Exploring Indigenous Beauty Brands
What better day to explore Indigenous-owned beauty brands than Indigenous Peoples’ Day! I have some of these products in my pro and personal makeup kits and I want to introduce them to you. They celebrate and incorporate traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. These brands not only create high-quality products but also prioritize community empowerment and environmental conciousnous.
Supporting Indigenous beauty brands is a way to embrace authenticity, respect tradition, and contribute to economic growth in Indigenous communities. Here are my favorite brands in this space that blend ancient wisdom with modern beauty.
Honoring Tradition, Culture, and Sustainability
Founder: Jenn Harper (Anishinaabe)
About: Cheekbone Beauty is a socially conscious brand dedicated to creating high-quality, cruelty-free cosmetics. The brand draws inspiration from Indigenous teachings about caring for the environment.
Notable Products: The Sustain Lipstick Line is made with biodegradable packaging and clean, safe ingredients. I wear shade “Haki” a lot. It’s a gorgeous bright pink.
Why It’s Special: Cheekbone Beauty donates a portion of its profits to First Nations education and environmental initiatives. The brand also educates consumers about sustainability and the importance of using ethically sourced ingredients.
Founder: Cece Meadows (Xicana/Indigenous)
About: Prados Beauty is known for its bold and vibrant makeup products, designed to celebrate Indigenous culture and artistry. Founder Cece Meadows is committed to creating inclusive beauty that honors her Indigenous and Mexican heritage.
Notable Products: The Prados Beauty x Steven Paul Judd Eyeshadow Palette showcases a gorgeous array of colors inspired by Indigenous art. I also love their brushes.
Why It’s Special: Prados Beauty gives back to Indigenous communities by donating to organizations focused on Native health, education, and cultural preservation.
Founder: Leigh Joseph (Squamish Nation)
About: Sḵwálwen Botanicals offers high-quality skincare products rooted in the traditional plant knowledge of the Squamish people. Founder Leigh Joseph integrates her expertise as an ethnobotanist into the creation of her skincare products using sustainably harvested Indigenous plants. . An ethnobotanist studies the relationship between people and plants.
Notable Products: I love the KALKÁY Wild Rose Facial Oil, which blends wild rosehip and sea buckthorn to create a hydrating facial oil.
Why It’s Special: Sḵwálwen Botanicals prioritizes sustainability and traditional harvesting methods, ensuring the protection and regeneration of plant species used in their products.
Why Support Indigenous Beauty Brands?
By purchasing from Indigenous-owned beauty brands, you’re not only supporting ethical and sustainable practices but also contributing to the preservation of Indigenous culture and the empowerment of Indigenous communities. Many of these brands prioritize giving back, whether through donations to Indigenous causes or by directly employing people from their communities.
Indigenous beauty brands bring a rich tapestry of tradition, sustainability, and innovation to the beauty industry. They offer an alternative to mainstream brands by connecting us to ancient knowledge and fostering a greater sense of respect for the earth and its resources. By incorporating these brands into your routine, you’re not only enhancing your beauty regimen but also contributing to a more equitable and culturally rich world.