
Best In Beauty Awards 2025: Deeper Skin Tones
The content creator who exposed the beauty industry’s inclusivity problem opens up about systemic colorism, blunt makeup reviews and the value of the Black dollar.

The content creator who exposed the beauty industry’s inclusivity problem opens up about systemic colorism, blunt makeup reviews and the value of the Black dollar.

Fresh, luminous skin will never go out of style. With these products—everything from a glow-inducing serum to an olive oil–infused, hydrating moisturizer—you’re sure to shine.

Go classic with nude pinks and sheers, and discover the latest in at-home nail technology. Of course, don’t forget to finish with a hydrating, botanical butter–infused hand balm.

We know you’re busy, so we found you products that can do it all in less time. Brighten your skin and firm your body with a retinol-infused serum, or protect yourself from the sun with an SPF-infused body oil.

When we think of timeless makeup, we envision staples like sultry lip liners, a great pop of blush and the perfect red lipstick. Below, be prepared to find new classics that will help to enhance your natural beauty.

Feeling flirty and want to accentuate your curls? Craving a blowout to spice things up? Or is hair health your top priority? Our list will meet your needs.

Spring is all about fresh, glowing skin and pops of color on the cheeks, eyes and lips. Embrace the beauty of the season with these canvas-enhancing and joy-inducing makeup gems.

Embrace bold colors or a little sparkle this season. And don’t forget to take good care of what’s underneath the polish with a nail strengthener as well.

It seems like every day there is a new celebrity-owned beauty brand. Though it can be difficult to cut through the noise, the products here are VIP-approved and deliver incredible results.

Between the more than 1,000 ESSENCE BeautyBox subscribers and ESSENCE editors, we’ve hand-picked the glamorous game-changing gadgets every Black woman must know!

Between the more than 1,000 ESSENCE BeautyBox subscribers and ESSENCE editors, we’ve hand-picked the skin care products to best help every Black woman serve and slay!

These all-time favorite makeup products keep our faces beat and ready for the camera.

Between the more than 1,000 ESSENCE BeautyBox subscribers and ESSENCE editors, we’ve hand-picked the glamorous game-changing gadgets every Black woman must know!

Between the more than 1,000 ESSENCE BeautyBox subscribers and ESSENCE editors, we’ve hand-picked the skin care products to best help every Black woman serve and slay!

These all-time favorite makeup products keep our faces beat and ready for the camera.

Whether your hair is curly, straight or enhanced—these products pack a punch.

Soft, supple skin can be at your fingertips with these reader-approved products.

We took your word for it! These skincare solutions will help you correct, protect and prevent.

Whether your hair is curly, straight or enhanced—these products pack a punch.

Soft, supple skin can be at your fingertips with these reader-approved products.

We took your word for it! These skincare solutions will help you correct, protect and prevent.

These potions put soft, supple skin at your fingertips.

Curly, straight or faux—these products pack a punch no matter how you wear your hair.

These intense colors and complexion perfecting base shades give us just the right look.


We celebrate our favorite brands, products and VIPs from our beauty community.

And they're so good.

These stars are definitely beauty goals!

You want only the best when you're beating your face!

The best of the rest!

This year's winners will not only help you fight blemishes but also keep your skin glowy and bright.

Whether you're a naturalista or prefer to rock your tresses bone straight, these winners have got you covered.

These winners will get you squeaky clean from the inside out.