Upper Canada Mall

This Black History Month, we celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and resilience of Black-owned brands across beauty and beyond. From makeup lines that prioritize inclusivity to skincare brands that prioritize natural beauty, these businesses are shaping industries and empowering communities.

Discover the Black-owned brands at Upper Canada that are making an impact in their respective fields, listed below.

Briogeo, the Black-owned hair-care brand that made its debut on Sephora shelves in 2014, quickly became a standout in the beauty industry with its clean, effective products like the Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner and Deep Conditioning Mask, earning Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards. Its rapid growth caught the attention of Wella Company, leading to a strategic partnership in 2022. Although acquired, Briogeo founder Nancy Twine remains as CEO while also joining Wella’s executive leadership team, helping drive future growth and innovation. The partnership promises to elevate Briogeo’s global expansion and success, aligning with both companies’ shared values and vision.

Available at Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is a brand that revolutionized the beauty industry with its commitment to inclusivity. Launching in 2017, Fenty Beauty made waves by offering 40 (now 50) shades of foundation, ensuring that women of all skin tones could find their perfect match. Rihanna’s vision wasn’t just about creating a makeup line; it was about empowering people of colour and challenging the beauty standards that often sidelined them. Fenty Beauty stands as a testament to the power of diversity and the importance of representation, making beauty more accessible and true to life for everyone.

Available at Sephora

FORVR Mood is a luxury fragrance brand founded by the talented YouTuber and beauty mogul, Jackie Aina. Known for her unapologetic advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Jackie’s vision with FORVR Mood is to create a brand that celebrates self-care, relaxation, and representation. With a wide array of scents inspired by culture and femininity, FORVR Mood offers much more than just candles and fragrances—it’s a celebration of Black excellence and a commitment to amplifying voices often overlooked in the beauty and lifestyle industry.

Available at Sephora

Pat McGrath Labs is a brand founded by the legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, whose influence has reshaped the beauty industry. Often referred to as the “mother of makeup,” McGrath’s trailblazing work has made her a global icon, known for her bold, creative vision and commitment to inclusivity. Pat McGrath Labs has pushed boundaries with innovative products that cater to every skin tone, proving that beauty is for everyone. With her passion for diversity and artistry, McGrath has paved the way for future generations of Black creators, and her brand continues to stand as a beacon of empowerment, creativity, and representation.

Available at Sephora

Founded by the actress and activist, Pattern was created to address the unique needs of curly, coily, and wavy hair types, offering high-quality products designed to nourish, define, and enhance natural curls. Tracee Ellis Ross has long been an advocate for self-love and embracing one’s natural beauty, and Pattern is a reflection of that mission.

Available at Sephora

Founded by Julian Addo, Adwoa Beauty creates products designed to nourish and elevate textured hair while celebrating the richness of Black culture. With a focus on clean ingredients and eco-conscious packaging, the brand emphasizes self-care, self-love, and embracing natural hair textures. Through Adwoa Beauty, Julian has built a space where Black and curly hair is not only celebrated but cared for with products that truly understand its needs.

Available at Sephora

This month, and every month, it’s important to recognize the incredible impact Black founders and creators have had on the beauty industry. From Fenty Beauty’s revolutionary inclusivity to Pat McGrath’s artistry and innovation, these brands are not just reshaping beauty standards—they’re empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their heritage. Supporting these brands is a reminder that beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and worth celebrating every day. Let’s continue to uplift and honour the voices that have made beauty more inclusive, authentic, and true to life.