Welcome to ‘Beauty In Black.’ A video series where our Senior Beauty Editor, Akili King, discusses the latest and hottest Black-owned products in the sweetness sphere.

“Why not treat yourself to products that do all of it?” says Senior Beauty Editor Akili King, introducing ESSENCE’s latest Beauty In Black series. The video franchise highlights our favourite Black-owned beauty finds. With makeup minimalism and “no spend” trends at the highest of our feed this 12 months, the primary episode is an homage to our 2025 beauty mantra, “less is more.”

It’s a no brainer, then, that the primary product she’d showcase is Fenty Beauty You Mist Setting Spray—as you need to use it before, during, and after your makeup.

Before you set, nevertheless, The Lip Bar’s 2-In-1 Powder Blush + Bronzer is her must-have on the go. “It’s super pigmented,” she says, swatching the luminous and highlighting formulas on the back of her hand. To prep your skin, she pulls out the Rose Ingleton MD FutureBright Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum. “Not only does it fade your hyperpigmentation,” she says, “it also prevents it.” 

And, your hair products needs to be just as easy to make use of. Infused with castor oil, an ingredient known to scale back breakage, strengthen and grow hair, reach for TGIN’s Miracle Styling Smooth And Sleek Wax Stick for quick slick backs and laid edges. “[It’s] perfect for the girl on the go,” she says. “Slip it in your purse whenever you need a touch-up and also you’re ready.”

To complete off her starting line-up, Serena Williams’s Wyn Beauty Acceptance Speech Lip Gloss is a can’t miss final touch. “Not only does it give a wonderful sheen, but you furthermore mght have castor oil infused in here,” King says, declaring the holy grail ingredient hidden behind the shimmer. “You’ll have ultra-hydration all day long.”

Shop our “Less Is More” Beauty In Black edit below.

01

01
Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray

Greater than a setting spray, this two-in-one mist extends your makeup as much as 12 hours with their protective InvisiFlex shield technology.
Available at www.ulta.com

02

02
The Lip Bar Fresh Glow 2-in-1 Powder Bronzer + Blush

This two-tiered makeup combo not only makes application more convenient, but gives you twice the product for the value of 1.
Available at thelipbar.com

03

03
ROSE Ingleton MD FutureBright Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

With Black women proven to be more liable to hyperpigmentation, mixing Vitamin C with Tranexamic Acid doubles down on treating discoloration in half the time.
Available at www.sephora.com

04

04
TGIN Miracle Styling Smooth & Sleek Wax Stick

Replace your edge gel with a castor oil and squalene stick for straightforward use on the go.
Available at tginatural.com

05

05
WYN BEAUTY Acceptance Speech Shimmering Hydrating Lip Gloss

Hydrate and shine at the identical time with a non-sticky shimmer lip gloss, providing you with a multi-dimensional look in only a single product.
Available at www.ulta.com

06

06
TOPICALS Clearly Breakout Mask

Reducing breakouts shouldn’t come on the expense of your skin’s barrier. This mask targets blemishes in 24 hours with a dual-acid formula that unclogs pores, soothes bumps, and calms redness.
Available at mytopicals.com

07

07
Universal Triple Motion Each day Peel

If dual function isn’t enough, this one-step triple acid peel leads to brighter, smoother, and tighter skin than before and thrice as fast.
Available at beautystat.com

08

08
Shani Darden Skin Care Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

Plump and hydrate while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier with this dewy, skin-imalist serum.
Available at www.sephora.com

09

09
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Blush isn’t just in your cheeks. Flush your face and lips with only one swipe of this ultra-pigmented matte color.
Available at www.sephora.com

We independently evaluate all advisable services and products. Should you click on the links we offer, we may receive compensation.