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For some, September marks the end of summer and the start of the fall fashion craze. For others, the month is a refreshing reminder to pour back into yourself. With National Self-Care Awareness Month underway, it’s time to make your well-being a priority with Black-owned beauty and wellness essentials.
Self-care is a tool and, in my opinion, a conscious choice to improve and maintain your emotional, mental, and physical health. That said, the practice can vary based on lifestyles. Some folks welcome the idea of squeezing in spa sessions or at-home massage services for some R&R. On the other hand, spending time in nature on a hike or cozying up with a good book can be more inviting.
No matter which self-care route you fancy, we believe that centering yourself should come courtesy of brands rooted in heritage. With products and offerings created with Black consumers in mind, these brands make it easier to find beauty and wellness essentials that feel personal, intentional, and rooted in community. Not to mention, even if you have to spend a little more than anticipated, knowing that your money supports Black-owned businesses and the community makes the purchase feel even more worthwhile.
Here at HelloBeautiful, we know a thing or two about romanticizing self-care. And in honor of National Self-Care Awareness Month, it’s only right that we put some Black-owned beauty and wellness brands on your radar. Whether you’re already in the know or learning about these brands for the first time, these picks will make a worthy addition to your routine.
From affirmation decks that provide everything from self-compassion to inspiration, to skincare picks that give your canvas the TLC that it needs, the 10 brands cover all of the bases for the ultimate spoiling session.
Happy Shopping, and of course, Happy National Self-Care Awareness Month!
1. Sweet July
Founded by Ayesha Curry, Sweet July is a skincare brand that uses Caribbean ingredients to craft simple, clean formulas designed to deliver visible results. With an extensive collection of cleansers, toners, serums, and more, each product gives consumers an opportunity to incorporate a nourishing self-care ritual into their routines while giving their skin the care it needs.
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2. Octavia Morgan Los Angeles
In the luxury fragrance and body care worlds, Octavia Morgan continues to make its mark. The Black, woman-owned brand offers a collection of clean fragrances designed to evoke emotion, invigorate the senses, and leave behind a desirable sillage. From florals to warm, woody scents, the variety allows fragrance lovers to find a balance that feels uniquely their own.
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3. Introvert N The City Affirmation Decks
The way we speak to ourselves plays a role in our self-care practice. Introvert N The City’s Affirmation Decks offer a tool for challenging negative self-talk and embracing a more positive perspective that can shape how we show up for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.
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4. Golde
Taking a moment to pause and collect yourself is sometimes all you need in a self-care ritual. For many, a cup of tea or coffee is the perfect way to slow down and reset. As matcha continues to grow in popularity, the vibrant green powder has also become a staple in wellness routines. Golde offers a variety of ceremonial matcha powders, lattes, and more, making it easy to enjoy a soothing sip while carving out a little quiet time for yourself.
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5. Buttah Skin
Making skincare part of your self-care practice is an easy way to give your canvas a little extra TLC. Buttah Skin meets the moment with a versatile lineup of products formulated for melanin-rich skin, offering simple, effective solutions for a variety of skincare needs.
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6. Oui The People
Cleansing your body from head to toe is a ritual that keeps your hygiene routine in check and your self-care intact. Oui the People puts this philosophy into practice, as shown through the brand’s bestselling Clean Slate body wash, formulated with lactic acid to give the body a gentle, exfoliating cleanse. The brand also goes beyond the shower with its collection of body oils and fragrances to elevate any routine.
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7. Adjourn TeaHouse
Guided by the brand ethos, “pause intentionally,” Adjourn TeaHouse offers a variety of tea blends made with natural spices and plants that encourage drinkers to relax, channel their inner zen, and take a moment to sip in comfort. It’s the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life or a little something for yourself when life calls for a pause.
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8. Black Girl Vitamins
As we age, it’s natural for our bodies to require extra attention so we can look and feel our best. Black Girl Vitamins has cracked the code in several ways, from the brand’s PCOS gummies to its Collagen Powder Box. The latter provides antioxidant and joint support while helping to support healthy bones and skin, making it an easy addition to your wellness routine.
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9. Deandra Craigman Studios
It’s not hard to find a Black-owned candle company that can help you set the vibe. However, finding a brand that not only offers distinctive scents but also adds a luxurious element to your home is rare. Deandra Craigman’s lineup features artisanal candles that pair perfectly with a playlist to create an unforgettable experience through scent and sound. We all know that fragrance and nostalgia go hand in hand, but adding music to the equation takes it to a new level. The brand also offers bath and body essentials and home fragrance essentials people love.
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10. Harlem Candle Company
Last but certainly not least, we have the Harlem Candle Company. Known for creating handcrafted candles inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, the brand has scents that tell a story about history, the arts, and how culture flourished during the historic era. And while people love the brand’s array of candles, many have also grown smitten with its diffusers. Nothing beats walking into a room filled with a delightful scent, especially when it helps bring a sense of peace to your space.
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