by Mykah Williams

Ah-Shi Beauty

Ah-Shi Beauty is a Native-American beauty brand that describes itself as the luxury beauty brand for the fearless and unstoppable souls of the world. ‘Ah-Shi’ in Navajo language (known as Diné to its speakers) means “this is me, this is mine”. Ah-Shi Beauty sells both natural-based makeup and skincare, that is, products made from materials given to us by nature herself. Its skincare line is 98 percent botanical based and sells Skincare Sets for 4 different skin types from dry to oily. Notable ingredients in the sets include nurturing jojoba oil and healing Japanese green tea. Their cosmetics line includes everything anyone, makeup novice, to professional MUA would need in their arsenal. They also sell a monthly makeup subscription box for those of us who prefer getting to know our products in small doses (or just like the idea of a monthly treat). Keep your eyes peeled on Ah-Shi beauty, the brand also has a botanical hair and body line in the works. 

Zen + Ether

Zen + Ether is a new luxury skincare brand that truly takes self-care to the next level. It was created to help women incorporate stress management rituals into their everyday beauty routines. Zen + Ether holds the quality of ingredients to the highest standard possible. Their products include complex, and luxurious ingredients chosen by some of the most experienced certified aromatherapists and clean formulators in the industry. Among these blends are healing ashwagandha powder and bentonite clay. If you are looking for a high-quality, purifying mask, let us recommend the Purifying Nutmeg Facial Mask Powder. This powder which can be mixed with water and your favorite hydrosol provides a rich, deep cleanse that leaves the skin with a healthy glow. You can purchase one of their adorable bowl and spoon mixing kits you like or just use whatever tools you have at home. Be sure to check out the instructions when using your new Zen + Ether products, they advise you the best way to enjoy the experience and truly let your skin-care routine meld with your self-care. I think that’s a 2 for 1 we could all get on board with. 

Mented Cosmetics

Mented Cosmetics was birthed during a conversation in which Amanda Miller and KJ Johnson discovered they both had trouble finding a flattering nude lipstick. This has been a long-standing issue for too many women in America. Thus, Mented Cosmetics was born and, on a mission, to provide flattering colors to women who also shared their beauty struggle. If you are a WOC, you are sure to find an excellent match for both your skin tone and undertones using their 60 second shade finder quiz. A quick scan on the website is all it takes realize how many more elusive shades they provide than the average brand. With an affordable and full-face range of products to choose from, Mented Cosmetics is an excellent place to begin creating your full-face routine as a beginner or a professional.

Bomba Curls

Bomba Curls, founded by African-Domnicana Lulu Cordero is a curly hair brand built on organic ingredients and long-kept Domican beauty secrets. Cordero came to formulate her products after dealing with severe traction alopecia and finding that the native formulas used for hair care in the Dominican Republic packed a much bigger punch than any hair loss products. Cordero describes Bomba as a "love letter to women and girls everywhere who have ever been made to feel that their natural coils and kinks are somehow anything less than beautiful." Made famous by curlies for their super-effective Forbidden Oil, this brand is an excellent option for folks who want to see their hair grow faster and healthier. With nurturing ingredients such as black cumin seed oil and Rosemary extract, this oil gives the curls and soft and rich appearance. Check out their "Forbidden Growth Bundle" if you want to see your dry and damaged hair sent to rehab for an affordable price. The bundle currently maintains is 5/5 start review on the website and is currently retailing for only $45.00!

PearNova 

While a lot of us are familiar with clean skin and hair brands, very little are aware that there are now clean nail polish options as well. Yes, you can get creative with your nails without all the chemicals! The brand founded by Rachel James provides 10 different formulas for everyone's unique nail needs and offers a plethora of shades that sell in both lacquer and gel polishes. With palettes inspired by currents style on the runway, PearNova is always releasing new collections with the most unique and sought-after colors of the season. Be sure to check out their different Duo’s and collections or create your own 4-piece collection of your choosing. If you're in Chicago getting a manicure at the Pear Nova salon is must do activity!

Pinkness.co

Pinkness.co was founded by beauty connoisseur Farah Pink in 2018 with her famous all-purpose oil, Forever Flawless Beauty Oil. This multitasking oil is made with 13 all-natural, vegan ingredients and was recently featured in Cheetah girl, Adrianne Bailon’s skincare routine. The oil is compatible with all skin types and helps aid in the repair of many different skin woes including acne and wrinkles, all while selling for a cool $30. The great thing about this oil is it can also sub for a moisturizer to save steps in your skincare routine! Be sure to also look at the glowing reviews on their brightening face mist. We’re sure to see a lot of other excellent vegan products come out of Pinkness.co!

Linear Beauty

Founded by Tasha Gear, Linear Beauty is a skincare brand that’s zero waste and with the intention to make beauty simple and straight-forward. With the founder’s own skin sensitivities from drugstore products, it was her mission to find the perfect combo through all-natural ingredients. Every product includes the following ingredients: high quality oils, butters, and CO2 extracts formulated to be used on all skin types. With only 4 simple products, they have a luscious body butter, face oil as well as a lotion and soap bar made out of turmeric and oatmeal. Linear Beauty can also be found at Package Free Shop as well, a Brooklyn based store and online zero-waste e-commerce.