These Are Our Readers' Favorite Lipsticks by Black-Owned Beauty Brands
A shopping guide for National Lipstick Day.
July 29 may seem like any other day on the calendar, but for many makeup lovers, today marks the annual celebration of the National Lipstick Day. For shoppers who are committed to buying Black, the list below will help you find some of the best lip colors from HYPEBAE readers’ favorite Black-owned beauty brands. From the vegan formulas of Mented Cosmetics to the metallic shades by UOMA Beauty, to the luxuriously packaged lipsticks from Pat McGrath Labs, these are the top picks you’ve shared with us.
Coloured Raine Cosmetics Satin Lipstick “Cameo”
Founded by Loraine R. Dowdy in 2013, Coloured Raine Cosmetics is a makeup company that celebrates diversity and self-expression through its thoughtfully formulated products and inclusive shade ranges. Made with vegan ingredients, the brand’s cruelty-free Satin Lipstick in “Cameo” ($17 USD) features a dusty rose hue with lavender undertones.
The Crayon Case Matte Lippie “Bear”
In 2017, Raynell Steward (aka Wuzzam Supa and Supa Cent) launched The Crayon Case, a fun and accessible brand made for makeup beginners and veterans alike. Promising all-day wear, the “Bear” Matte Lippie ($12 USD) is a waterproof liquid lipstick that sees a beautiful light brown color.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush “Sunset”
For those who love a multipurpose makeup product, consider picking up the Vision Flush ($20 USD) from makeup artist Danessa Myricks‘s eponymous beauty brand. Offering a buildable wash of color, this semi-matte liquid lipstick can be used not only on the lips, but also on the eyes and cheeks for achieving a chic, monochrome look.
Kitaka Natural Gloss “Morganite”
Former fashion stylist Patrice Monique created her brand Kitaka with a mission to offer beauty enthusiasts high quality products that are made with natural, organic ingredients and recyclable packaging. The UK company’s Natural Gloss collection — including the soft pink “Morganite” (approximately $21 USD) — features a vegan and hydrating formula that gives your lips a plump look.
Lolly Lips By Kyanna Lipstick “Meatball Power”
Having struggled to find a lip color that complements her skin tone, three years ago, Kyanna Virgil became determined to start her own lipstick brand. Lolly Lips By Kyanna was officially launched in 2020, with a range of handmade liquid lipsticks that are vegan and cruelty-free. Its “Meatball Power” shade, a deep brown, ($10 USD) features a velvet matte finish.
The Lip Bar Lipstick “Merlot”
Melissa Butler launched The Lip Bar in 2012 with a goal to disrupt traditional beauty standards and to encourage people to embrace their individuality. A universally flattering burgundy shade, the brand’s “Merlot” lipstick ($13 USD) is a richly pigmented and smooth formula that’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Mented Cosmetics Red Matte Lipstick “Red Carpet”
The brainchild of co-founders KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics is an inclusive beauty brand designing makeup products with women of all skin tones in mind. Its blue-based red matte lipstick, “Red Carpet” ($18 USD), is formulated with vegan and non-toxic ingredients.
UOMA Beauty Black Magic Metallic Lipstick “Savage”
UOMA Beauty, founded by Sharon Chuter, is a makeup company that seeks to challenge outdated conventions with its innovative and shade-inclusive products. To achieve a statement-making lip, look to the brand’s Black Magic Metallic Lipstick in “Savage” ($36 USD), a high-shine red color packed with shimmer.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick “Extravaganza”
The namesake brand of the legendary makeup artist, Pat McGrath Labs is known for its high-impact makeup products, often used for creating some of the boldest beauty looks on the fashion week runway. A fan favorite, the MatteTrance Lipstick ($38 USD) delivers a a creamy, matte texture and comes packaged in a surrealist-inspired golden lip tube.
