Happy Black History Month!
Five years after 2020’s global reckoning, Black creatives all over the world are finding that progress towards a more representative future has slowed – and in some instances started to backslide.
While the month is a time for celebration, it’s also an important time to reflect on how we can use our voices to improve the quality of life for Black people around us – in both our personal and professional relationships – to make space for and uplift them. Not to mention, opening your purse to support Black-owned brands.
For Black people, it’s a great time to shout about our successes, highlight those who helped us get there and wedge the door open behind us to allow for another generation of young Black creatives to find their own success in the future.
With that said, we’ve rounded up 19 of our favourite Next-Gen Black creatives that you need to know about this Black History Month to find out their current beauty obsessions, how they’re navigating the industry right now and their favourite Black beauty rituals. Scroll on to find out more.
Shea Osei
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now, and how are you navigating it?
Black creatives are thriving in the beauty industry right now. We’re becoming more aware of the influence and impact we have not just culturally, but economically too. Black consumers invest heavily in beauty, from hair and makeup to nails, which naturally creates more opportunities for growth and representation within the industry.
For me, navigating this space has felt quite organic because I lead with authenticity. I’m intentional about sharing both my highs and my lows, which then helps people connect with the real journey behind the work. Collaboration is also a huge part of what I do. I love educating others about my craft and building genuine relationships with my audience and peers, because that’s where true growth and community happen.
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
Sol De Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter is a current fave of mine, the smell is divine!
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil is another favourite of mine. It leaves my face feeling soft and looking healthy thanks to the collagen.
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Doing my nails is a huge Black beauty ritual for me. It’s my favourite thing to do because getting my nails done regularly is a form of self-expression and empowerment. I love using bold colours, intricate designs and embellishments that celebrate creativity and individuality.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
My main advice is to always be authentic – be authentically you, and that will always win over everything else. Don’t try to change yourself to fit into trends; your audience wants to see the true you.
Paige Cole
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now, and how are you navigating it?
Right now, the landscape for Black beauty creatives feels both exciting and challenging. There’s a lot more visibility and appreciation for Black artistry, texture and innovation than there used to be, but it still takes effort to be truly seen and supported beyond surface-level inclusion. Social media has opened up space for independent voices, from hairstylists and makeup artists to photographers and brand founders – to build their own platforms, connect directly with audiences, and define beauty on their own terms.
It’s about turning challenges into creative fuel, transforming the lack of representation into an opportunity to redefine what ‘special effects’ can look like through a Black lens. Navigating this space means being bold enough to experiment, to mix tradition with imagination, and to take up space in rooms that weren’t designed for us. I move with both strategy and soul, connecting with other Black creatives, sharing resources, and making sure my work speaks for those who come after me. It’s not just about breaking into the industry; it’s about reshaping it.
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
My current beauty obsession is bottom spike lashes; they instantly elevate any look and add that extra edge without doing too much. I’m also obsessed with the Pat McGrath Labs Legendary Wear Velvet Kohl Liner. It’s incredibly creamy, super pigmented and a true deep black. Honestly, it’s a 10/10 must-have in my kit.
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
My favourite Black beauty ritual is wash day; it’s more than just a routine, it’s a reset. There’s something powerful about taking the time to care for my textured hair, from detangling to deep conditioning. It’s a moment to reconnect with myself and my roots, literally and emotionally. Each step reminds me of the beauty and versatility of our hair, how it coils, stretches and tells its own story. Wash day can be long and tiring, but that patience turns into pride. It’s self-love in motion, honouring the texture, history and strength that comes with every curl.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
My advice to Black beauty creatives in 2025 and beyond is this: Don’t give up, and don’t play small. The industry needs your perspective, your culture and your creativity – not a watered-down version of it. Be fearless about going against the grain; that’s where real innovation lives. Trends will come and go, but authenticity lasts. Keep creating from a place of truth, stay consistent even when it feels unseen, and trust that your voice will find its impact. You’re not just participating in beauty – you’re shaping its future.
Shamara Roper
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now, and how are you navigating it?
