Black History Month is still in full effect and while we celebrate our Black brothas and sistas year-round, there's nothing wrong with showing some extra love to the culture this month. From fashion to tech, we are the movers and shakers and the innovators, influencing many industries.
Although we don't always get the credit, we at xoNecole continue to use our platform to celebrate underrepresented individuals. For this month, xoNecole staff is highlighting our favorite Black-owned beauty & skincare products. See the list below.
Sheriden Garrett, Managing Editor
Courtesy
Skincare Favorite:
Hanahana Beauty's Amber Vanilla Shea Body Butter- I always think of "Shea Butter Baby" whenever I apply this to my skin. The formula is so luxurious, has the perfect amount of thickness, and the scent makes me feel like a snack in all the best ways.
London Alexaundria, Contributing Editor
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Beauty Favorite:
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Hot Chocolit- It's my go-to lip gloss. I especially like to pair it with a lip liner for a sultry, evening look.
Skincare Favorites:
Buttah Vitamin C Serum- I've used a lot of vitamin C serums, but I love how this one feels on my skin and it helps clear dark spots for a healthy glow.
Dreka Jardin Facial Mist- I'm obsessed with the rosewater scent and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed.
Urban Hydration Bright & Balanced Aloe Vera Face & Body Soap-I love the mild scent and the clean, tingling feeling it leaves my skin after using it.
Kayla Walker, Talent/ Influencer Consultant
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Beauty Favorites:
Fenty hella thick mascara
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
Cay Skin Lip Balm
Skincare Favorites:
Fenty Skin Body Cream
Topicals Slick Salve
Chantal Gainous, Client Services & Campaign Manager
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Beauty Favorites:
Danessa Myricks Beauty - Her shadows are so pigmented and colorful! An easy way to pump up a makeup look
Juvia's Place - Best affordable makeup in the game for darker skin tones. Her Culture palettes are unmatched.
Skincare Favorites:
Range Beauty - recently dropped in Sephora (Alicia, CEO was one of our 2024 ItGirls) and is approved by the National Eczema Association. Clean & gentle on skin!
Topicals - haven't used a Topicals product that hasn't significantly improved my skin! And it just feels like while it's calming your skin, its calming your spirit lol! Definitely want to try their new Clearly Clarifying products soon.
Rosen Skin Care - started me on the best skin care journey I could ask for. Simple routines and great for teenagers and girlies who want to stick to natural-based remedies
Bianca Garwood, Senior Social Media Manager
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Beauty Favorite: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Feature image by Delmaine Donson/ Getty Images
RELATED
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago-based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Caviar Dream spread
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images