As an Afro-Latina (DOMINICANA!) , I am always looking to spotlight and highlight companies and brands from diverse communities. Times have changed and the times of unconsciously consuming are far gone. It’s time to think about the power of your dollar and how it can help or hurt the world around you.

One way to help support and bring a little color into the world of fashion and beauty is to support people of color in the fashion and beauty spaces.

Enter this gift guide: here are just some of my favorite small businesses and clean beauty brands owned and run by people of color—with 7 perfect gifts for this holiday season.

The Artistry Essential Oils - Rose and Neroli Hydrating Mist

Rose & Neroli Hydrosol Spritzing Toner ($30)

The Artistry Essenital Oils is a brand founded by Valerie McClure, a former businesswoman and breast cancer survivor, who found support in utilizing aromatherapy in her treatment back to health. All of their products are free from toxins and chemicals. Their Rose and Neroli hydrating mist($30) is infused with Frankincense essential oils, which keep skin hydrated and balanced.

Bossy cosmetics- Bossy Gloss in Scarlett

There’s nothing better than the perfect shade of red lipstick or gloss during the holidays. Bossy cosmetics’ line of lipstick and glosses are divine ]. Their scarlett shade is a fierce crimson that is universally flattering (on sale now for $8). Founded by Aishetu Fatima Dozie, a former global investment banker and self-proclaimed “lipstick junkie” who started the brand to “empower women to look, feel, and do good while using cruelty-free products” and “paying-it-forward” by donating to charities that support women and girls, like Girls Inc. of St. Louis.

Beauty Beet box Subscription Box

Beauty Beetbox Subscription starting at ($55)

Beauty Beet is a bi-monthly ingredient conscious beauty subscription box that is curated for Women of Color. They help connect Women of Color to beauty & skincare brands that are plant-based, toxic-free and cruelty free by delivering 4-5 ($60-$150 value) full-size products right to their door. Subscribers can choose from a bi monthly, 6 month, and 12 month options starting at $55. The perfect gift for anyone looking to try different brands this season- with products like Vitamin C Collagen Eye Masks and Haitian Moringa Oil .

Cheekbone Beauty Holiday Glam Palette

Cheekbone Beauty is an “Indigenous-owned and founded, digitally-native, Canadian cosmetics company established in 2016” by Jennifer Harper. Jennifer began the company as a “less waste” line of lipsticks and branched into a brand that now includes lipsticks, glosses, face palattes and eye brow gel. To date, Cheekbone has donated more than $56,000 to charities like the Navajo water project and numerous non profits that help close the funding gap in the education of indigenous children. Their Holiday Glam Palette ($49) adds a gorgeous pop of color and festivity to your holiday look.

Brown and Coconut Rejuvenating Gift Set

Brown and Coconut is a sister-owned skincare brand that focuses on using plant based ingredients. What started as a lifestyle blog in 2013 became a blossoming brand that allows people to treat their skin without breaking the bank. Their gift sets are great for the skin care lovers in your Christmas list. Their Rejuvenating Gift Set ($78) is perfect for those of us who could use more hydration during the winter months.

Briogeo’s Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask

Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask ($39)

THIS MASK IS THE BEST!!! I have been using this for the last 6 months and my hair has not only been stronger, longer, and healthier. I can attest to the magic of this stuff. Like a supergreen smoothie for your hair, Briogeo’s Superfood Mask ($39) uses ingredients like kiwi, avocado, and chia seeds to fortify and moisturize dry, dull hair. Founder Nancy Twine has made it a point to keep Briogeo it a hair care line that was not only “naturally based [but also] performance driven.”

Kobee’s Organic Coconut Vanilla Eco Balm

Kobee's Organic Lip Balm in Coconut Vanilla ($4)

This $4 organic eco lip balm is the perfect little stocking stuffer for any one who needs a little lippy love this season. Kobee uses ingredients like beeswax and mango butter to heal cracked lips. The best part? They’re packaged in cardboard/compostable chapstick tubes AND every lip balm purchased “funds the removal of ocean plastics, tree replanting, and cleaner air for our future.” Talk about a gift that keeps giving back!

BY MAIRYS JOAQUIN

Afro-Latina from Brooklyn, NY who uses her voice to connect

and amplify stories of badass women doing and being beautiful.