Iman Cosmetics
In 1994, supermodel Iman launched Iman Cosmetics for women with skin of color. By aligning with Proctor & Gamble in 2004, the makeup company grew, becoming a major drugstore label in Target, Wal-Mart and Walgreens. Today, Iman remains a leader of the movement and the company continues to be a staple.
Black/Opal
Also launched in 1994, Black/Opal claims the #1 spot, as the first skin-care company made specifically for black women, prioritizing hyperpigmentation, oil control and shade matching. Since then, it's had a glowing presence in Hollywood, working on the sets of films such as Think Like a Man and The Best Man, as well as the red carpet.
For the 2018 SAG Awards, Mary J. Blige used the brand, applying the Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer, Total Coverage Concealing Foundation and the True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation.
Fenty Beauty
Rihanna's newest venture, Fenty Beauty, has made a major impact. Sephora stores are barely able to keep the products in stock. When it was first announced, it was the businesswoman's push to create products "so that women everywhere could be included" that got people excited. With 40 foundation shades and diverse campaigns, this company has proven that diversity is key to successful beauty companies.
Tailah Waajid
Tailah Waajid started her career in the braiding salon in NYC. Now, after 25 years in the business, she's created products specifically to address the needs of naturalistas and braid lovers worldwide. Celebrity hairstylist Nai'vasha Johnson used Tailah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Nutrition Leave-In Conditioner, Curls, Waves, Naturals Curly Curl Gello and Shea Monoi Oil to create Yara Shahidi's hairstyle for the 2018 NAACP Image Awards.
Miss Jessie's
In 2004, Titi and Miko Branch named their salon and hair-care line after their grandmother, Miss Jessie, a Poughkeepsie, NY native with a knack for sweet potato pie and kitchen-made beauty products. Now, Miss Jessie's is a household name for kinky and curly hair, as well as the secret behind Gayle King's Golden Globes style.
SheaMoisture
At age 19, Sofi Tucker, a widowed mother of four, started selling African Black Soap and Shea Butter in Sierra Leone. The beginning of her business started in 1912. Now, one hundred years later, her legacy lives on in the shelves of Target, CVS and more as SheaMoisture. It has grown into a large corporation that includes makeup and hair products because, as the website states, "The best in personal care and beauty should not belong to the few."
To create Janelle Monae's epic pixie for the Grammy Awards 2018, celebrity hairstylist Nikki Nelms used the brand's new Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter collection.
Vernon Francois
Vernon Francois is a celebrity hairstylist that wasn't content with the products made for curly hair, so he made his own. Check out how he uses his collection on Lupita Nyong'o's hair below!