All products in this article are independently selected by AMAKA or by the interviewee for AMAKA. However, when you purchase a product through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
Nevertheless, the items selected from each brand have a unique offering which is essential for your makeup bag!
1. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Rihanna was first introduced to the world of cosmetics as a child after she became transfixed by her mother’s lipstick. Since then, makeup has become her weapon of choice for self-expression because it has empowered her to radiate her ever-changing mood.
Rihanna was inspired to create Fenty Beauty after she experimented with the best-of-the-best in the beauty industry and still saw a void for products that performed across all skin types and tones.
Launched in September 2017, Fenty Beauty focuses on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones, creating formulas that work for all skin types and pinpointing universal shades, so that everyone, everywhere, can feel included.
Try Fenty Beauty’s Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil
Rihanna ensured that we can all shine bright like a diamond with this one-of-a-kind diamond-dusted highlighter. Made from a unique jelly-like powder, this product will sparkle incredibly on all skin tones with an all-glitz-no-grit finish.
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2. Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath made her breakthrough into the beauty industry in the early 1990s when she did the makeup on shoots with then fashion director of i-D magazine, Edward Enninful. Innovative and experimental, McGrath worked fluidly with her hands (as opposed to using brushes), used bold hues, and played around with innovative accessories such as feathers and ornaments.
She elevated the art of makeup and went on to create fashion’s iconic runway looks and set global beauty trends by working with international brands. It was only fitting then that McGrath launched her must-have collection of high-performance cosmetics in 2015. Now you can make your own beauty statement with her iconic line which includes Mothership eye palettes, Skin Fetish highlighter kits and LuxeTrance lipsticks.
During her 25 years+ in the industry, she has received a flurry of prestigious honours and accolades. In 2017, she was the first makeup artist in history to accept the highest honour: the Founder’s Award from the CFDA. In January 2021, she was recognised for services to the fashion and beauty industry and diversity by Queen Elizabeth II, making her a Dame of the British Empire.
Try Pat McGrath Labs’ Skin Fetish Divine Blush
As McGrath’s most requested product, it is not hard to see why. With ultra-fine powder pigments, this featherlight blush creates a long-wearing rush of couture colour with either a demi-matte or satin finish available. Sensuously soft and brilliantly blendable, all nine shades, from bare to bold, are tailored to every skin tone and type.
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3. BLK/OPL
For 26 years, BLK/OPL has been bringing affordable, high-quality makeup and skincare that focuses on deeper skin tones.
In 2020, BLK/OPL was purchased by two African American women, Cheryl Mayberry McKissack and Desirée Rogers.
With its history that caters to a range of skin tones, BLK/OPL has gone on to maximise their products by ensuring a combination of clean, dermatologist-approved skincare innovation and highly pigmented cosmetics.
Try BLK/OPL’s Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder
For an on-the-go makeup refresh or a natural looking beat, this BLK/OPL’s Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder will softly smooth out your pores, blemishes, or uneven skin tone, while brightening and protecting your skin with Vitamin C. It is breathable, blendable, and buildable, leaving your skin shine-free, soft-focused, and snatched.
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4. Unhidden Beauty
Former medical doctor-turned-CEO and co-founder of Unhidden Beauty, Kiemu wants to build a world where everyone has equal access to factual knowledge about what products are right for them regardless of their complexion, skin type, age, gender, style, budget, or skill level.
Through Unhidden Beauty, Kiemu, who is a mum of two, is aiming to give truly personalised beauty experiences. The brand's custom eyeshadow products are their first step towards this vision: all you need to do is upload a photo or design that will decorate your eyeshadow palette.
You then pick and name the shades for your personalised eyeshadow palette. How cool is that?
Customise your own Unhidden Beauty 8 Shade Palette here. (Please note: 12 and 20 Shade Palettes are also available).
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5. Bossy Cosmetics
Aishetu Fatima Dozie, commonly known as Aisha, always felt wearing lipstick helped boost her confidence, particularly battling imposter syndrome in her career in finance. After achieving a considerable amount of success and working her way up the ladder, Aisha was diagnosed with severe hypertension and felt completely burned out.
It was during her much needed sabbatical that she discovered that legacy beauty companies were product-driven and solely focused on the outward appearance of women. From that moment, Aisha dreamed of creating a beloved beauty brand that started with how women felt internally first, then focused on the outward.
In 2019, Aisha founded Bossy Cosmetics — a beauty brand that offers gorgeous and ethically-made products for all people. Furthermore, the brand partners with non-profit organisations that actively promote social change that advance the human rights of women and girls around the world.
Try Bossy Cosmetics’ Bullet Lipsticks
Each ultra-matte Bullet Lipstick glides on easily and displays each vibrant colour with a velvety finish. Infused with watermelon seed oil, your lips will also stay super hydrated.
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