For me, being a Black beauty creative is about owning my story and celebrating my culture. I want to create spaces where Afro and textured hair is truly seen, understood and celebrated while thinking beyond my comfort zone and connecting with a global Black community. I’m passionate about innovating, building a community that inspires, protecting our work and creating something that lasts beyond going viral.
I navigate this journey by continuing to explore my creativity, staying curious and allowing my work to evolve with me. Right now, I’m working on a project that’s been such a beautiful experience – creating on my own schedule has given me the freedom to experiment and build organically. I can’t wait to share it with the world.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
Red One Styling Wax. I love using this as a gel replacement for Afro hair because it keeps hair sleek with a nice sheen to it, the texture doesn't revert back and it is easy to wash out.
Curlsmith is honestly an all-rounder for me. The vegan-friendly products work for every hair type, from shampoo to finishing, and always leave hair looking healthy and defined.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
My favourite Black beauty ritual is making sure both myself and my client are in a good headspace before I touch their hair. Taking a little time to talk and connect before we start makes such a difference in how we work together. I truly believe energy is transferable when I run my fingers through their hair and we discuss looks, it helps my client relax, it helps me understand their texture, and it builds trust from the very start. Once that trust is there, exploring hairstyles becomes easy, collaborative and empowering. It’s where creativity flows and clients feel confident to express themselves through their hair.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Be yourself! There are many hairstylists, but only one you. Imposter syndrome is a myth; if you’re in the room, you belong, and you are enough. Don’t cut corners! The way you start a style sets the tone for a clean, beautiful finish. As session hairstylists, we’re problem solvers. There’s no such thing as a bad hair day, only solutions. Most importantly, enjoy yourself! This industry is fun, full of endless opportunities, and there’s more than enough room for all of us to shine.
Naomi & Natalie Evans
What is the landscape like for young Black creatives in the UK right now and how are you navigating it?
Naomi: It’s tough for a lot of people. We saw a surge of interest in 2020 and a lot of organisations making commitments that they just haven’t kept. It also still feels as if there is still only space for a certain amount of Black creatives and it tends to be the same people given the opportunities.
Natalie: A lot of people are building outside of social media because we know the landscape is changing.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
Naomi: I really love Refy makeup. My favourite go-to is their cream bronzer and lip liner. I don’t leave the house without spraying Walpole from People Care, Planet Care. It’s an amazing salty, musky scent inspired by the tidal pool I live by so it reminds me of home wherever I am.
Natalie: Hair products are my obsession and always have been. I love finding new products for my curls. Right now, my favourite brands are Camille Rose and Dizziak.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Naomi: Doing my hair has become a form of self-care. I used to get frustrated by how long it took, but over time, I’ve learned to love wash day. Now, I set myself up at my dressing table with my laptop, put on something to watch, and take my time. What used to feel like a chore has become a calming ritual – a moment just for me.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to create a community in 2025 and beyond?
Natalie: As much as we utilise online spaces, it’s key to build outside of socials. That could mean other ways of building community or creating a space that doesn't depend on constant content creation. Collaboration is also key – rather than competing, working together often leads to greater impact. There's a common fear that teaming up will leave us worse off, but more often than not, we’re stronger and more effective when we unite.
Mikai McDermott
What is the landscape like for young Black creatives in the UK right now and how are you navigating it?
It’s a busy, exciting moment for Black beauty creatives, with more platforms to play with and smarter ways to tell our stories. I’m focusing on excellent work, clear systems and long-term partnerships, while keeping community at the centre of everything I build.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
I love Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Treatment because it strengthens and hydrates textured hair without weighing it down. I’m also obsessed with Danessa Myricks Beauty, her Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder is a genuine staple: pro-grade and foolproof for shine control without flattening the face. Danessa’s brand sets the bar for inclusive, artist-led innovation and performance.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Wash day with the LCO method (liquid, cream, then oil). It’s practical, nourishing and gives lasting softness and definition without buildup.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to create a community in 2025 and beyond?
Know your offer and package your wins. Price for the work you’re actually doing, protect your energy with boundaries and keep the craft excellent: the rooms have a way of opening when the work is undeniable.
