With December knocking on our doors, it’s safe to say the Christmas rush has begun. As you start on your gift lists, from family and friends to co-workers and neighbors, there’s bound to be a particular person obsessed with skincare. Whether they’re sending you the latest drops at Sephora or stocked with high-end products for you to test drive, shopping for the beauty connoisseur can be quite the challenge, and you’ll probably end up snagging a few pieces for yourself along the way.
This holiday, give the gift of the hottest Black-owned beauty with brands like Topicals, KNC Beauty, Fenty, and Oui The People. We’ve included all things skincare, from cleansers and lip scrubs to lotions and serums, to ensure your beauty lover has fresh skin all year round because, let’s face it, friends who glow together stay together.
Scroll ahead and shop our favorite in skincare that’s worth gifting or splurging on self-care. Don’t worry; we won’t judge.
Exfoliating before your cleanser permits a brighter glow, and Hanahana Beauty has one of the best on the market. The Black + Brown Exfoliating Cleanser, made with brown sugar, rose water, and black soap, gently rejuvenates to reveal hydrated and gleaming skin.
Available at Hanahana BeautyYou know you’ve hit the jackpot when you’ve found a beauty product that’s vegan and cruelty-free, and this magical skincare brand is a must in your cabinet. Nolaskinsentials Papaya Burst Cleanser dissolves impurities and dead skin to give you a juicy summer fresh face year-round. With ingredients like papaya juice and aloe juice, this soothing wash brightens skin from dark spots, plus it has an orange potion look that adds a cute aesthetic to your bathroom.
Available at NolaskinsentialsOne thing Rihanna’s going to do is make sure our skincare game is on lock. The Cookies n Clean mask is one of the top face masks to own, from its lightweight whipped clay texture to charcoal burst beads. It also features salicylic acid to help minimize pores and instantly reduces excess oil during its use and throughout the day.
Available at Fenty SkinThe Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator by Fresh was made for self-care Sundays. Get a spa-like treatment in your shower as the brown sugar crystals gently buff dry and dead skin to give you ultra-silky soft skin. The scrub also includes oils like citrus and ginseng root extract to deliver 24-hour moisture, which is a must for winter’s harsh temps.
Available at FreshWhile they’re not new, single-blade razors are becoming trendy. The Single from Oui The People offers a super close, wax-like shave safe for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s weighted for an effortless glide around your body and will slow down the return rate of stubble.
Available at Oui The PeopleIf you’ve ever been hunting for a body wash that doesn’t strip your dry, look no further than Naturium. The oil-to-foam Glow Getter soap features 50% glycerin, rich oils, and plant-derived squalane to deliver the most nourishing cleanse that feels like you showered in your favorite lotion. It serves as the perfect base to layer your body butter and oils.
Available at NaturiumThis Tik Tok favorite product is sweeping through beauty influencers and shelves alike. The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice performs miracles on all skin types. Its unique lightweight formula reduces pores’ size while fighting against future acne and blemishes to help achieve the trending glass skin look.
Available at Paula's ChoiceSometimes discoloration can be an annoying b-word, but one skincare line is helping against the fight. Topicals, the brand you’ve probably seen from Instagram to Sephora, has created the “it girl” of skincare with its Faded Serum. Made for those with hyperpigmentation, this daily serum visibly reduces scars and spots for a brighter and even skin tone.
Available at TopicalsWith long work nights or drunk Saturday nights, morning puffy eyes are bound to happen. With Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, the cool soothing texture will give your under eyes the wake-up call it needs with antioxidants to lighten and depuff tired eyes to look refreshed during the day.
Available at Good MoleculesOne of the best ways to prevent dry lips is a lip scrub. Shed away dead skin with KNC Beauty’s Supa Scrub Set and exfoliate with sunflower oil, shea butter, and moringa oil that nourish and protect from damage to reveal juicy lips.
Available at KNC BeautyIf your skincare requires a few serums that contain heavy acids, it’s best to use a plain yet hydrating moisturizer like Cerave. Known for its gentle ingredients, the PM Facial Moisturizer gives your skin a tall glass of water after those acids dry it out and won’t conflict with your regimen.
Available at TargetSunscreen is essential all year-round. Keep your skin protected this winter season with Black Girl Sunscreen. Available in SPFs 30, 45, and 50, its avocado, jojoba, and carrot juice formula helps hydrate and boost the skin to protect against those harsh sun rays.
Available at Black Girl SunscreenIconic tennis star Venus Williams knows skincare, and her latest Eleven by Venus Williams product is proof. Not only does the Game Set Match Lotion provide daily hydrating use of SPF 50, but it’s also water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes. This lotion is ideal for those constantly outdoors and requiring major protection.
Available at Eleven By Venus WilliamsStay fresh on the go with the Cucumber Calming Wipes by Yes To. With its hypoallergenic formula, your skin will continuously refresh after a workout or a night out. With ingredients like cooling cumber and green tea, these wipes will reduce redness while giving your skin the hydration it desperately needs.
Available at AmazonIn collaboration with Bethenny Frankel, Bliss has created a lotion that’ll be a great addition to any routine. The Cloud 9 Body Lotion has a weightless texture and an enriched antioxidant blend of vitamin c e and shea butter for hours of smooth skin. Plus there’s a fragrance free option for the sensitive skins.
Available at WalmartAfter a long day, melt away with Skin Proud’s Face Melt Cleansing Balm. The oil-based cleanser removes dirt impurities instantly with its infusion of hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. If you’re unsure where to add it to your regimen, use it as a pre-wash to remove makeup or your cleanser for a deep clean.
Available at WalmartFor the ultimate gleam all year round, you’ll need the Radiance Beauty Face Oil by Thena Natural Wellness. The anti-aging face serum works to hydrate dull and uneven skin to reveal a natural glow.
Available at Thena Natural Wellness