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10 Black beauty pros to follow and support right now

Beauty isn’t just about makeup—it’s about culture, history, representation, identity, artistry, and self-expression. And while beauty may seem frivolous right now as we’re taking to the streets and demanding justice for George Floyd, supporting Black beauty creators and their businesses is one of the many ways to show up for the Black community. Purchase a product, give a follow or like on social media, or spread a word-of-mouth recommendation; they’re all important and easy methods of boosting up Black-owned companies. With this in mind, we’re highlighting some of our favorite Black beauty pros to showcase their talent and celebrate their artistry.

Black makeup artists to follow and support:

Keita Moore

Keita Moore is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with A-listers like Tiffany Haddish, Mariah Carey, Issa Rae, and Halima. He’s also worked with big-name brands like COVERGIRL, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Maybelline New York, and Becca. Moore’s artistry has earned him worldwide recognition, and his joyful personality makes him truly unforgettable.

Pat McGrath

Pat McGrath is a beauty mogul and celebrity makeup artist who has taken the game to a whole new level. Season after season, you can find her backstage during Fashion Week creating stunning and boundary-pushing makeup looks for the runway shows of Christian Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. In 2015, she launched her eponymous makeup brand, Pat McGrath Labs, which is now one of the most celebrated beauty brands in the industry. Recently, she signed supermodel Naomi Campbell as the brand’s first-ever Global Face.

Sir John

Sir John’s artistry skills have gained him worldwide renown. He is the Global Makeup Artist for L’Oréal Paris, and he regularly works with superstars like Beyoncé, Ashley Graham, Ashley Benson, and Joan Smalls.

Tyron Machhausen

Tyron Machhausen’s artistry has landed him campaigns with major brands like Sephora, editorial features in magazines like Vogue, A-list clientele like Zazie Beets and Shailene Woodley, and a contract with Chanel Beauty. NBD.

Black hairstylists to follow and support:

Nikki Nelms

Hairstylist Nikki Nelms works with Zoë Kravitz, Janelle Monáe, and Yara Shahidi. Even cooler? She was the genius behind Solange’s hair looks in the singer’s widely popular music video for “Don’t Touch My Hair.

Nai’vasha

The self-proclaimed Curls Queen specializes in styling natural hair for stars like Alicia Keys, Traces Ellis Ross, Storm Reid, and Serena Williams. Her work has appeared in outlets like Marie Claire, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar.

Ursula Stephen

Ursula Stephen is the expert behind some of Rihanna’s most celebrated hairstyles, and many other celebs (like Zendaya) have taken note. Apart from the red carpet, Stephen’s work has also appeared in magazines such as InStyle, ELLE, and W. She owns her eponymous salon in New York City.

Black beauty influencers to follow and support:

Whitney White

Whitney White started her YouTube vlog, Naptural85, in 2009 to share her natural hair journey. Since then, White’s channel has gained more than 1.16 million subscribers who tune in regularly to see her DIY hair treatments and how-to styles. Her growing platform has also led to collaborations with brands like Carol’s Daughter to help more women learn how to embrace their natural hair.

Kiitan Akinniranye

Kiitan Akinniranye’s fashion/beauty/lifestyle/travel blog was started as a way to empower young women, and her reach has expanded to over 762k Instagram followers. Now, she also owns a hair accessory brand, Atarah Avenue, and you can find DIY hairstyle tutorials on her YouTube channel.

Tavaris Jefferson

Tavaris Jefferson is a popular beauty influencer whose creative ideas and simple how-to videos have his followers obsessed. From glammed up looks to natural and toned down styles, Jefferson does it all. He’s even been featured on Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Instagram page for a look he created with the brand’s foundation.