National Hispanic Heritage Month is still going strong! Naturally, as a beauty publication, we're celebrating by highlighting a few of our favorite brands and products. If you're able, may I suggest also making a donation to a local mutual aid organization? I’ll be choosing Southern Vision Alliance’s Migrant Solidarity Fund for its work with undocumented folks who need access to social services and support programs. National Hispanic Heritage Month will be going on until October 15, so let me know which brands you’ll be supporting, the funds you’ll be donating to, and how else you’ll be honoring this time.
Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
Hyram and other skincare “specialists” can say whatever they want about “clean” skincare with essential oils, but you will never get me to turn away from this oil by Colombian founder Tata Harper. While the jury’s still out on how much retinol is actually included, I can’t help but notice a refined texture in my skin when I use this consistently. It’s also super gentle since the retinoic acid comes from the first ingredient: rosehip seed oil. On nights when I’m super lazy, this is the only thing I’ll use, and I still wake up glowing.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 68 Beija Flor Perfume Mist
Co-founded by Brazilian native Camila Pierotti, the original Bum Bum Cream and 62 Perfume Mist have quickly gained cult status on Tiktok and… my mom. She asked me in her thick Southern accent if I’d ever heard of their vanilla, salted caramel, and pistachio scent. I was shocked she knew about the brand since this is the same woman who has been using the same Estee Lauder lip liner and Boots No. 7 foundation for so long that they’re both discontinued; all of this to say, she doesn’t venture out with beauty too much. While my mom is into the OG scent, I’m more of a 68 Beija Flor fan. I spray the jasmine and pink dragonfruit mist before I go to bed and can still smell it in the morning.
Contemplation My Only Oil
When Arie Noji left her former Director of Product Development role at Ouai to start her own brand, Contemplation, I knew her Only Oil had to be incredible. I’ve been using this to remove makeup, lock in moisture all over after a shower, and give my hair a deep pre-shampoo treatment lately, and I love how nourishing but lightweight the oil is. The squalene also gives it a luxurious slip. Their site outlines countless other uses of the oil, making it the perfect infinity-in-one product for traveling or if you’re just trying to downsize your beauty stash.
Chillhouse Chill Tips
Growing up around her mom’s beauty business, founder Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton knew she wanted to create a space for fun and accessible nail art, which is why she opened Chillhouse. At their two locations (one in NYC and one in Paris), visitors can choose from a lookbook of designs the nail artists are pre-trained in doing. Because of their growing client list and international popularity, Cyndi pivoted to focusing on press-ons, which made nail art even more accessible to people around the globe. Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist, their design range aims to please and really do last. I had to pry one of my sets off after a week because I was ready to switch up to another design.
Rahua
For me, this whole brand is a win, but the Founder’s Blend Scalp and Hair Treatment, Hydration Conditioner, and Hydration Detangler are all tied for my favorites. Co-founded by Ecuador native Fabian Lliguin, this line’s secret sauce is their namesake ingredient: rahua oil. It’s a must for Amazonian women looking to grow and keep their hair long, strong, and shiny. The sustainability efforts the company outlines make me okay with spending $38 on a conditioner, and the fact that every collection has a distinctly intoxicating scent doesn’t hurt either.
Fresklo Vinifera Daily Facial Oil
In 2019, Jas Anahis began mixing her own oils to create a functional and results-driven serum under the brand name Fresklo. This is one of the only facial oils that doesn’t break me out and is incredible at applying before whipping out a gua sha and going to town on my lymphatic system. If Jas’s name looks familiar, it’s probably because you've seen her Sunday Self-Care series on TikTok. She’s gained hundreds of thousands of followers being a well-informed “skincare bestie” since starting her account in 2020.
