Black History Month is an opportunity to collectively recognize and honor the experiences and contributions of Black people in the US and around the world. Because Black history is often overshadowed and erased, it is essential to dedicate time to reading, listening to, and supporting Black people while cultivating Black historical awareness.
The beauty industry is especially important in Black history. Beauty salons and barbershops have served—and continue to serve—as sanctuaries for Black Americans since the early nineteenth century, providing patrons with community support, respite, and safety in addition to beauty services.
Early Black beauty influencers include Madame CJ Walker, who, in the early 20th century, became the first-ever female self-made millionaire with her line of hair care products. The Black Panther Party made waves with natural hairstyles like afros, braids and cornrows in the nineteen sixties. Celebs like Beyonce and Rihanna have shaped beauty standards in the 21st century. Fine artists like Kehinde Wiley influence beauty culture by demonstrating the prevailing richness of Black beauty via large-scale paintings hung in galleries worldwide.
Instagram has played an enormous role in making space for modern Black influencers on the rise. This important trend helps to decentralize White/cis/thin/able-bodied definitions of beauty.
We connected with and are celebrating the following Black beauty, health, and style influencers on Instagram. They’re on the rise and making glow history! Follow for tried-and-true advice and fresh content on the regular:
Krystie Ann
Planning a destination wedding, elopement, or vow-renewal? Put free-spirited, music-loving, plant lady Krystie Ann on your radar. She began her career as a bridal makeup and hair specialist over 16 years ago, and specializes in destination weddings throughout Europe and the Caribbean.
Krystie Anne’s Herbivore Tips:
I use [Herbivore] products on all of my clients during skin prep for makeup application, and recommend the minis to my travel followers and clients, as they are perfect for on-the-go!
Makeup and Hair:
Lifestyle and Travel:
Nia Price-Nascimento
Afro-Latina Nia is studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing in Seattle. Follow @LostWithNia on Instagram to relish in everyday looks that are sensual, easy, and classic, along with sustainable lifestyle tips.
Browse her feed to be inspired to spend more time outdoors, don your tomboy shorts on occasion, go naked often, and reduce your plastic waste.
Nia’s Herbivore Story:
[The Coconut Milk Bath Soak] was the first product I tried from Herbivore! Whenever I use this in my bath I immediately unwind and my skin is buttery-smooth after.
Terrell Britten
California-based Terrell Britten’s profile is the one to check each morning while completing your daily skincare routines. Prepare to be inspired with #SkincareAndAffirmations and plenty of glow-boosting humor to get you pumped to look and feel radiant.
Terrell’s Herbivore Story:
First off the Jade Facial Roller is amazing and well made. I love using it while I’m steaming and using a face oil and treatment serums keeping the mug looking good.
Secondly can we talk about the amethyst body scrub baaaaaaaby my body be feeling so silky smooth I even use it on my hands while I’m at work keeping them silky smooth!
IG: @terrellbritten
Kimberly Seidensticker
Seattle-based Kim Seidensticker is one half of the fashion and lifestyle blogging duo that is katandkim.com, in which she and her identical twin sister Kat Shearer pose in chic looks flush with sophisticated earth and pastel tones.
Kim’s Herbivore Story:
I have extremely dry skin, especially in the winter months and [Herbivore’s Phoenix Facial Oil] has been a skin saver.
Steloni Mason
DC-based actress and model Steloni Mason’s recent work includes a starring role in East of the River, a striking short film screened at the 2019 Slamdance Film Festival. She celebrates talent, dynamite taste in fashion and natural beauty on her Instagram page.
Steloni’s Herbivore Story:
Every morning I apply Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil with my hands and then with soft strokes using the Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool.
IG: @stelonii
Jacqueline Davis Moranti
Fashion and beauty illustrator Jacqueline Davis Moranti combines her love of self-care with her brilliant artistic skills in her airy and compelling work.
Being Dominican-American beauty, self care was an every Sunday thing with all of the women. I like to say skincare is my niche because it’s ingrained in me! – Jacqueline
Jacqueline’s Herbivore Story:
I love using the Prism Glow Serum at night with a drop of hyaluronic acid to wake up with great skin.
IG: @jdavismoranti
In case you missed them last year…
(this and feature photo by Kay Piazza @lensbhonest)
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