As the demand increases for more natural looking and feeling makeup, African beauty brands are gaining international recognition. The African continent is home to some of the most sought-after skin and hair ingredients, and these African beauty brands are making bank on that. Here are 12 African beauty brands sweeping the beauty industry.
Nene’s Secret: Liberia/Guinea
Nene’s Secret stands out because, rather than helping women suppress their curls or tame their hair, it celebrates curls and various textures. Owned by Brian Marks, who, according to Blackhair.about.com is a “Veteran in the ethnic beauty industry” the brand delivers highly moisturizing hair products like hair masks and conditioner.
BM Pro: Nigeria
Known for its hypoallergenic makeup and makeup tools, BM Pro is owned by Nigerian native Banke Meshida-Lawal. Seasoned makeup artist Meshida-Lawal is known for giving glamour makeup tips, according to BeautyinLagos.com. BM Pro’s most popular products include bold lipsticks and come in luxurious packaging.
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Suzie Beauty: Kenya
Suzie Beauty, owned by entrepreneur Suzie Wokabi, recently earned investments from Chase Bank according to Howwemadeitinafrica.com. Suzie Beauty products are already popping up in over a dozen locations throughout Kenya. Suzie Beauty is most loved for its loose powder and foundation, which Fashionguidekenya254.blogspot.com says, “Blends well” and leaves a “glow.”
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Kuddy Cosmetics: Nigeria
Kuddy is something of a household name in Nigeria, having started as a store and eventually launched a makeup line. According to BeautyinLagos.com, Kuddy has, “Exclusive distribution rights for a number of international makeup brands, including China Glaze nail polishes…” The expert beauty bloggers on BeautyinLagos love the blush palette, with six different shades.
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Malee- Natural Science: Nigeria
Malee opened its first shop in the posh Hyde Park in Johannesburg. The founder of the brand, Zeke Oriaikhi wasn’t even thirty when she launched this environmentally friendly brand. According to Venturesafrica.com, the brand, “Uses only local, naturally derived ingredients, such as avocado oil, shea butter and tea tree extract, taking advantage of the botanical opportunities available in South Africa.” the line is showing up on Elle.co and other top beauty outlets.
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Angel’s Lips Cosmetics: Liberia
Liberian brand Angel’s Lips Cosmetics recently expanded to the United States. TrendyAfrica.com notes that the brand’s non-traditional lipsticks—in hues like powder blue and lavender—made its American debut at the upscale James Oliver Art Gallery in downtown Philadelphia.
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Zaron: Ghana
The Zaron products are oil free with sun protection, and are built for tropical climates. Zaron, however, is both a makeup product and clinic based out of Accra, Ghana. The Zaron studio offers tutorials, makeup appointments and “Other makeup artistry services” according to Fashionghana.com. The company is known for creating natural-feeling products and recently signed on actress Yvonne Nelson as brand ambassador.
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Shea Moisture: Liberia
Shea Moisture was started by a Sierra Leone widow who sold her handmade products, using super-moisturizing shea butter, in the countryside. Since then, the recipe has passed through several generations, inspired popular products like Black Soap, and expanded to shelves all over the U.S. You can find the product in major U.S. pharmacies like CVS and Target. According to Heartandsoul.com, the brand aims to, “Meet the needs of the entire family—from babies to seniors.”
Bio Oil: Liberia
This skincare product has quickly gained a reputation among dermatologists for its healing properties. The Liberian product boasts some unique ingredients, including oil, “Secreted by ducks to help keep their feathers waterproof” says Realself.com. After barely a decade on the market, the product is available on almost any mass beauty retailer site you can name.
Catrice: South Africa
Catrice is a sister product of an older, large name beauty brand called Essence. Catrice is the younger, more budget-friendly line. Beauty bloggers and vloggers with large followings like LetzMakeup have started giving makeup tutorials with this department store quality makeup, sold at pharmacy prices.
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Africology Skincare & Spa: South Africa
Africology is the choice line of eco-friendly products for spas and hotels across the continent. According to Worldguide.eu, the line uses, “100 percent natural essential oils, natural plant extracts, holistic and eco-friendly” ingredients and is influenced by “African wisdom and Reiki techniques.”
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Bluffa Jo Cosmetics: Liberia
The creator of Bluffa Jo, Maisie Dunbar, has done makeup for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week and the NAACP Awards, according to Bluffajo.com. Dunbar decided to take her expertise and create her line of holistic beauty products. Dunbar has been appearing on lifestyle and beauty talk shows, and her ultra-natural looking products are sweeping runways.