Marina Camu
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
There’s been a real shift in the last decade, accelerated by social media, which boosts the narrative and visibility. Black beauty creatives are finally being recognised as innovators, but inclusivity still needs to be a standard, not a green tick on a dashboard. For me, it’s about holding space for both truth and progress: creating good formulas, campaigns and conversations that start with us and then include everyone. With Mèlasun, I’m reframing SPF as everyday beauty care made for us..
What are your current beauty product obsessions?
Mèlasun (of course!) because health is wealth and our formula feels invisible, protective and nourishing. Rich body bath oils: I rotate between Sage Water Body Oil Cleanser and Fig Milk Body Cleanser Oil from 39BC. Skin Rocks Hyperpigmentation Serum, I’m laser-focused on healing my hyperpigmentation.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Massage and daily body exfoliation. It’s healing, grounding and honours the body in a way that goes beyond surface beauty.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Education first, knowledge is power. Second, don’t wait for validation. The industry will always be catching up, so move with the urgency of your vision. Your lived experience is innovation, nurture it, build with people at the centre, and know there’s always a space for you to redefine beauty for the next generation.
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Katouche Goll
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
The landscape for Black beauty creatives is interesting because there is concurrent progress and regression at the same time. On one hand, we have more representation and even tangible beauty options that did not exist previously. On the other hand, the wider sociopolitical landscape has informed how the mainstream sees beauty inclusion.
For me personally, I am a huge proponent of consistent dialogue and education. It’s important for everyone to understand the role they play in having an impact. I use my TikTok and Instagram platforms to inform people. This can range from demonstrating how to find the perfect foundation shade to unpacking the potential dog whistles in ‘clean girl makeup’. Above all, it’s important to have fun and take up as much space as possible, to remind people of the impact Black beauty creatives have on the beauty industry as a whole.
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
My current beauty product obsessions are my brand new MAC Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation. I was recently shade-matched, turns out I’m an NC55 not an NW45! The formula is gorgeous, perfectly skin-like, but with the coverage you need for a full beat.
My favourite scent is Diptyque Corail Oscuro and it’s absolutely divine! It’s perfectly balanced and unique. I’m not a gourmand girlie, so the fresh notes are me all over.
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual and why?
My favourite Black beauty ritual is having a shower. The way our mom’s taught us and their mom’s before them. I like to change up the shower gel, but the loofah and soap combo is rigorous, invigorating and feels almost like a home Hammam.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
My advice would be to always be original and to get your stuff out there. We all have something special to offer.
Tinu Bello
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now, and how are you navigating it?
It’s a really exciting, but also challenging time. There’s more visibility than ever and Black beauty creatives are finally being acknowledged for shaping culture and trends, which we’ve always done. But there are still barriers in access, funding and representation in mainstream spaces. For me, navigating it means creating my own platforms, like Manicured London and events such as Press-Ons & Prosecco, while also collaborating with brands to show that diversity isn’t just a tick-box, it’s the standard.
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
Mylee French Cancan gel nail polish is my go-to red for all seasons. It’s classic, flattering on every skin tone and instantly elevates any manicure.
Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer & Plumper is an instant confidence booster, hydrating, glossy and perfect for elevating any look without too much effort.
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
For me, it’s hair braiding. It’s more than just styling, it’s storytelling, heritage and bonding. Sitting down to get braids done is both grounding and a reminder of the cultural richness we carry with us. It’s a ritual that feels like home.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Don’t wait for the industry to validate you. Build your own table, create your own platforms and let your work speak loudly. Also, focus on collaboration instead of competition. Supporting and uplifting each other will always take you further. The other thing I want to highlight is imposter syndrome. It’s not talked about enough in the Black creative space, but so many of us suffer from it, myself included. Social disparities like racism have made us feel less than or not enough in these spaces, and that feeling can linger even when we’re thriving. My advice is to recognise it, name it and push through it anyway, because you deserve to be in every room you enter. Finally, remember that impact isn’t just about going viral, it’s about longevity, influence and opening doors for the next generation.
Mahogany Amour
Model and content creator
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
I feel like there are two sides of the Black beauty landscape at the moment. I’m so grateful for how easy it is to access Black beauty in today’s world from social media, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re being platformed or rewarded for our work in the same manner as anyone else would. I’m just trying to stay true to myself.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
My forever beauty product obsession is sunscreen! Sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen! I have a lighter complexion, but people of all shades should wear sunscreen daily! You can start with Black Girl Sunscreen.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
My favourite Black beauty ritual is cleaning while listening to the music I grew up with that my mum or grandparents used to clean on Sunday mornings!
