5 must-have beauty products for spring (and they're black-owned!)
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Midweek Midstings | What’s new, fun & worth your time

5 Black-owned beauty brands to add to your routine
Looking to upgrade your beauty routine while supporting Black-owned businesses? These brands deliver high-quality, innovative products that cater to all skin tones, hair types, and beauty needs.
From skincare to makeup, here are five must-try brands you can shop right now:
1. SheaMoisture — the OG of natural hair and skincare
A pioneer in natural beauty, SheaMoisture has been catering to textured hair and melanin-rich skin for decades. Their Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a cult favorite for defining curls while keeping them soft and hydrated.
2. The Lip Bar — bold color that won’t budge
Melissa Butler started The Lip Bar with a mission to create bold, inclusive beauty products. Match your bold voice with your lip this season in Nonstop Liquid Matte Lipstick. This vegan, cruelty-free formula delivers rich pigment in just one swipe and stays put for hours — no smudging, no drying, just flawless color.
3. Mielle Organics — stronger, healthier hair
Mielle Organics is a powerhouse brand known for its science-backed, natural formulas designed to nourish and strengthen textured hair. Their Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner with Biotin is packed with scalp-loving ingredients that promote growth, reduce breakage, and leave hair feeling soft and refreshed.
4. Beauty Bakerie — flawless makeup that stays put
Beauty Bakerie is known for its long-lasting, high-performance makeup with a sweet touch of creativity. Their Flour Setting Powder for Foundation locks in your look with a lightweight, matte finish that controls shine and keeps your makeup fresh all day — no cakiness, no flashback, just a smooth, airbrushed effect.
5. Unsun Cosmetics — effortless sun protection for every skin tone
Unsun Cosmetics is on a mission to make sun protection effortless and inclusive. Their Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 blends right in — no white cast, no greasy feel — for lightweight, water-resistant sun protection that evens out skin tone and keeps you glowing.
The ‘Stack stack
Your curated list of weekly Substack must-reads
1. How A Brain Tumor Taught Me to Advocate for Myself in Midlife
An incredibly powerful, personal story with excellent tips. By
2. What if the future is soft?
We all can use stories of hope, and this one is lovely. By
3. You Are Not Flucking Crazy
A good reminder of the power of language. By
Now head into your weekend with a KICK, STRETCH, and KICK!
What do you think are the best investments you can make in your 40s?
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Thanks so much for including my story in your must-reads. Here's to women getting the best medical care we can in midlife and beyond.
Thanks so much for the shout out! 💖 I love mineral based SPF! I’ll take a look at this one