As we grow into more conscious consumers, we are beginning to pay more attention to the environmental impact of our purchases, but also the faces behind the brands we choose.

As calls for greater diversity have transformed the retail landscape, Indigenous-owned brands have often fallen by the wayside. They are often left out of conversations and certainly left off the retail shelves.

We are finally seeing some glimmers of hope in the retail industry. Sephora Canada partnered with the Fifteen Percent Pledge and committed to dedicating one-quarter of their shelf space to BIPOC-owned brands by the year 2026. The number was specifically chosen at one quarter because roughly 25% of Canada’s population identifies as BIPOC.

We have rounded up some Indigenous-owned beauty brands that you need to add to your make-up and skincare routines!

Cheekbone Beauty

Established in 2016, Cheekbone Beauty is an indigenous-owned, Canadian cosmetics company. Cheekbone Beauty is known for creating high-quality, cruelty-free beauty products. Keeping in line with her Anishinaabe roots, Jenn launched a less-waste line of lipsticks called SUSTAIN Lipsticks. Cheekbone’s aim is to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth through donations addressing the educational funding gap and to create a space in the beauty industry where Indigenous youth feel represented and seen.

Wildcraft Skincare

Wildcraft is a Toronto-based company devoted to creating 100% natural skincare products at approachable price points. Owned by Laura Whitaker, a Haudenosaunee and member of the Mohawk Nation from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Laura created Wildcraft to provide people with luxury skincare to your everyday beauty routine at an accessible price point. Their products are thoughtfully minimalist, handmade in small batches and simply designed with fresh and organic ingredients. Wildcraft takes extra care to source ingredients that are organic, cruelty-free, never tested on animals, elemental or plant-based, sustainable, and socially conscious.

 BILLIEE BEAUTY

Vanessa Billie, founded Billiee Beauty in 2019. After being a makeup artist for 4 years and an esthetician for 3 years, Vanessa decided to create a vegan, cruelty-free, and mineral-infused cosmetic line. Billiee Beauty products are high quality, non-toxic, and perfect for all skin types. Vanessa Billiee creates a beautifully curated line of eye and lip colours keeping her Indigenous upbringing at the heart of her operations.

Satya Organic Skincare

Based in North Vancouver, Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation Patrice Mousseau is the woman behind Satya Organic Skincare. After her eight-month-old daughter developed eczema and was prescribed a steroid cream, Patrice set out to develop a natural and effective alternative to a steroid cream. Combining traditional medicine and scientific research, Patrice created an organic plant-based skin relief product that is not only super effective but affordable as well.

All of these are fantastic options to add to your beauty routine while supporting Indigenous beauty brands!

Published by HOLR Magazine.