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Start now! So many dreams have been buried with the dreamer. If you can dream it, it’s in the realm of reality.
Ranti Adeyemi
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
It’s a good time for seasoned Black makeup artists. There’s a wide spectrum of talent and artistry out there and the industry is finally doing more to recognise that Black British makeup artists have always been an integral part of building this space. We now have household names who are seen as true makeup authorities.
In the past, many of us felt overlooked, as brands often spotlighted non-Black makeup enthusiasts instead of the artists teaching, creating and influencing the everyday client. Now, it’s inspiring to see more of us, including myself, being featured in magazines, attending brand events, joining roundtables and participating in production processes where our voices are valued. I’m enjoying being a part of it and hopefully there’s more to come!
What are your current beauty obsessions?
My current obsession is the Tola Banks Beauty Sponge. It’s soft yet sturdy, designed to blend all textures beautifully. The porous structure allows it to soak up warm water and release excess without compromising its durability or performance. It gives a seamless finish every time and being Nigerian-owned is an added bonus.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Applying bronzer. Bronzing reminds me how far makeup for Black women has come. 10 years ago, we were limited to foundation and one shade of blush to add dimension. Now, bronzing allows us to create warmth and depth – a reflection of how the industry has grown beyond simply offering a foundation. Now, most brands offer bronzers that give us a choice.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Work very hard in your chosen lane, and build genuine connections across the industry. Continuously level up your craft, stay curious and master what you love. Consistency and community will always take you further than anything. Lastly, be kind!
Jasmine Eleazer
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
There’s a long way to go, specifically within the nail community and the content that brands share, but the industry as a whole is slowly becoming more diverse and accepting. I continue to learn, practice and refine my work, so I’m confident in my skill, regardless of recognition. The right brands and clients will always find you.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
I’m in love with iUVO Face & Body Oil, it’s organic and can even be used in your hair! Also, Muluku Cosmetics Turmeric Scrub is a really great vegan and cruelty-free option to help with even skin tone.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
I look better if I feel better mentally so my days off are spent out in nature and I love to come back home to Aja Nova Organic Tea (Passion Flower for calming is my fave), practice gratitude and manifest. With everything going on in the world and in day-to-day life, it’s important to take time out and calm your nervous system.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Know your worth and be yourself. Stay confident and don’t conform to the boxes others may try to put you in. Share what you love, and the right doors will open. What’s meant for you will always be your,s so don’t rush, trust the process and the timing of the path you’re on.
Nyome Nicholas-Williams
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now, and how are you navigating it?
Right now, I don’t feel there’s much of a landscape for Black creatives. The opportunities that once seemed to blossom post-2020 have largely dried up. It feels as though many brands treated inclusivity as a box to tick, and once it was done, they returned to the same familiar faces. The saying ‘we have to work twice as hard for half as much’ still rings painfully true.
At the moment, I’m sourcing work outside of the creative industry to sustain myself, which isn’t where I want to be, but it’s my current reality. Still, I remain hopeful and continue creating on my own terms, holding space for the representation I wish to see.
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
Weleda Skin Food. As someone who chooses not to wear makeup daily, this is my go-to for natural, nourishing everyday skin care.
Clinique Moisture Surge. I love the way it leaves my skin glowing and hydrated after each use.
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Doing my hair. Even though I bleach it blonde, the process of finger-waving my hair brings me peace. It’s a ritual that allows me to celebrate and honour my hair, my crown, with love and intention.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Build your own table. Create your own lane. I’m in the process of doing exactly that, crafting something that is mine. Be self-reliant, find joy in what you love, and trust that your authenticity will carve out the space you deserve.
Weleda Skin Food Cream
- Consistency: Rich cream.
- Skin type: Dry and very dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, beeswax, glycerin.
