Before inclusivity was a marketing strategy, before beauty brands realized they needed to acknowledge Black women, and before billion-dollar beauty trends became mainstream, Black women were already setting the standard.
From pioneering skincare solutions to forcing brands to expand shade ranges, Black women have consistently been the innovators, the culture shifters, and the driving force behind the beauty industry’s biggest changes.
And yet, they are rarely given credit.
Here’s the proof that Black women have always been the blueprint.
Five Ways Black Women Built & Transformed the Beauty Industry
Black Women Created the First Major Shade-Inclusive Makeup Line
Before foundation shade ranges expanded, Black women had to mix and blend their own makeup just to match their skin tone.
That changed when Eunice Johnson founded Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 1973. As a media mogul and the powerhouse behind Ebony and Jet magazines, she saw firsthand how Black women were excluded from the beauty industry.
What She Did:
• Launched the first luxury global makeup brand for Black women
• Created foundation shades specifically for deeper skin tones when major brands wouldn’t
• Showed beauty companies that Black women were a market they could no longer ignore
How Her Legacy Lives On Today:
• The push for shade inclusivity in makeup started with pioneers like her
• Brands like Fenty Beauty, Juvia’s Place, and Mented Cosmetics followed the doors she opened
• If you can find your perfect shade off the shelf today, it’s because Black women demanded it
Glambition Tip: If you've ever had to mix two foundation shades just to get a match, you already know the struggle Black women fought to change. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to do. Next time you shop for makeup, check out Black-owned brands like Danessa Myricks, Juvia’s Place or Mented Cosmetics. And if you need help finding the right shade, I love helping women get perfectly matched!
Black Women Changed the Skincare Industry Forever
The beauty industry has spent decades ignoring the unique skincare needs of melanin-rich skin. Black women changed that.
Dr. Caroline Robinson, Dr. Michelle Henry, Eunice Neeki Cofie- Obeng and many Black dermatologists have been on the front lines, researching, innovating, and creating products that properly serve melanated skin.
What They Did:
• Brought attention to hyperpigmentation, sun protection, and aging in deeper skin tones
• Created skincare brands designed for Black and brown skin
• Educated the beauty industry on why one-size-fits-all skincare doesn’t work
How Their Legacy Lives On Today:
• Sunscreen in deeper skin tones that doesn’t leave a white cast became a reality because of Black women
• Skincare products specifically targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation are now widely available
• The rise of Black-owned skincare brands in major retailers is a result of dermatologists advocating for better solutions
Glambition Tip: For years, we were told melanin-rich skin doesn’t need sunscreen or special care—Black dermatologists proved that was a lie. And because I STILL get this question all the time—YES, you still need sunscreen! You should be using sunscreen everyday, no matter the weather with an spf of 30 or higher. If you’re unsure about your skincare routine, I’d love to help you find what works best for your skin type.
Black Women Revolutionized Beauty Trends on the Runway
High-fashion beauty trends have always been influenced by Black women.
Supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Iman didn’t just walk runways—they shattered barriers. They changed the way fashion and beauty industries viewed Black beauty, making space for models of color to be front and center in global campaigns.
What They Did:
• Showed that Black women belong in high fashion and beauty ads
• Forced major beauty brands to expand their representation
• Inspired a new generation of Black beauty influencers, creators, and models
How Their Legacy Lives On Today:
• Seeing Black women in luxury beauty campaigns is a direct result of their influence
• Black supermodels and influencers securing million-dollar beauty deals is part of their impact
• The shift toward celebrating darker skin tones in mainstream beauty was pioneered by them
Glambition Tip: Black women have always BEEN the beauty standard—runway trends just caught up. Whether it’s glowing skin, bold lips, or a signature brow, confidence is the best makeup you can wear. Level up and create your signature look! Play around with a classic red lip or if you’re into a soft glam moment, my go-to routine for an everyday flawless finish is a click away. Let me know if you need help pulling together a look that makes you feel unstoppable with a 1on1 makeup tutorial & concierge shopping for everything you need!
Black Women Built Multi-Million Dollar Beauty Empires
The biggest trend in beauty today is Black women owning their brands and taking up space in an industry that once excluded them.
From Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty to Pat McGrath Labs, The Lip Bar, and Juvia’s Place, Black women are not just creating beauty products—they are dominating the industry.
What They Did:
• Created Black-owned beauty brands that rival major corporations
• Made luxury beauty accessible to women of color
• Proved that Black consumers drive the beauty industry
How Their Legacy Lives On Today:
• The idea that luxury beauty can be Black-owned started with Pat McGrath
• The mainstream shift to bold, colorful makeup was driven by brands like Juvia’s Place
• The beauty industry finally recognizing Black spending power happened because Black women built their own
Glambition Tip: Luxury beauty isn’t just reserved for big-name brands—Black women are leading the space now. Pat McGrath, Danessa Myricks, and The Lip Bar are proving that WE belong in high-end beauty. Next time you’re shopping for makeup, give them a try. And because a great beauty routine starts with great skin, I always remind my clients that glowing, healthy skin is step one—let’s make sure your skincare game is on point first!
Black Women Created the Blueprint for Modern Beauty Marketing
Influencer culture is big, but Black women were doing it first.
In the 90s and early 2000s, hip-hop culture, R&B divas, and Black beauty icons set the tone for what was considered trendy, desirable, and beautiful.
What They Did:
• Made bamboo earrings, bold lip gloss, and dramatic lashes mainstream
• Influenced beauty advertising and aesthetics before influencers were a thing
• Showed that the trends always start with Black women
How Their Legacy Lives On Today:
• Beauty brands now pay influencers to promote products, but Black women were setting trends long before that
• The rise of viral beauty trends can be traced back to hip-hop and R&B icons
• The modern concept of beauty influencing follows the blueprint Black women created
Glambition Tip: From ‘90s R&B to TikTok trends today, Black women have always influenced beauty culture. The next time you see a viral beauty trend, take a second and ask: Who really started this? Give credit where it’s due, follow Black beauty creators, and most importantly—support them, whether that’s with a like, a share, or a purchase. And if you’re looking for beauty tips from a Black woman who lives and breathes this industry, you’re in the right place—let’s talk about your skincare and makeup routine!
Black Women Are Beauty Culture
Black women are not just beauty consumers—they are the industry. They have been:
• The innovators behind game-changing products
• The trendsetters defining what beauty looks like
• The disruptors forcing brands to be more inclusive
Did you learn something? Were you inspired to be more intentional about supporting Black beauty brands and businesses? Cooment below and let me know your thoughts! Share this blog with someone who needs to know the real history of Black beauty’s influence! And if you’re ready for more conversations like this, join the Get Your Glambition Up community on Facebook where we talk all things beauty, confidence, and power moves.
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