5 West Indian Owned Beauty Brands You Need to Know
www.kreyolessence.com
written by Alyssa Mongroo
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 is reminiscent of paradise. Known for its exoticness 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 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!
Here are top 5 West Indian Owned Beauty Brands.
1. Fenty Beauty : Bajan owned and world-renowned (yes ladies, you heard me, I said “Bajan owned”) Bajan superstar Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017. According to Forbes Fenty has made Rihanna the richest female musician in the world! Fenty is Rihanna’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 number of shades most beauty brands carry is about 20. Fenty now has 50 shades of foundation and is distributed in over 15 countries worldwide.
2. Kreyol Essence : Haitian-American beauty businesswoman, 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 its golden product— filtered Haitian Castor Oil, which also impressed Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary. Kreyol Essence’s Haitian Castor Oil is sustainably handmade and provides benefits like anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
[ Additional Read: Kreyol Essence, Uber, and Social Impact]
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 tailored 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 for women in the West Indian islands. Sacha Cosmetics is available for orders placed outside of the Caribbean as well.
4. PAT McGrath Labs : Global celebrity MUA and businesswoman Pat McGrath is of Jamaican - British descent. McGrath 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, paired with the creation of Pat McGrath labs and recent launch of the Divine Rose and Mothership palettes are all hallmarks of an iconic beauty mogul.
5. KA’OIR Cosmetics : Jamiacan-American it-girl Keyshia Ka’oir founded KA’OIR Cosmetics in 2011. Keyshia started her career as a model and actress. KA’OIR Cosmetics is known for its bright-colored and glitter lipsticks— both features are uber popular within Caribbean culture. Keyshia however, is more than just a beauty junkie. According to sources Keyshia negotiated 3 major endorsement deals with celebs such as Jersey Shore star Snooki (Nicole Polizzi). She’s also made time to give back to community. In 2012 for instance Keyshia teamed up with girl’s organization, Alwayz Lady Like as a speaker empowering and encouraging young girls.