: The Lip Bar website
The best to do it! Straight line creamy liner: photo credit: tlb website
These shades are so meticulously crafted, they’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without them.
Creamy Texture and Smooth Application
Now, let’s talk texture. TLB's lip liners glide on like butter—no tugging, no skipping, just smooth, creamy perfection. The application is effortless, allowing you to define your lips with precision. And the best part? These liners last all day, keeping your lips looking flawless from your morning coffee to your evening out.
Versatility and Accessibility
TLB's lip liners are more than just lip liners. Use them solo for a natural, polished look, or pair them with TLB’s lipsticks for a bold, glam effect. The high pigmentation ensures the color stays true, giving you a perfect base for any lip color. Plus, TLB's commitment to affordability means you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous.
Why TLB's Brown Lip Liners Stand Out
Inclusivity: Melissa Butler's dedication to creating products for all skin tones shines through in every shade.
Quality: The creamy texture and high pigmentation set these liners apart from the rest.
Affordability: Top-tier beauty that’s easy on the wallet? Yes, please!
In a world overflowing with beauty products, TLB’s brown lip liners are the real MVPs. Melissa Butler has redefined what pigmented lip liners should be, especially for Black women. Her innovative approach and commitment to diversity have made TLB a brand that empowers women of all shades to embrace their natural beauty with confidence.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a lip liner that complements your skin tone, applies like a dream, and makes you feel like a million bucks, look no further. The Lip Bar has got you covered. Celebrate the beauty of diversity with TLB’s perfect brown lip liners—the ultimate beauty essential.
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Meet Jayla Smith, contributing Writer for 247 Live Culture!