After the horrific killing of George Floyd last month, which sparked the largest anti-racist movement across history, people all throughout the world have joined together to protest against systematic racism as well as police brutality. Whether this is through marches within towns and cities or creating a social media movement of allyship and support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

While many are speaking out, donating to charities, signing petitions and educating themselves on racism throughout history, another brilliant way to support the cause is by supporting black-owned businesses.

Now has never been a better time to celebrate and promote beauty brands owned by black business owners, so here are 5 black-owned beauty brands you need to check out and back:

Plant Apothecary Beauty

The New York-born clean beauty brand, Plant Apothecary Beauty, was founded by Holly McWhorter and her husband. They embarked on setting the standard for certified organic, clean and effective skincare. Through the brand’s ethics, coupled with its the packaging, both being visually appealing as well as unequivocally sustainable, the brand has been picked up by none other than Selfridges who have featured the brand on a conscious consumer edit. Be sure to check out the START HAPPY Organic Body Wash with geranium and peppermint oil for a sensuous rousing of the mind.

Beauty Bakerie

Founded by Cashmere Nicole in 2011. After a teenage pregnancy and breast cancer battle, Cashmere was inspired to launch her own cruelty-free beauty brand. What makes this brand so unique is the fact that every product is inspired by baking with cleverly cuisine-esque names. For example, ‘Flour’ Setting Powder & Eyelash ‘Icing’ Mascara. And to top it all off, the products come in their food inspired bags- an extra cherry on the cake, some would say.

UOMA Beauty

UOMA Beauty is the beauty brand making inclusivity and pride the new norm. Founded by the ex-beauty executive, Sharon Chuter, UOMA champions colour and empowerment within the beauty industry. One of their hero products is the Say What?! Foundation, which is available in a staggering 51 shades retailing at £29.50 (available on Beauty Bay & Cult Beauty). As well as the light-as-air formula, it contains six skin kins, which are a selection of active ingredients found in skincare specially selected to expertly cater to the different skin tone groups.

Juvia’s Place

Juvia’s Place prides itself for being one of the only fully vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands out there on the market at the minute. As well as these excellent credentials, the brand delivers a superb array of the most highly pigmented and impactful eyeshadow, highlighter and blush palettes each inspired and named after the rebels, rulers and queens of the African kingdoms throughout history. What’s more, every product is reasonably priced!

The Afro Hair & Skin Company

Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka, a wellness expert who specialises in holistic wellbeing in black women, is the founder of natural hair and beauty brand, The Afro Hair & Skin Company. The company aims to show how natural ingredients can be channelled into beauty products designed specifically for black women. The brand offers products for hair, body and skin and is also eco-friendly and locally produced with all ingredients grown in the UK. The standout product is definitely the FLOW Perfectly Balanced Facial Oil which was actually recommended in Vogue.

Of course, there are many other great brands out there to support. Just remember, Black Businesses Matter. Click here to help now.