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Cold weather ain't no joke.
A while ago, my husband looked at my feet and before he could try and judge, I told him, "It's been a long winter." He was like, "More like a hard life." I couldn't even get offended because I knew that I, like many other ladies, let their feet go on a downward decline during the cooler months with the excuse that very few people, if any, will see them. It's the same thing for unshaven legs (but that's another topic).
The bottom line is just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean our melanin has to suffer. In fact, taking care of our skin and keeping it moisturized will call for less makeup work when summer starts peeking its head around again. And who knows more about keeping melanin on point than our fellow African-Americans?
We've taken the beauty industry by storm and this time of year is perfect to support Black-owned beauty lines with amazing products that keep our bodies moisturized all year long.
BLK + GRN
Daily Greens Whipped Moisturizing Cream, $22
From multivitamins to feminine wash, BLK + GRN can get your body right from the inside out. So when you're on the search for a good moisturizer that will last, this is definitely one of the places you should look. Founded by Dr. Kristian H., a couple of BLK + GRN's best-sellers include a Pit Scrub Body Scrub that will exfoliate your body to the max to prep it for moisture that won't crack once you step outdoors. The body scrub's ingredient list features essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and fresh herbs like sweet basil. As for moisturizers, one of the most popular ones is the Daily Greens Whipped Moisturizing Cream, which specializes in protecting your skin in harsh weather and making sure it keeps its glow. The best part about their extensive line is that none of their products contain major toxins.
▲Jacq’s Organics
The High Priestess Beauty Booster, $25.
Let me just start by saying one of Jacq's Organics mottos is, "We're here to hydrate your skin when the thirst is real." What's even more appealing is the fact that all of her products are vegan and organic. So, if you're living a plant-based life, this is absolutely a brand you should consider supporting. The owner, Barbara Jacques, is pretty much superwoman because she actually launched the brand after her fight with a tumor; when she realized how much beauty products she was using impacted her health. How amazing is she? Now, let's talk about these products. For skin moisture, she has key oils like The High Priestess Beauty Booster that heals and restores the skin. The True Believer, which gives the skin much-needed nutrients and helps improve collagen. Lastly, The Protectors, a 'Biotin Beauty Booster' that feeds your skin with bio-active plant nutrients.
▲Nyakio
Nyakio Marula & Neroli Brightening Oil, $42.
Pronounced Neh-Kay-Oh, the moisturizing opportunities with this brand are almost endless, so let's get into it. Nyakio has the Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil Balm, Marula & Neroli Brightening Oil, Baobab Youth Infused Daily Defense Créme, and Kenyan Coffee Body Scrub. While the scrub works as an exfoliator, it's also provides great moisture for your skin. It's cruelty-free and full of great ingredients like grapefruit, cocoa, tamarind, seed soil, shea butter, and of course an essential oil blend. And the list seriously goes on. You might have already came across a few of these products before as they're all sold at Ulta. Yes, sis is getting her coins.
▲{blade + bloom}
rich salt soak / pretty, pretty please, $34.
Feel free to love everything about this brand. Created by Terri Foster, {blade + bloom} products are all handmade in Chicago and have several moisturizing options to choose from, including its rich body balm full of ingredients that we're all familiar with: coconut oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, and essential oils. You also need the rich body serum in your life that has sunflower, sweet almond, grape seed, apricot kernel, and jojoba oils in it. What I love about this one is that you can use it while your skin is still damp. A few other good finds on the site are the cleansing bar, salt soak, and lip balm.
▲Base Butter
body love cream, $26.
The owner of Base Butter, She'Neil Johnson, definitely kept women of color in mind when she created this brand; especially when it comes to moisturizers. For the cooler months, it's safe to say the Body Love Cream, a whipped body butter, is best for moisture. It protects the skin from any extra UV radiation and is full of vitamin C and E, as well as geranium. It goes beyond moisturizing your skin and makes it stronger and keeps it nourished and healthy. We could all use an extra dose of nourishment in the winter.
▲Anne’s Apothecary
Shop Here.
Lava Foot Scrub, $7.50.
You need these handcrafted essential oils and moisturizers. The founder, Anne, works as a nurse, so she knows all about the human body and its needs. Remember when I was talking about my husband's reaction to my feet earlier? Anne's Apothecary has a solution we can all use. It's the Lava Foot Scrub, which is less than $8 for a 6 oz. jar! It provides a deep cleanse, especially for skin that's extra dry. Your feet will feel like you just went to get a pedicure. Some of the ingredients include coconut oil, peppermint oil, water, and sea salt, so your feet will be feeling good, looking good, and smelling good. It's all good.
▲Related Stories:
8 Black-Owned Skincare Brands You Didn't Know You Needed – Read More
The Black Effect: 10 Black-Owned Brands You'll Love to Shop – Read More
10 Black-Owned Businesses Founded & Run By Women – Read More
Featured photos by Base Butter.
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