Welcome to ‘Beauty In Black.’ A video series where our Senior Beauty Editor, Akili King, discusses the newest and hottest Black-owned products in the beauty sphere.
“Why not treat yourself to products that do it all?” says Senior Beauty Editor Akili King, introducing ESSENCE’s new Beauty In Black series. The video franchise highlights our favorite Black-owned beauty finds. With makeup minimalism and “no spend” trends at the top of our feed this year, the first episode is an homage to our 2025 beauty mantra, “less is more.”
It’s a no brainer, then, that the first product she’d show off is Fenty Beauty You Mist Setting Spray—as you can use it before, during, and after your makeup.
Before you set, however, The Lip Bar’s 2-In-1 Powder Blush + Bronzer is her must-have on the go. “It’s super pigmented,” she says, swatching the luminous and highlighting formulas on the back of her hand. To prep your skin, she pulls out the Rose Ingleton MD FutureBright Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum. “Not only does it fade your hyperpigmentation,” she says, “it also prevents it.”
And, your hair products should be just as easy to use. Infused with castor oil, an ingredient known to reduce breakage, strengthen and grow hair, reach for TGIN’s Miracle Styling Smooth And Sleek Wax Stick for quick slick backs and laid edges. “[It’s] perfect for the girl on the go,” she says. “Slip it in your purse when you want a touch-up and you’re ready.”
To finish off her starting line-up, Serena Williams’s Wyn Beauty Acceptance Speech Lip Gloss is a can’t miss final touch. “Not only does it give an excellent sheen, but you also have castor oil infused in here,” King says, pointing out the holy grail ingredient hidden behind the shimmer. “You’ll have ultra-hydration all day long.”
Shop our “Less Is More” Beauty In Black edit below.
01
Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray
More than a setting spray, this two-in-one mist extends your makeup up to 12 hours with their protective InvisiFlex shield technology.
Available at www.ulta.com
02
The Lip Bar Fresh Glow 2-in-1 Powder Bronzer + Blush
This two-tiered makeup combo not only makes application more convenient, but gives you twice the product for the price of one.
Available at thelipbar.com
03
ROSE Ingleton MD FutureBright Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
With Black women proven to be more prone to hyperpigmentation, mixing Vitamin C with Tranexamic Acid doubles down on treating discoloration in half the time.
Available at www.sephora.com
04
TGIN Miracle Styling Smooth & Sleek Wax Stick
Replace your edge gel with a castor oil and squalene stick for easy use on the go.
Available at tginatural.com
05
WYN BEAUTY Acceptance Speech Shimmering Hydrating Lip Gloss
Hydrate and shine at the same time with a non-sticky shimmer lip gloss, giving you a multi-dimensional look in just a single product.
Available at www.ulta.com
06
TOPICALS Clearly Breakout Mask
Reducing breakouts shouldn’t come at the expense of your skin’s barrier. This mask targets blemishes in 24 hours with a dual-acid formula that unclogs pores, soothes bumps, and calms redness.
Available at mytopicals.com
07
Universal Triple Action Daily Peel
If dual function isn’t enough, this one-step triple acid peel results in brighter, smoother, and tighter skin than before and thrice as fast.
Available at beautystat.com
08
Shani Darden Skin Care Moisture Boost Plumping Serum
Plump and hydrate while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier with this dewy, skin-imalist serum.
Available at www.sephora.com
09
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed
Blush isn’t just for your cheeks. Flush your face and lips with just one swipe of this ultra-pigmented matte color.
Available at www.sephora.com
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