Today’s makeup artists, models, hairstylists and brand founders open up about their biggest beauty inspirations of all time, from Cicely Tyson to Grace Jones.
Black Beauty Leaders on Their Biggest Inspirations in the Industry
Black History Month is here, offering a time to celebrate Black joy, creativity, and our gorgeous skin and texture—from sleek braids and locs to striking afros and fierce wigs. It’s also an opportunity to pay homage to our ancestors who fought for our freedom and voices to be heard across the board. Although the celebration of our beauty, strength, and resilience goes beyond just one month, February can be considered a time to further honor and deepen this appreciation for those who have inspired and paved the way for us.
In the beauty industry specifically, Black people have been trailblazing within the space for decades. Think: Annie Turnbo Malone and Madame CJ Walker, who were successful entrepreneurs within the haircare industry. Then there are the models who help us to feel seen in the pages of magazines, like Beverly Johnson, the first Black model to be on the cover of American Vogue. And of course we can’t forget our beloved artists, such as the late, great Cicely Tyson, who brought us wisdom and head-turning, unapologetic beauty, on screen and off.
Here, to further celebrate our inspirations, 38 beauty trailblazers in their own right—from supermodels to beauty business owners, makeup artists to hairstylists—share their biggest beauty heroes of all-time.
Ebonee Davis, model, poet, and activist
This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Akili King
