When was the last time you purchased something that sparked a little bit of joy? While your grocery bill or monthly rent might not make you smile, there are plenty of things you can treat yourself to if you're looking to boost your mood — and plenty of businesses you can support while doing it, too.
In fact, Feb. 1 marked the first day of Black History Month: An annual observance that honors and recognizes African American history. Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan, stopped by Jenna and Friends to share must-have beauty finds to shop in celebration of Black History Month.
See below for expert-approved makeup, skincare, beauty finds and more.
Black History Month beauty products seen on Jenna and Friends
Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Multistick
You’ll want to create an entire makeup look with this multi-stick — after all, that’s what it was designed for. Add a wash of color to the apples of your cheeks, your pout and lids that promises to last all day and nourish the skin.
Maed Beauty Reset Lip Serum
This lip serums' ingredient list is chock-full of beneficial adds, including cherry coffee seed oil that works to improve skin elasticity, and squalane that packs a powerful moisturizing punch, among others.
It goes on thin, careful not to leave excess product behind, while still providing a full coverage reprieve to dry lips.
Maed Beauty Signature Lip Pigment
Rock a bold red lip during date night or your next GNO with this beauty product that works as an anti-aging, moisturizing liquid lipstick.
Reviewers love this daring tint because their lips feel "pampered with moisture."
Undefined Co. R&R Sun Elixir
Looking to brighten your skin while restoring the texture and overall appearance of it at the same time? This serum has a surprising hidden ingredient that does both: tomato seeds.
Working in tandem with vitamin C, squalane and other hydrating ingredients, reviewers love that this doubles as an SPF as well.
Oui The People Clean Slate Lactic Acid Body Wash
Using a little bit of lactic acid goes a long way, especially when using it for the first time, according to experts. Lactic acid acts as a humectant, meaning it "helps draw moisture in, hydrating as it exfoliates."
Make dull-skin days a thing of the past with this body wash, that has a slight orange blossom scent to it.
TGIN Miracle Styling 3-N-1 Heat Protectant Spray
Protect your hair while achieving salon-quality looks with this 3-in-1 spray that adds shine, strengthens and smooths strands.
Reviewers love this product because of its lightweight texture, considering it a "must-have" when using hot tools on a regular basis.
Bestow Zodiac Necklace
If they're such a Scorpio, or act like any typical Virgo would, gift them with a necklace that allows them to show their sign status loud and proud.
These astrology accessories are crafted out of 18k gold and stainless steel, promising a durable, hypoallergenic jewelry piece.
Black-founded businesses to shop, previously seen on TODAY
In honor of Black History Month, Nandi Howard, the vice president of content at Essence Magazine, previously stopped by TODAY to highlight some Black-owned businesses that should be on your radar. You’ll find everything from the best of beauty picks to gourmet tea that you can shop this month and support year-round.
Some of Howard’s finds are viral brands you might’ve heard of, and some that could be your new favorite. Nonetheless, whether you want to treat yourself to a new silk hair product or gift someone else a bottle of rosé, keep reading to discover some of the businesses that will be (and have been) making headlines.
In addition, TODAY contributor Makho Ndlovu previously stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share some Black-founded businesses that you can shop for everything from delicious treats to lush fragrances.
“The Juneteenth Story,” by Alliah L. Agostini
This colorful children’s book is one way to introduce little ones to the history of Juneteenth. It details the evolution of the holiday, from its stat as “Jubilee Day” to the ways in which it is celebrated now.
McBride Sisters Wine Company
In 2005, sisters Robin and Andréa discovered their shared passion for all things wine. Now, they’re transforming the industry as they say they are the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. They make everything from canned wines to bottled wines that are perfect for gifting — Ndlovu says she loves the wines in their Black Girl Magic collection.
Bread Baby Soft Hair Conditioner
In need of a conditioner upgrade? The name of the product, according to reviews, are true to its claims: It is undoubtedly soft, offering a primer-like finish to the strands for tons of hydration and seamless detangling, especially for dry, coily and curly hair types.
Topicals Slather Body Serum
You might've heard of Topicals across social media, and the hype is well deserved. One of their best-selling products is their Slather Body Serum, which promises to improve texture, bumps and clogged pores. And because of its blend of squalane, retinol and AHAs, Howard says "it's perfect for keratosis pilaris-prone skin."
Sweet Crowns Co.
Infants are also prone to hair loss, which is why designer and founder Dana Reed decided to start a business where she could help protect their hair — including that of her own daughter, Bellamy. Dana drew inspiration from satin bonnets to create a mattress slip that has just as many benefits, according to the brand.
Brown Girl Jane
Brown Girl Jane makes fragrances that smell good and do good, too. The brand donates a portion of its sales to a non-profit that aligns with their mission of bettering the lives of women of color. Right now, the brand is donating a portion of its sales to Black Women’s Health Imperative.
Elisa Johnson Jane Frame
Now that the sun is beginning to shine a bit brighter again, it's time to bring out your best pair of shades. Howard's favorite pair is this one from Elisa Johnson, which is a slightly oversized aviator style that comes in eight lens and frame shades. In fact, she says it's "a perfect fusion of luxury and edginess with its playful silhouette and yellow-tinted frames."
Meet the experts
- Julee Wilson is the beauty editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan.
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
- Nandi Howard is the vice president of content at Essence Magazine.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
