It’s that time again–the 2017 edition of our annual Best in Black Beauty Awards has officially arrived! We’ve spent weeks swiping, swatching and smelling the newest products so you don’t have to. From the splurge-worthy to the drugstore faves and Black-owned must-haves, these are the picks that every Black woman must know. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil this year’s winners!
This feature originally appeared in the ESSENCE May 2017 issue.
If you’re a skincare junkie, we know you love this brand. Their newest launch is a retinol-free correcting serum, the Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum, that can fade even the most stubborn of dark spots. It’s a total winner for women of color.
This genius brand was created with people of color in mind and that’s why we can’t get enough of this unique cleansing bar. Filled with a blend of kojic and azelaic acids to diminish dark spots, it’s certainly award-worthy.
This lubricant is your key to increased skin hydration. It is packed with moisture, has huge plumping properties and is available at all price points. When you want a burst of hydration, Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum is the way to go. Don’t be mistaken by the small bottle, this serum is packed with 75% hyaluronic acid. Can you say mega moisture?
Another skincare favorite, Rodan + Fields never disappoints with its highly effective formulas. Not only is the Active Hydration Serum chock full of the award-worthy ingredient, but other moisture-rich ingredients like sea salt, glycerin and lactic acid as well.
We all know beauty sleep is a real thing. Our skin does most of its work overnight, including repairing itself from all the exposed elements throughout the day. Cetaphil’s Rich Hydrating Night Cream is an editor favorite. It’s great for sensitive skin, uber-moisturizing and extremely affordable.
From hair to skin to makeup, SheaMoisture is the ultimate multitasking brand, with plenty of staple products to choose from, including the Raw Shea Butter Body Lotion.
There’s no doubt that Dove is embraced by the entire family. And its new line for babies will keep your precious little one’s skin nourished. Get started with the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Top To Toe Wash.
Sunday Riley is the ultimate skin indulgence. Their products are unique, effective and just plain old beautiful to look at. The C.E.O. C+E antiOXIDANT Moisturizer keeps skin supple while fighting dullness, texture and aging.
It is unanimous amongst our beauty team that you have to have at least one Dermalogica product in your daily routine. This fan-favorite Daily Superfoliant not only gets rid of dry, dead skin, but fights signs of aging.
Olay is an oldie, but goodie, skincare brand that we will never stop using. Its formulas are top notch and you don’t have to pinch your pennies to experience them. The Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream lessens wrinkles and signs of aging while keeping skin smooth to the touch.
A combo of powerhouse ingredients–charcoal and salicylic acid–helps this scrub clear up acne while sloughing away dead skin. And the best part of all is the affordable price.
