Ami Colé Deserved Forever — Giving Flowers and Keeping That Spirit Alive

The beauty world just lost a true gem. Ami Colé—the clean beauty brand designed “for melanin-rich skin”—has announced it’s closing this September, and the Black beauty community is reeling. Founded by Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye in 2021, the brand was a breath of fresh air in an industry that often overlooks deeper complexions and minimalist beauty lovers alike.

Since the news broke, the internet has been full of heartbreak, frustration, and reflection. People are reminiscing on how much Ami Colé meant to them, urging us to keep our dollars circulating within the Black beauty community. And they’re right—this isn’t just about a brand shutting down, it feels like a movement being paused.

Even though Ami Colé is saying goodbye (for now, we hope), there are still so many incredible Black-owned beauty brands out here doing the work and creating magic. Whether you’re restocking your faves or ready to try something new, we’ve gathered a few gems you should definitely keep on your radar.

1. Topicals

Founded by Olamide Olowe, Topicals is reimagining skincare for chronic skin conditions—focusing on hyperpigmentation, flare-ups, and more with clinical backing and real transparency. Chances are, their fire content has already made its way to your FYP. If you've been on the fence about trying them out, consider this your official sign to stop scrolling and start supporting.

Must-Try: Slick Salve Lip Balm, Faded Serum

2. Bread Beauty Supply

Bread Beauty Supply, founded by Maeva Heim, is a clean, minimalist haircare brand designed for curly, coily, and textured hair. Rooted in the philosophy of “lazy-girl hair,” The brand has built a loyal community, secured shelf space in stores like Sephora and Ulta, and was recently acquired by the parent company behind Topicals, signaling even bigger things ahead. This is haircare that feels effortless, luxurious, and made with you in mind. Trust us—your hair will thank you.

Must-Try: Intensive Moisture Mask, Multi-Use Styling Gloss

3. Pat McGrath Labs

The artistry. The pigment. The luxury. Pat McGrath Labs, created by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, continues to set the standard for editorial-quality makeup that truly works for deep skin tones. If you’re a makeup lover and don’t own any Pat McGrath products yet, consider this your sign to change that!

Must-Try: Mothership Eyeshadow Palettes, Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

4. Fenty Beauty

Rihanna revolutionized the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty’s inclusive approach. The formulas speak for themselves—and they still lead the pack when it comes to true shade range diversity.

Must-Try: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation, Gloss Bomb (any shade, any finish!)

5. Bobbie Miche

Bobbie Miche is a luxury brand rooted in beauty, self-love, diversity, and confidence. Founded by Brittani Miche Dixon, the line features fragrance oils, perfumes, body oils, cosmetics, and skincare. Bobbie Miche is for those who view beauty as a full-body experience.

Must-Try: Lip Gloss Trio Set, Love Me More Perfume

6. Uoma Beauty

Bold and unapologetic, Uoma Beauty celebrates African heritage and global glamour. The brand fulfills its mission of inclusivity with highly pigmented foundations crafted using skin-first technology—designed for everyone who’s been left out.

Must-Try: Say What?! Foundation, Badass Icon Lipstick Collection

7. Mented Cosmetics

Mented Cosmetics was founded on the belief that everyone should be able to find themselves in the world of beauty. Their line of complexion, eye, and lip products is thoughtfully crafted with melanin in mind—because when it comes to beauty, no one deserves to be an afterthought. Their lipsticks are not only smooth as butter but also some of the best “nudes” out there.

Must-Try: Semi-Matte Lipstick, Skin by Mented Foundation Stick

8. KNC Beauty

Kristen Noel Crawley’s KNC Beauty is all about bringing a playful vibe to skincare while delivering serious results. At the heart of the line is collagen care, and the real magic lies in formulas that nourish, hydrate, and boost your skin’s natural radiance. With its bright, Instagram-worthy packaging, KNC makes your skincare routine feel like a fun self-care moment you actually look forward to.

Must-Try: Collagen Lip Mask, Star Eye Mask

9. LYS Beauty

LYS (Love Your Self), founded by Tisha Thompson, made history as the first Black-owned clean beauty brand to land on Sephora shelves—and it’s easy to see why they’ve earned that spotlight. You know we’re no strangers to clean beauty here at LIVISH, so this brand definitely holds a special place in our hearts. Their products are thoughtfully formulated without harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, proving that clean beauty can be both effective and accessible. LYS is all about helping you love the skin you’re in while enjoying makeup.

Must-Try: Triple Fix Serum Foundation, Satin Matte Cream Blush

10. The Lip Bar

Founded by Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar started as a small startup with a bold vision to redefine beauty standards—and it has since blossomed into a nationwide success. What began as a simple idea to create fun, inclusive, and cruelty-free lipsticks that celebrate all skin tones quickly captured hearts across the country. Known for their vibrant colors and clean formulas, The Lip Bar is committed to empowering people to express themselves boldly and authentically.

Must-Try: Bawse Lady Matte Lipstick, Straight Line Creamy Lip Liner

10. Danessa Myricks

Created by self-taught makeup artist and photographer Danessa Myricks, this brand is a playground of color, texture, and innovation. Known for creating high-performance, multi-use products that work across all skin tones, Danessa Myricks Beauty is especially beloved for its editorial finishes and rich pigments that don’t compromise on wearability. From glowy complexion staples to bold eye and lip formulas, every product is crafted with artistry and inclusivity at its core.

Must-Try: Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, Vision Flush

In Honor of Ami Colé—and the Brands Still Here

Ami Colé wasn’t just a brand. It was a love letter to Black women who deserved to see themselves reflected the beauty industry. We have to give Diarrha her flowers. Thank you for everything you’ve done—for daring to take up space in an industry that hasn’t always made room for us, and for creating something that felt like home. While the closing of this amazing brand is a loss, it’s also a call to action. Let’s continue to support the brands that make us feel seen, cared for, and catered to. That support goes beyond purchases—it’s every review, tag, repost, and simply showing up when it counts.

Black beauty is not a trend. It’s a legacy.