Post #4- Black Owned and Local (Part 2)

As mentioned in my previous post, my quest for Black Owned beauty brands has become a wonderful side project as I explore rich pigments and hues and textures and services from my people. People who understand the struggle of finding that perfect colour you’ve been looking for and what you want it to look like on your black skin, whatever shade of Black you are. I was even happier to find out that some of these brands were local to me. Hallelujah! Black-Owned Beauty Brands in my own backyard (by backyard, I mean all of Canada…that’s a big yard). After I posted a pic on the gram of myself smiling in a new colour from The LipBar, a friend of mine messaged me complimenting me and then suggested I look at local offerings. She suggested a brand and then I took it a step further to keep on looking. I’m still looking, but here is what I’ve found so far.

1. PabaCosmetics are a brand I came across through searching on Instagram. They are a cruelty-free brand that creates makeup for women of diverse backgrounds. They are located in the Greater Toronto Area and are quite active online and in-store. They also have locations in Ottawa, Montreal and Ghana, Africa! They are so friendly and offer lipstick with SPF already in it. That’s right you can look fabulous and protect your melanin. Yes, Girl, lip-melanin needs protection too. I already feel like I know the women who run the GTA store since we’ve had wonderful interactions online and I have already been back to the store to acquire more lippies and become a PabaLady. I own Diva, a rich purple that has become one of my favourite on-the-go colours, Pout and Go Girl from the Liquid Lipstick collection. Check them out here https://pabacosmetics.com

2. MakeUpForMelaninGirls or MFMG is the brand that my friend suggested to me. They are located in Canada, so I’m thankful that I don’t have to think about the currency exchange.  They have strong affirmations on their site that encourage you before you even shop, I.e., You are Not an afterthought!…Come on Somebody! That there is good preaching! And for the girl with melanin anywhere in her skin, especially deep rich skin, this is the brand for you. They specialize in the perfect version of colours, not a whole lot of reds and pinks but rather the perfect red or pink or brown or orange for beautiful black skin. I love their Raw Liquid Lipstick as it dries to a soft velvet type feel on my lips. I own Rust and Naked, which is my perfect nude. Check them out here https://makeupformelaningirls.com/?currency=CAD

3. NagiCosmetics as mentioned before in Part 1 of this post. Still great, go get yours now! They also offer makeup courses for those who are interested. https://nagicosmetics.com/collections/all/face?sort_by=title-ascending

I have since found a few more very local brands that I will be trying out over the next few weeks. Some of them are Bourgie Cosmetics, Shades the Collection, Purim Cosmetics, and Secrets by Danika B., just to name a few. So stay tuned for the next Black-Owned Post as I discover the world of wonderful lip wear. Oh and I plan to #WearItLikeIMeanIt always!

💄 p.s.

If you have any names of Black Owned brands you’d love my opinion on, then please don’t hesitate to share. See you here or on the gram and tag @thelipstickblogger 💋