George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery should all be here. And the fact that they aren't speak to our country's inexcusable culture of police brutality and racial injustice. While you might feel helpless, you're not-it's more important than ever to take action. One way to do that is by donating to organizations fighting for racial injustice. Black Lives Matter, Black Youth Project 100, and Color of Change are great places to start, and this list of bail funds is an excellent way to help local protest efforts. But beyond protests, there's still a lot of work to do to uplift Black voices and protect Black communities. And an easy way to do that is with your purchasing dollars. Supporting Black-owned beauty brands not only puts money in the pockets of Black entrepreneurs, but also lets them know that consumers care about representation. So if you're looking for your next great beauty buy, take our Top Shelf subjects' recommendations and check out these brands. It's a small step, sure, but still an important one.
Loved by Elaine Welteroth, Marjon Carlos, Laura Dern, Vanessa Craft
The rave review: "Vernon François is a really great hairstylist and he just came out with a line-I use his Moisture Spray for that oomph right before I leave the house. That one was really good on my natural curls over the summer, too." - Marjon Carlos
Loved by Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, Lynette Nylander, Sobaika Mirza, Pooja Parikh, Tanaïs, Teddy Quinlivan
The rave review "Pat McGrath red called Supermuse Elson, after Karen Elson, is fucking incredible. Like, blows Ruby Woo out the water. I used to be a big MAC girl, but as you can see it's all been phased out." - Lynette Nylander
Loved by Marjon Carlos, Priscilla Quaye, Ravyn Lenae, Zazie Beetz, Katerina Correa, Fanny Bourdette Donon, Mari Malek, Cherie Camacho
The rave review: "I also use Shea Moisture Moisture Retention shampoo and Restorative conditioner. It smells so good. That's very black girl." - Ravyn Lenae
Loved by Hunter Harris, Carly Cardellino, Tchesmeni Leonard, Jaycina Almond, Sinikiwe Dhliwayo, Kim Johnson
The rave review: "I use the Briogeo curl cream, flip it over, diffuse it, and we're done. Their curl line is amazing. [The curl cream] is light, it doesn't make your curls crunchy, it smells really fresh and light, and it's not stiff-my curls still bounce and swing, but it just gives a little definition. I have too much hair to be frizzy and stuff." - Jaycina Almond
Loved by Priscilla Quaye, Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, Keysha Cosme, Georgia Moot, Kim Johnson
The rave review: "My leave-in is Kinky-Curly Knot Today. I've used that religiously for like five years. It's the absolute best leave-in because it really gets the knots out of your hair; it makes detangling so easy." - Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli
Loved by Fran Miller
The rave review: "I started using Klur's Stellar Restoration serum last year and love how gentle and multi-corrective it is. It's a retinol, but I haven't experienced the redness and dryness commonly associated with many retinols." -Fran Miller
Loved by Utibe Mbagwu
The rave review: "It's a mineral sunscreen available in a range of flexible tints for all skin shades, is supremely moisturizing, and cancels out any visible inflammation you may have." -Utibe Mbagwu
Loved by Flo Ngala, Rico Nasty, Doreen St. Felix, Loza Maléombho
The rave review: "I bought Black Opal's Liquid Foundation in Hazelnut when I was traveling and forgot my makeup at home, but it was the best thing that could have happened. It's great for girls with dark skin-the red undertone? Bruh. This brand is bomb. When I wear it, my face looks super healthy and alive." - Flo Ngala
Loved by Folasade Adeoso, Mahen Bonetti, Yvonne Orji, Jessica Lynne
The rave review: "I am addicted to this IMAN blush. It's like pink, brown and gold, and you can mix all of them together. To apply it, I'm a hand-er." - Yvonne Orji
Loved by Luka Sabbat, Carly Cardellino, Ashley Graham, Julie Schott, Kitty Cash
The rave review: "If I'm wearing a heavy lipstick, I use KNC lip masks. They're really moisturizing, and I love collagen anything." - Ashley Graham
Loved by Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, Ziwe Fumudoh, Ravyn Lenae, Zazie Beetz, Jessica McDonald, Annahstasia Enuke, Lynette Nylander, Simone Aziga
The rave review: "Sometimes I wear makeup while I play-I did it during the World Cup because the cameras were always on us, but for club not so much. If I'm wearing it on the field, I try not to apply too much. I'll do a little Fenty foundation, and I'll put a dab of Fenty powder over it to make it stick more. It's done very well so far. But really, I'm Fenty everything. Trophy Wife, Gloss Bomb, Stunna Lip Paint, Fenty primer, the Galaxy palette. I just love Rihanna and bright colors, so as soon as she came out with the makeup line, all of my other makeup went in the trash." - Jessica McDonald
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