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5 West Indian Owned Beauty Brands You Need to Know
The Caribbean. It’s where the warmth of the sun shines down on us, the colors are neon and exotic, and the feel of white sand beneath your feet reminds you that you’re in paradise. Known as a paradise on earth, the West Indies is much more than just a picturesque reality. Full of culture and vibrant art, it only makes sense that some of the world’s biggest and most popular beauty brands were started by Caribbean creatives!
These powerhouse figures are hands down some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. They’ve taken the beauty industry by storm. Each and every one showcases representation by formulating beauty products that cater to a diverse range of skin tones and complement every skin type. Check them out!
1.Fenty Beauty: Bajan owned and world-renowned (yes ladies, you heard me!) Bajan queen Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017. According to Forbes Fenty has made Rihanna the richest female musician in the world! Fenty is RiRi’s actual last name. Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty after noticing the lack of inclusivity for women of color among beauty brands. Her original launch of the brand included 40 different skin tones that were carefully crafted for ranging skintones. To put that in perspective the average shade range of most beauty brands is about 20. Fenty now has 50 shade ranges and is distributed in over 15 countries worldwide.
2. Kreyol Essence: Haitian-American beauty guru, Yve-car Momperousse got her big break this year after being featured on ABC’s Shark Tank. Kreyol Essence as a brand prides itself on it’s golden product-- filtered Haitian Castor Oil, which also impressed Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary. KE’s Haitain castor oil is sustainably handmade and provides benefits like anti-bacterial/anti-viral properties which typical castor oil doesn’t normally do.
3.Sacha Cosmetics: A Caribbean girl’s staple, Sacha Cosmetics was founded by beauty mogul, Kama Maharaj who hails from Trinidad. Sacha is known for its buttercup powder which has evolved into 3 shades since its start. Their famous yellow-toned buttercup powder has excellent mattifying effects specific to brown skin tones. For years Sacha Cosmetics has set the stage for colored loose powders, since a majority of white loose powders tend to leave a white cast on women of color. The company was founded in 1979 and continues to be the popular makeup of choice in the West Indian islands.
4. McGrath Labs: Global celebrity MUA and businesswoman Pat McGrath is of Jamaican - British descent. Pat attributes much of her love of makeup to her Jamaican mother. In a 2012 interview with Vogue, McGrath explains how her mother would always mix colors because there was nothing available for black skin. Anna Wintour has also labeled Pat as “the most influential makeup artist in the world.” Her resume of clients, creation of Pat McGrath labs and recent launch of Divine Rose and Mothership palettes are all hallmarks of a beauty mogul. We’re excited to try her new line!
5. KA’OIR Cosmetics: Jamiacan-American it-girl Keyshia Ka’oir founded KA’Oair cosmetics in 2011. Keyshia started her career as a model and actress. KA’OIR Cosmetics is known for bright colored and glitter lipsticks, all features that are wildly popular within Caribbean culture. Keysha is so much more than just a beauty junkie, according to sources Keysha negotiated 3 major endorsement deals with celebs such Snooki (Nicole Polizzi). and she even makes time to give back to her community like back in 2012 when she teamed up with girl group Alwayz Lady to give back to local girls.
