BLACK-OWNED GROOMING BRANDS TO KNOW + OWN THIS SUMMER
Photography: Nelson Castillo
As seasons change, many things along with that must also have to adapt. Such as wardrobe, physical activities, dietary intake as well as various part of ones lifestyle. Given the many adversities we’ve had to face this year so far (and continue to do so) we still need to take care of ourselves. Grooming tends to be one of the bigger challenges men encounter as the warmer weather progress. Here we outlined some of the best black-owned grooming brands to KNOW and OWN! A couple that’ve been around just as long as your favorite “go-to’s” and a couple that’ve just hit the market. Now more than ever, we owe it to support these brands…and continue to do so. But we got you covered from hair care to smoldering scents, check them out below.
“For us, the name Frederick Benjamin is a promise to deliver products and
practices that put your confidence into your own hands. Because when you
feel free to be yourself everywhere, you inspire the next man to do the same.
And that’s what we’re all about: carrying forward style that inspires”
-Michael James, CEO-
FREDERICK BENJAMIN
Tackling problematic situations for men of color such as razor bumps and scalp issues, Frederick Benjamin blend active natural oils and clinical ingredients to address these challenges. Cleanse, condition and style with the Dry Scalp Regimen I. The power-packed combo of the Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner washes away dirt and build up while infusing moisture to the hair and scalp. Then the Daily Hydrator provides additional moisture and lightweight styling. Say goodbye to dry itchy scalp and hello to hydrated hair
THE REGIMEN — $30.00
“Award-Winning skincare at it's finest. With over 200+, 5-Star User Ratings. Experience skincare products created from naturally derived skin healing oils & butters; dedicated to delivering superior moisture,, razor protection, real-time healing and a more balance skin-tone.”
- Craig The Barber, Founder/CEO -
BURKE AVENUE
Hollywood’s grooming aficionado and go-to expert Craig Whitley, aka Craig The Barber, has been the beacon for men’s grooming at the top A-List salons and has an extensive celebrity clientele to round out his experience. From shaving, to hair to skin…he’s got it covered. An extension to his own business, Burke Avenue focuses on a key formula which is how the importance of proper moisture plays an extremely important role in supporting the skin’s natural ability to strengthen, repair and heal itself. This oil enriched moisturizer delivers long lasting skin hydration & skin-health giving benefits in a lightweight quick-absorbing formula containing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Peppermint Oil, Vitamin E + Green Tea to name a few. See and feel the results of a more balanced skin tone and healthier-looking skin in less than a week of daily use.
3-in-1 FACE BALM — $32.00
“Velvet Noir Beard & Skin Care aims to help men become the best version of themselves.”
- Roderick Foster, Co-Founder -
VELVET NOIR
Beards have become one of the biggest trends within the past few years, and love it or hate it….the trend continues to get bigger! Attached to this comes an over saturated market of endless products, but Velvet Noir focuses on key things. Moisturizing, strengthen, soften, and promoting hair growth. If you’re just starting out on your journey or in the middle of it, definitely consider this set. Contains beard oils, beard balm, a follicle satisfying beard co-wash, as well as a Peachwood beard comb (not pictured). 100% All Natural – All of the products moisturize the skin underneath your beard, strengthens the hair follicle while it stimulates growth on thin and/or patchy beard areas. Stops hair shedding, and gives you stronger yet softer and manageable beard.
ESSENTIAL VELVET NOIR SET — $70.00
“I myself am not a perfumer, I am merely the author of stories, of life’s experiences. This trilogy of fragrances begins the narrative of my scent journey.”
- Chris Collins, Founder/CEO -
CHRIS COLLINS
Renowned male model and face of Ralph Lauren, Chris Collins has appeared in countless magazines, fashion shows and has spent a great portion of his life traveling and experiencing many cultures in addition to lifestyles around the world. Inspired by his earliest scent memory of his father wearing the iconic Grey Flannel cologne, led Collins to spending months in Mougins and Grasse, France and learning the process of transforming notes into memorable scent experiences. Chris was able to bring his love affair of Paris and true heart as a New Yorker in Harlem together to create something sensational. While fragrance for men can be personal, summer calls for Tokyo Blue, the romantic blue hue of the black sky by the illumination of the Shibuya Blue Caves in Tokyo warrants this masculine floral scent. The violet leaf gives a metallic, green, aqueous note, complimented by a beautiful bouquet of erotic yang-ylang, bitter orange blossom, powdery orris and intense rose. Mimosa abs gives a child-like sweetness which makes it feel very familiar. Cedarwood and Musk provide an animalic warmth and woodiness to the fragrance.
TOKYO BLUE — $225.00/ 50mL (Eau de Parfum)
“AT CEYLON, OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE ACCESSIBLE, EASY-TO- USE PRODUCTS SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED TO HELP MEN OF COLOR ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE SKIN.”
- Patrick Boateng II, Co-Founder -
CEYLON
Your skin is the most reactive outer part of the body that quickly adapts to various changes both externally and internally (sometimes mentally). Patrick Boateng II of Ceylon experienced that first hand living abroad for some time and with the combination of heavy air pollution and stress, his skin suffered immensely. Where pharma meets hardware, these products are scientifically-formulated products for everyday use. With an advising and top certified dermatologist part of the team, Dr. Lynn McKinley-Grant, you’re skin will shape up in no time. The Ceylon Skincare Set features 3 essential products to help build a simple and incredibly effective skincare routine; Ceylon Detoxifying Facial Wash, Ceylon Hydrating Toner, Ceylon Clarifying Moisturizer. Each product is developed to improve overall skin quality with continued use and is perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
The Ceylon skincare set — $34.95
"Nature Boy supplies unique natural grooming essentials for the health & maintenance of men's FACIAL hair. Our products are crafted by hand and made in small batches to ensure freshness and quality grade."
- Jacob Q, Found/Chief Artisan -
NATURE BOY
As the market continues to rapidly grow with beard care products, there are very few the draw inspiration literally from the earth. Natureboy products’ focus on facial hair and skin where ingredients consist of plant-based oils that contain great benefits and nourishing elements that are less dense for easy absorption. You won’t find any fragrance here if that’s your jam, as they’re synthetic and unnatural. Oil No. 1 is their signature non-greasy tonic for men’s facial hair. Created with a mix of natural plant-based oils such as grapeseed, macadamia, coconut, argan, and jojoba. Specifically to restore strength, shine and softness to the beard with a scent carefully crafted to give a refreshing smell to a man’s face, without it being overbearing.