Celebrating Our Beauty: How “Black is Beautiful” Transformed Beauty Standards and Empowered Generations
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Black is Beautiful.” Whether it was whispered to you lovingly by your grandmother, proudly proclaimed on social media, or seen boldly displayed on a favorite tee, these three powerful words have shaped our identities, how we see ourselves, and how the world sees us. But did you ever wonder where it all began and how it’s still influencing beauty today?
Grab your tea or your favorite latte, and let’s dive into a journey celebrating the transformative impact of this timeless mantra, and explore how it’s inspiring the incredible beauty brands we adore today.
Where It All Began: The Bold Beginnings of “Black is Beautiful”
Back in the 1960s, amidst the push for civil rights and equality, another kind of revolution was brewing. Black people were tired of being told their hair wasn’t “appropriate,” their skin wasn’t “fair” enough, and their features weren’t aligned with mainstream beauty. This is when photographer Kwame Brathwaite stepped in and shook things up.
In 1962, Kwame and his brother Elombe Brath organized the legendary “Naturally ’62” fashion show in Harlem. Imagine this: Black women proudly flaunting their afros, rocking vibrant African prints, and confidently reclaiming their heritage in a world that tried to tell them otherwise. Brathwaite’s striking photography from this era captured the spirit and beauty of Black pride, forever cementing the power of the phrase, “Black is Beautiful.”
Powerful Words from the Past
Kwame Brathwaite famously stated:
“Black is Beautiful.”
Simple, yet revolutionary. These three words provided a sense of pride, love, and acceptance, inspiring countless Black women to see their natural beauty as something precious and inherently valuable.
Beauty Icons Who Changed the Game
The message quickly spread beyond fashion shows and photoshoots. Influential Black women in media and culture—like Angela Davis, Nina Simone, Diana Ross, and Pam Grier—carried the torch of the movement through their fierce style and unapologetic confidence. Angela Davis, with her iconic afro, became a powerful symbol of Black pride and resilience, inspiring generations to embrace their natural textures.
The Rise of Black-Owned Beauty Brands
Long before Rihanna shook the makeup industry with Fenty Beauty, there were trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker and Annie Malone who paved the way by creating hair care lines specifically for Black women. Madam C.J. Walker famously became America’s first self-made woman millionaire, proving that catering to Black beauty was not only empowering but also economically transformative.
Today, thanks to the foundation these pioneers laid, the beauty industry is rich with incredible Black-owned brands, deeply attuned to our unique needs and desires.
Spotlight on Today’s Must-Have Black-Owned Beauty Brands
Whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or just starting your skincare journey, supporting Black-owned beauty brands feels amazing. Here are some fabulous picks from Canada and the USA that embody the “Black is Beautiful” spirit:
🇺🇸 American Beauty Stars:
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Fenty Beauty – Rihanna didn’t just give us makeup; she gave us inclusivity. With shades for every skin tone, Fenty Beauty forever changed the beauty landscape. Their Gloss Bomb and Pro Filt’r foundation are staples in our routines. Shop Fenty Beauty
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Pattern Beauty – Created by the iconic Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern is all about loving your curls and coils exactly as they are. From their curl creams to styling gels, Pattern makes you fall deeper in love with your natural hair. Explore Pattern Beauty
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Keys Soulcare – Alicia Keys took her inspiring message of inner and outer beauty to another level. These products aren’t just skincare—they’re self-care rituals that uplift your spirit as they nourish your skin. Discover Keys Soulcare
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IMAN Cosmetics – Supermodel and icon Iman created IMAN Cosmetics specifically to meet the beauty needs of women of color. Her foundations and powders celebrate our diverse skin tones beautifully. Check out IMAN Cosmetics
🇨🇦 Canadian Beauty Gems:
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Kink & Coil – A proudly Canadian brand that truly understands textured hair, offering nourishing, curl-friendly haircare essentials. It’s like your curls’ best friend, bottled. Visit Kink & Coil
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Okoko Cosmétiques – Created in Vancouver by Oyéta Kokoroko, this luxurious skincare brand specializes in glowing, healthy skin using natural ingredients tailored for diverse complexions. Perfect for those pamper-yourself evenings. Explore Okoko Cosmétiques
Why Supporting Black-Owned Matters (and How You Can Join In!)
Did you know Black-owned beauty brands still make up only a tiny fraction of the massive beauty industry? According to McKinsey, despite our powerful spending habits, these brands have yet to fully gain the economic recognition they deserve. But here’s the great news: you can help change that.
As a beauty lover or blogger, you can actively support these brands through affiliate marketing programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Rakuten, or Skimlinks. It’s a win-win: you get great products, earn some money, and directly empower Black-owned businesses.
The Beautiful Future Ahead
As Black women, the power of our beauty lies in our diversity, authenticity, and strength. The legacy of “Black is Beautiful” encourages us to stand proudly, wear our crowns boldly, and celebrate every curl, kink, and radiant shade of our melanin-rich skin.
Next time you pick up your favorite Pattern curl cream or swipe on Fenty Gloss Bomb, remember you’re not just buying beauty products—you’re embracing a movement, honoring history, and empowering a vibrant future.
