Over the course of decades, Black iconic figures have impacted and influenced the course of the beauty industry. From breaking barriers in the arts and entertainment world to blazing paths in business and politics - Mented Cosmetics would like to celebrate those, past and present, for their esteemed contributions within the beauty space. We can thank the courage and innovation of these selected honorees for their valued representation of black beauty and persistence, making space for brands like Mented to exist. 

Fashion & Beauty

Grace Jones

This multihyphenate fashion and entertainment powerhouse is known for her over-the-top, androgynous style and bold makeup looks. Entering the modeling scene in the 1970s, Jones was a notable figure on the runways of YSL and Kenzo and frequently showcased her signature looks throughout the discos of NYC and Paris. 

Iman

Iman is one of the world's most recognizable supermodels. Her big curly hair and sharp makeup looks made her stand out on the runways of Versace, Donna Karan, and Mugler. She created Iman Cosmetics in 1994 to provide cosmetics for women of color after repeated noticing the lack of product options as a black model. 

Sir John

With over 20 years of experience in beauty, Sir John is one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the world. Winning InStyle Magazine's Makeup Artist of the Year award in 2016 put him at the four-front, but Sir John's impressive resume includes Naomi Campbell, Serena WIlliams, and Beyonce! 

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson became the first Black woman to land a US Vogue cover in 1974 and a French Elle cover in 1975. In addition to modeling, Johnson has also written the books Beverly Johnson's Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty and True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color. 

Entertainment

Sade

This smooth soul singer is highly-esteemed for her signature red lip and rope braid combination. She is undoubtably one of the poster-women for 90s iconic beauty and style, mixed with understated glamour.

Diana Ross

This singer is known for her diva glamour with the Supremes as well as a solo artist. Larger than life lashes and hair of oversized volume and curl, are her key ingredients to a stellar performance look. Ross also passed her love of beauty down to her actress and entrepreneur daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross. 

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was the first Black woman to grace the big screen for a major film in 1927. Baker is also a celebrated singer/dancer that headlined several famous French revues. Her beauty staples include a slick and curled short pixie cut and exaggerated brows with glossy dark lips. 

Whitney Houston

Before becoming one of the most historical and impactful musical figures, Whitney Houston started her career as a model. She was the first African-American woman on the cover of Seventeen Magazine in the early 1980s. Her big curls, full bangs, and colorful eyeshadow looks eventually transformed into classic glamour and sleek styles as her career sky-rocketed! 

Politics and Activism

Angela Davis

Political activist Angela Davis' iconic Afro was not only an aesthetic self-expression, but also a statement rejecting Eurocentric beauty standards. Davis' love of black people reflected in her powerful speeches but also the message of self-love, championing black hair as beautiful in its natural state.

Michelle Obama 

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was previously recognized for signature bob and monochromatic makeup looks, is now venturing into more trendy beauty styles post White House. Obama is also quoted for loving affordable beauty and skincare products as well as always looking for new brands to share with her daughters. 

Coretta Scott King

Her activist efforts echo the same sentiments of her historical icon husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a special focus on equally in arts and education, King can often be spotted in her signature red lip and sophisticated coiffed wave hairstyles. 

Condoleezza Rice 

Rice is an American diplomat, political Scientist, and the first female African-American secretary of state and the first woman to serve as national security advisor. Her signature red lip and complimenting blush duo partnered with a power suit, is her preferred political presentation.  

Business & Entrepreneurship

Annie Malone

Malone is a businesswoman and one of the earliest pioneers of self-care and hair health. Her first business venture was creating a hair product line to assist in the scalp health and hair growth of Black women. She later when on to open Poro College, a beauty and cosmetics school helping other black women build wealth and major black organizations such as the National Negro Business League to meet since they were denied access to most public spaces.

Madam CJ Walker

She is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America in the Guinness Book of World Records for her haircare and beauty products for women of color. Walker later founded her own manufacturing company and hair school, Lelia College. 

Eunice Johnson

Along with her husband, Johnson created a publishing empire that included the highly successful Ebony and Jet magazines. The positive response from the public, mixed with the lack of representation in the fashion and beauty spaces for women of color - Eunice later started the Ebony Fashion Fair Showcase. This was the catalyst to her beloved cosmetics line, Fashion Fair. 

Oprah

We're all familiar with "The Oprah Effect"... For the last few decades, Oprah is consistently ranked as one of the most influential and wealthiest women in entertainment. The multimedia mogul and women's lifestyle icon known for her perfectly coined curls and natural but enhancing lip combos - Mented Gloss for Grownups and Color Intense Eyeshadow Sticks happen to be her favorites. Shop these and other items during our Buy One, Get One 50% Off Sale!