Why we love it: If you're prone to seasonal damage, whether it's caused by the heat or the cold, this face cream can help keep your skin from getting too cracked and chapped. Powered by extracts of calendula, chamomile and viola tricolour, as well as a base of oils and beeswax, this affordable product also doubles as a body cream and can be used on areas that are especially prone to dryness, including your hands, feet and elbows.
Celina Mervine
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now, and how are you navigating it?
The landscape for Black creatives is richer now than ever, with a lot more of us getting opportunities, being celebrated and receiving our flowers. However, there’s still not enough true representation across the creative industries. I navigate this by being present and intentional. I shamelessly pitch myself for projects, show up on set and take up space knowing that I’m representing myself and other Black creatives who may not get the same opportunities as I do.
I apply for roles that I know I’m deserving of, and collaborate with people who value my ideas, skills and vision. I’m intentional about the stories I tell through my work and how they resonate with my community. I try to collaborate with and create opportunities for myself and other Black creatives where possible by working across and not just working up. I believe in myself and my work, so I work on passion projects to share my perspective and tell my own stories.
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
Lush Strawberry Feels Forever Body Spray. Don’t let the packaging fool you, it is safe to use on a human body. I love a light and sweet, yet long-lasting body spray, so it’s honestly my go-to for casual and everyday wear.
I love using Made By Mitchell Curve Case Cream Palette Deep to layer my blush (and feed my heavy-blush addiction, shout out to @paintedbyesther and @makeupbychelseax!) and the bronzer works wonders as well.
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
As a Type 4 coloured hair girl, one of my favourite beauty rituals is doing a repair treatment for my hair every five weeks. I use the K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which helps to restore my hair’s strength and keep my curls healthy.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Keep creating art that actually feels authentic to you and try not to become so absorbed with overanalysing it. Saturate your mind with inspiration. Bet on yourself and remember that there is more than enough space for you, so take up your space. Create opportunities for yourself by doing passion projects. Work across and build with the people around you. Find the balance between trusting that the right people will find you, whilst also boldly reaching out to those you want to work with. Assist often and remain a student. Whilst you strive for more, don’t lose sight of everything that you’ve accomplished so far. Take the time to pause, reflect and express gratitude.
Zainab Sanusi & Mamy Mbaye
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
Zainab: The beauty industry saw a huge boom during COVID, but growth has since slowed. Textured hair, in particular, has become more saturated – especially in the US, though Europe is still catching up. Competition for consumer attention is fierce, and for Black founders, the playing field remains uneven when it comes to funding and visibility. At Sliq, we’re navigating this by starting small, and staying focused on our community and on product efficacy – that’s how we stand out. We’re not chasing every category; we’re building around a ‘hero product’ philosophy and only launch when we believe we can meaningfully shift the landscape. We’re focused on long-term impact – running efficiently today so we can still be here, stronger, 10 to 15 years from now.
Mamy: This is a bit of a tough time to be in the beauty industry but in many ways, the people who have joined us along our journey today are so committed to see us win because they’re aware of how tough it is to remain in business nowadays. Ami Colé closing felt like a huge hit for a lot of us founders, but it’s also reinvigorated people to see the need there is for support for Black founders and creatives at large (especially when it comes to funding). We’re continuing to build slowly and sustainably with the understanding our goal is to future-proof Sliq as much as possible!
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What are your current beauty obsessions?
Zainab: Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 in Very Berry. You can never go wrong with a bold liner on dark skin – it just ties a look together. I pair it with Glossier High-Shine Lip Gloss in Clear which has a thick consistency so I get long wear.
Benefit The POREprofessional Foundation in shade 28N Superb – this was such a random find because Benefit is not known for their skin products. I went to do my eyebrows at Selfridges and was successfully upsold. It was a great shade match which I struggle with because of my yellow/olive undertones, and has really good coverage while still being light wear.
Mamy: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Glow Serum. This product layers so beautifully underneath makeup, I love it!
What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Zainab: Doing my hair. I'll be honest it is a love-hate relationship but I am consistent (PS: consistency is the secret to hair growth not an oil mix, sorry not sorry). I wash my hair weekly, and I take the time to listen to a podcast or watch a new show. Most importantly, the feeling of water on my scalp is unmatched.
