Latinx Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15, and here at VGL, we are ALL about celebrating Latinx beauty brands.
Members of the Hispanic, Latinx, and Spanish communities have been one of the most underrepresented groups in the beauty industry, despite the push in recent years to create a more inclusive space. As consumers, it is crucial to play our part in expanding the beauty industry with our dollars. Here are seven Latinx-owned brands that you can support during this month and all year long.
SEE ALSO: Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx? Here’s what they mean and how to use them
Bésame Cosmetics
Gabriela Hernandez started Bésame Cosmetics after being inspired by her Grandmother’s beauty routine. All of her products have a retro edge to them, while also being 100% cruelty-free and sensitive skin-friendly. Their cult-like following has grown immensely since the brand’s founding in 2004 and they even have a blog offering vintage inspiration to their customers. We recommend trying their Classic Color Lipstick ($28) or their Cream Rouge ($24). Plus, the packaging is so beautiful that once you finish a product, you won’t want to throw it away.
Luna Magic
Luna Magic was founded by two sisters, Mabel and Shaira Frías, who wanted to create a beauty brand inspired by the culture and vibrancy of the Caribbean and Latin America. The result is a cosmetics brand with lots of brightly colored eyeshadows, beautiful mink eyelashes, and bold lipsticks. Their brand began with lashes, so we recommend trying out the Xica Mink Lashes ($16) if you are looking for a dramatic, glam lash to amp up your look.
Vive Cosmetics
Vive Cosmetics was founded in 2016 in response to founders Joanna Rosario-Rocha and Leslie Valdivia’s desire to see more Latinx representation in the beauty industry. They have a strong commitment to working with mainly POC/Latina-owned companies in order to reinvest into their community. Their lipsticks are all vegan and cruelty-free and come in a wide variety of colors, suitable for many different skin tones. If you are looking for a flawless red lip, we recommend trying out their Luchadora II ($20) lipstick.
Necromancy Cosmetica
Necromancy Cosmetica is owned, operated, and distributed out of Puerto Rico where founders Desiree Rodríguez and Salvador Pérez run their business. Their products are 100% vegan, but perfectly wicked. They will fit any goth aesthetic, with a wide range of handcrafted shades. We recommend trying out the A Gothic Romance Palette ($42) for an eye shadow palette that has neutral colors alongside deep blues and reds. For lips, you can’t go wrong with any of their colors, but we love Lydia ($16) for a fun Halloween or everyday goth look.
Rizos Curls
Julissa Prado started Rizos Curls as the solution to her search for the perfect curl cream. Her products work for a variety of curl types and ensure soft and bouncy hair all day long. Their products feature ingredients like flaxseed, moringa oil, and shea butter and are all cruelty-free and sulfate-free. If you have curly hair, we recommend trying their classic Curl Defining Cream ($21.99).
Araceli Beauty
Araceli Beauty is another makeup brand created in direct response to the lack of Latina representation in the beauty industry. Araceli, born in Mexico and raised in California, founded her brand after working as a makeup artist in Los Angeles and realizing the need for change. Araceli Beauty is both affordable and cruelty-free, creating an inclusive beauty space that is accessible to everyone. They are well known for their lashes—we love the Cabo ($14)—and their eyeshadow palettes, like the Azteca Eyes ($30) palette.
Mia del Mar
Mia del Mar’s team is made up of women from the USA, Columbia, Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil who have a commitment to giving their customers a “confident playful attitude” with their products. Their products are formulated and inspired by Miami, its warm weather, and its unique beauty culture. If you are looking to try out a makeup product, we recommend their Chiseled Cheek-a Highlight and Contour Palette ($50) for a bronzed summer glow. If you are more interested in testing out their skincare, we recommend trying their Jellycioso Hyaluronic and Seaweed Eye Mask ($25).
Nopalera
Nopalera is an artisan bath and body company inspired by the “beauty and richness” of Mexico. They take their name from the nopal cactus plant, which is known for is strong and resilient qualities, and an important symbol in Mexican culture. All of their products are handmade in Brooklyn, are cruelty-free, and never contain palm oil. We love the Noche Clara Cactus Soap ($14) with charcoal for exfoliation and eucalyptus and sage oil for aromatherapy benefits.
