By Gabrielle Echevarrieta
ABSOLUTEJOI
This clean-beauty brand created by Dr. Anne Beal, MD, MPH, addresses the needs of melanin-rich skin using pure, plant-based and cruelty-free ingredients. Designed to combat hyperpigmentation and aging, the Skin Refining Night Oil is safe for sensitive skin, and was named Best Vitamin C Retinol of 2020 by Byrdie Beauty. For those seeking a simple and effective skin care routine, the Skincare Starter Collection includes four tried-and-true products for clarifying and moisturizing, including the Sunflower & Moringa Fresh Cleanse Oil and the Balancing pH Toner With Aloe, Oat & Hyaluronic Acid. absolutejoi.com
ANTIK LAKAY
The minimalist aesthetic of Antik Lakay’s soy-and-coconut blend candles seamlessly blend with any room’s decor. The brand’s paraffin-free wax formula paired with premium-grade essential oils produces intricate full-bodied scents without emitting harmful chemicals into the air. The Growth candle, a melange of fir needles, frankincense and oud, promotes a moody ambience reminiscent of a forest, while the Serenity and Victory candles exude romantic scents of cocoa, sage, patchouli and rose de mai. antiklakay.com
BODY COMPLETE RX
Founder Samia Gore was inspired to create the female-focused supplement line Body Complete while struggling to fit self-care into her demanding schedule as a working mom. Formulated with plant-based superfoods like green tea, beetroot and sweet potato, Body Complete’s supplements help boost energy levels, enhance mood, curb appetite and kick-start metabolism to promote weight loss. The revitalizing Renew drops combine vitamin B6 and riboflavin to nourish skin, hair and nails, and streamline the absorption of proteins, fats and carbs. The adaptogenic properties of maca, rhodiola and astragalus are infused into the Boost drops, supporting thyroid function, easing stress and helping to trim belly fat. bodycompleterx.com
EDEN BODYWORKS
This inclusive line created by tech executive Jasmine Lawrence addresses an array of hair and scalp concerns, including dryness and damage, curl definition, thinning and skin irritation. Made with natural ingredients blended into heavenly scents like hibiscus honey, papaya castor and more, the brand’s collection of styling creams, cleansers, hair oils and gels hydrate, soften and revitalize strands. For an ultra-nourishing treatment for tired locks, opt for the JojOba Monoi Deep Conditioner, a fortifying mask perfect for brittle, color-treated manes. edenbodyworks.com
GOLDE
Turmeric, the golden-hued super-rhizome, serves as the foundation of Golde’s line of smoothie, beverage and face-mask powders. Powered by the desire to make wellness accessible for all, CEO and co-founder Trinity Mouzon Wofford partnered with her then-boyfriend (now fiancé), Issey Kobori, to create health aids that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Whip up invigorating matcha or cacao-turmeric lattes using the brand’s signature powdered blends, and try the Clean Greens and Papaya Bright exfoliating and anti-pollution masks for an indulgent face treatment. golde.co
I + I BOTANICALS
Good for the body, Earth and soul, I + I Botanicals was founded by working moms Jennifer Culpepper and Selam Kelati, a visionary duo with a passion for natural wellness remedies. American-grown, lab-tested CBD is paired with ethically sourced ingredients in a line of versatile face and body care, including the prickly pear oil serum, jojoba-infused dry oil body mist, and calming bath-tea blend with lavender and chamomile. The products are free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates and gluten, and the brand’s packaging is created using as little plastic as possible, with glass bottles designed to be recycled or repurposed. iandibotanicals.com
LAWS OF NATURE COSMETICS
A 2016 study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that 75 percent of products marketed to Black women contain harmful ingredients, putting them at an elevated risk of toxin exposure. This alarming statistic, paired with her mother’s diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, drove founder Jasmine Rose to develop Laws of Nature Cosmetics, a line of natural mineral foundation available in 20 shades. In addition to the flagship Foxy Finish Mineral Crème Foundation, the brand has since expanded to include color-correcting concealers, setting powders and talc-free primers made with hibiscus, green tea and aloe vera extracts. lawsofnaturecosmetics.com
SPRAISE
A fusion of the words “Skin Praise,” Spraise’s natural beauty remedies function as an “ode to the self.” Founder and CEO Dominique Boseman, a former human-rights attorney, sought to create products using clean, effective ingredients with a luxury twist, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their skin care. Ultra-moisturizing lotions, scrubs and shower gels are infused with fragrant almond, coco-mango, lemon-ginger and lavender, potent enough to tackle stubborn eczema, chronic dryness and sensitivity. The Almond Praise Set, a powerful trio of body wash, scrub and moisturizing souffle, provides essential ingredients like avocado and coconut oils for hydrated, glowing skin. spraise.com
OUI THE PEOPLE
Oui The People founder Karen Young is on a mission to combat the oppressive standards for women’s bodies perpetuated by prominent beauty brands. Urging those of all shapes and sizes to embrace the skin they’re in, the brand has created a line of shaving solutions to nourish, soothe and soften areas left irritated by traditional razors and creams. For an ultra-close, hydrating shave, turn to the Counterculture Set, a collection of silky shave gel, hydrating body gloss and a rose-gold sensitive-skin razor. Pair this all-inclusive kit with fun accessories, like the bold “F*ck Flawless” socks, “Patriarchy” clove-scented candle and luxurious Bikini Sheet Mask.
ouithepeople.com
THE CRISTALLINE
Harnessing the energetic properties of crystals, this lifestyle brand’s array of skin care, accessories, home decor and jewelry is created to balance the mind and spirit. Co-founders Rashia Bell and Elizabeth Kohn lend interior design expertise to private clients, including The Class by Taryn Toomey. Bell is a crystal healer who offers chakra clearing and crystal sound bath experiences virtually, in New York and Philadelphia. Use rose quartz and obsidian facial rollers to promote circulation beneath the skin, utilize the grounding powers of the sacred geometry elements set, and elevate any meditation or yoga space with decorative onyx bowls and green malachite stones. thecristalline.com
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