Mamy: Unsurprisingly (as a hair care founder) I would have to say my wash day routine. It used to be such a source of negative emotion for me and now it really helps me carve out a moment for myself which isn’t easy to come by with a busy schedule. I love the process of being intentional and careful with my strands, pouring into them rather than trying to bend them to my will – it took me a long time to get to this point so it’s really become a special moment in my week.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Zainab: I would say do your research/homework and be clear on your value proposition/edge/the problem you’re trying to solve. To my earlier point on saturation and consumer attention, there are a lot more products available online and consumers are also getting smarter so the brands that serve them need to similarly evolve. I'd also say find people to do it with. Mamy is my co-founder but my really good childhood friends who have relevant expertise are a part of our small team – Didi on editorial/voice of the brand and Maia on social media. Our team is a huge part of Sliq’s super power!
Mamy: I would say not to be discouraged by the difficulty in the space and instead continue to anchor yourself in who you're trying to service (for founders) or the people you're hoping to reach and represent (for creatives and creators). Your voice matters and is bringing something to the beauty space that is needed.
Jamique Webb
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
I can’t speak for everyone but it does feel like there’s been a shift happening in the world of Black beauty. Something I’ve been noticing with my private braiding clients is that people are having more fun with braids! I’ve had more opportunity to do really fun freestyle braided looks.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
Bread Hair Oil Everyday Gloss, it smells so good – like strawberries!
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
Doing my braids! It takes ages to do it but I love when it’s done and I get to wake up and not think about my hair! Though something I love about the actual process is the way I experiment and have fun with the colours and the cut of my braids.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
Find your niche and build into it heavily. This is something I’m trying to work on myself. Become the best you can be at the art style you’re most passionate about and put it out into the world so people know what you can do and give you more opportunities to do that!
Sabrina Gayle
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
There are still ongoing challenges, however Black beauty creatives are gaining more and more influence and visibility. I’m definitely seeing a lot more Black beauty creatives at the forefront of makeup and body care and nails. A prime example is Ama Quashie who is absolutely dominating the nail game.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
I love my Revolution Relove Volume Blue Mascara, it’s such a fun throwback to my early 20’s and totally channels the early 2000s vibe but with a modern twist. An instant eye popper, adding a playful edge without needing any extra eyeshadow.
I love Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain. It gives a long-lasting colour without drying out my lips, I can eat, and drink, without worrying about smudges. It’s truly a game-changer for my makeup routine!
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual?
My favourite Black beauty ritual is using body oils – it’s a simple, timeless way to keep my skin soft and glowing while staying connected to heritage and that deep, confident radiance that defines Black beauty.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
First and foremost make sure you are looked after, self-care is a priority! Never be afraid to speak up, represent and celebrate your culture through your work where possible.
As a manicurist I would also suggest building a brand, not just a client list. Thinking beyond the chair will expand your nail artistry into products, education and digital experiences. Ownership matters, you’re not just an artist, you are a brand architect.
Giselle Ali
What is the landscape like for Black beauty creatives right now and how are you navigating it?
The beauty landscape is in a tricky place right now. For makeup artists especially, I feel like we’re tired of the algorithms. We are creating what we love and caring less about the engagement and that’s where the real magic begins. There’s a renaissance in Black beauty – we are paying homage to the past while etching out our own afrofuturistic aesthetic.
What are your current beauty obsessions?
I'm currently obsessed with sculpting with powder on Black skin. It’s a nod to the 1990s tonal skin work of legends like Sam Fine, but adding a futurism by playing with colour. I like using Danessa Myricks Colourfix Nude as a base, then layering on top with a colour of my choice.
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What is your favourite Black beauty ritual and why?
My favourite Black beauty ritual has to be moisturising! We take it to another level, layering butters and oils after washing. hanahana beauty Shea Body Butter Bamboo Coconut is my go-too at the moment and smells amazing.
What advice would you give to Black beauty creatives who want to make an impact in 2025 and beyond?
My best advice would be to keep creating and step away from the screens – visit libraries, search through vintage magazines, look at shapes and designs in nature and just let your imagination run wild. Just like in school, show your workings! Don’t copy whatever you think is trending. Authenticity will attract the audience that nourishes your creativity.
