How often do you head to Instagram for beauty inspiration? You probably have a whole saved folder full of makeup looks—though to be honest, lately, we’re pretty much putting on lip balm and calling it a day.
But there’s something else that following beauty IGs (at least, certain ones) does. It’s one of the ways that you might not realise can help tackle unconscious bias is opening up the types of content we get exposed to. Following black content creators is not only a super easy thing to do, but we all benefit from more diverse sources of inspiration.
Especially in the wake of injustices that black people in the U.S. are facing, now is a good time to listen, to share and to amplify the beauty, creative inspiration and perspectives of these amazing influencers. Whether you’re a BIPOC person who wants to see more people who look like you, or you’re an ally who wants to address the lack of diversity in your feed, these are some beauty influencers we think are doing incredible work right now.
This is in no way an exhaustive list of honeys who are killin’ the makeup game, but you can think of this list as a lil jumping-off point.
Black Beauty Instagrammers To Follow
Kiitan A. @kiitana
The Los Angeles based content creator Kiitan a social media triple threat. You’ll find fun Get Ready With Me videos on her YouTube channel, skits and short tutorials on her TikTok and a stream of beauty reviews and inspiration on her Instagram. The talent, the range, impeccable.
Tionge @iamtionge
Another beauty Instagrammer who also makes excellent YouTube videos is the Houston based gal Tionge. Follow her for fitness videos, natural hairstyles, skincare routines and some pretty impressive discourse on colourism and diversity in the beauty community.
Zoë Nahabwe @zoenahabwe
Okay, if you’ve ever thought about trying out a wig or experimenting with wild temporary hair, you need to check out Zoë Nahabwe. She posts amazing wig looks and classic glam makeup tutorials for days when you wanna go all out.
Ofunne Amaka @cocoaswatches
One of the best thing about the rise of beauty content online has been being able to see what a product looks like on someone with similar colouring or features to ourselves. It’s also drawn attention to lack of shades for darker skinned people of color and black people that’s, unfortunately it’s a shortcoming of many beauty brands still have. Ofunne Amaka is the gal behind Cocao Swatches, a resource that tests the darkest shades of base products and colour cosmetics of dark-skinned women. If you’ve ever wondered if a bronzer will even show up on you, this account will probably help you figure it out.
BexCxmpbell @bexcxmpbell
Product reviews, expert tutorials and incredible coloured eyeliner looks: BexCxmpbell is one to follow for beauty content that’ll make you want to dust off your makeup brushes and seriously up your game.
Beauty by Fey @beautybyfey
Don’t adjust your screen, those aren’t actual eye patches, it’s just an example of the stunning creativity that professional makeup artist Beauty By Fey is giving you on her Instagram feed. Follow her for makeup concepts that you’re not going to see anywhere else, like this thermal scan inspired eyeliner(!!!!)
Ohemaa Bonsu @_ohemaabonsu
We can only dream of one day achieving the blending skills of beauty Instagrammer and YouTuber Ohema Bonsuu. She uses her platform to try new launches, encourage experimentation and skewer limiting beauty ideas, e.g. that pastels won’t look good on dark skin. Get amongst it and get inspired.
Nkisu @nkisu_truffles
Skincare addicts, if you’re not following the Perth-based lifestyle and skincare ‘grammer Nkisu, you are missing out. Follow her for thoughtful, honest product reviews and excellent recommendations for your next at-home facial endeavour.
Joyce @_joyofmylife
Joyce is truly a gal doing both. As well as her fashion and beauty content, the NYC based software dev creates YouTube content that encourages women to not be intimidated by the tech industry and breaks down getting internships and her experience in computer science.
Jourdan Riane @jourdanriane
Jourdan Riane is a chic beauty and fashion content creator we love for her curly hairstyle videos, chatty vlogs and unapologetically glam Instagram. How she pulls look after look while in quarantine is truly a feat to behold.
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