Lifestyle
Staff Picks: Black-Founded Brands Edition
ELISE -- Mielle Organics Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner
“I swear by this deep conditioner! Every time I use it, my hair is shiny, strong, moisturized and insanely soft.”
Mielle Organics, founded by Monique Rodriguez, is a beauty and hair-care brand focused on using healthy ingredients to promote healthier skin and hair. Its Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner is formulated with babassu oil, derived from an Amazonian palm fruit, along with fatty acids and complex amino acids to hydrate your scalp and reduce frizz.
DARNELL -- Partake Foods Birthday Cake Cookies
“They’re a delicious treat for cookie lovers, regardless of dietary restrictions. With so many fun flavors, I keep running back.”
Founded by Denise Woodard in 2016, Partake seeks to provide allergy-friendly sweet treats that can be enjoyed by people with or without food restrictions. Every product — from Birthday Cake Cookies to Classic Grahams to Confetti Pancake and Waffle Mix — is certified gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO and free of nine major allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, sesame and soy.
KENIA -- Estelle Colored Glasses
“These colorful wine glasses add a touch of color to my kitchen, and they also make a great housewarming gift!”
Inspired by her grandmother Estelle’s love of antiques, Stephanie Summerson Hall launched Estelle Colored Glass in 2019 to create luxury hand-blown and specialty glassware. Available at Nordstrom, you’ll find beautiful stem and stemless wine glasses, coupes and rocks glasses in several colors, ranging from gorgeous jewel tones to pretty pastels.
SAVANNAH -- Pat McGrath Labs Mini Nude Venus Lip Trio
“You can easily slide it into your purse, and the minis are a great way to try new colors to find a new favorite!”
Pat McGrath Labs, founded by world-famous makeup artist Pat McGrath, is a curated collection of high-performance cosmetics, including lipsticks, glosses and eye-shadow palettes. The brand’s Mini Nude Venus Lip Trio includes a mini lip pencil, mini lipstick and mini gloss, and it’s perfect for on-the-go glam.
DANNIELLE -- Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
“I really love that the applicator allows you to put the concealer wherever you want before you get to blending!”
Rihanna founded Fenty Beauty in 2017 with the goal of creating an inclusive makeup line accessible to all skin types and tones — and she did just that! This concealer comes in 50 buildable, medium-coverage shades. It brightens the skin, concealing dark circles and puffiness for up to 12 hours.
COURTNEY -- Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo
“A little bit goes a long way; one bottle has lasted several months! It keeps my hair looking clean and voluminous between my regular washes.”
At Briogeo, founded by Nancy Twine, you’ll find clean hair-care products formulated with nutrient-rich, natural ingredients for all hair types and textures. The Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo is made with binchotan charcoal to detoxify your hair and scalp, biotin to nourish and strengthen your hair, and a clay tapioca and rice starch complex to absorb excess oil, helping your hair stay fresh and bouncy between washes.
DAVID -- Advisry Logo Pillow
“My Advisry pillow is the perfect pillow to lay my head on after a long day. The blue also adds an extra pop of color to my bedroom.”
A 13-year-old Keith Herron founded Advisry as a clothing brand in 2014. It has since expanded to a multimedia brand that produces films, music and clothing, and even curates a radio station. This plush pillow featuring the Advisry logo is an excellent bed or couch accessory.
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